Guy Ipoua made a short appearance for Hereford United in their 1-0 win at Altrincham.
A happy Guy Ipoua talking to Adam Stansfield and Ryan Green at half-time.
Ipoua came on for Andy Williams but didn't really have long enough to get into the game. In fact his first three involvments in the game resulted in two fouls and an offside against him!
However just after his good lay off gave Stuart Fleetwood a chance on goal but the young striker thought he was offside although the flag wasn't raised.
Ryan Green travelled with the squad today but wasn't on the bench. During the game he was sitting with, and talking to, several of the Hereford United directors.
Top of the Conference:
1 Accrington Stanley 39 31 85
2 Hereford 39 23 73
3 Halifax 38 13 68
4 Grays Athletic 37 30 66
5 Morecambe 39 21 65
6 Stevenage 39 16 65
7 York 39 19 62
8 Exeter 38 13 57
Potential Points Table:
Accrington Stanley 94
Hereford 82
Grays Athletic 81
Halifax 80
Morecambe 74
Stevenage 74
York 71
Exeter 69
At the most Hereford United now need just two points to be sure of a play-off position.
Around 275 Hereford supporters watched the game.
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Saturday, April 15, 2006
Ipoua gets a few minutes
One Foot in the Play Offs
Hereford United all but secured their place in the play offs for a third successive season following their 1-0 victory at Moss Lane this afternoon, against Altrincham. Morecambe were 3-0 victors at Tamworth, meaning, at the worst, Hereford can only finish 6th on goal difference. A victory on Monday, against Tamworth, for the Bulls would finalise their position in the top five.
United made a few changes from the draw with Dagenham last weekend - the only forced one was the replacement of Daryl Taylor on the right by Andy Williams, as the former's loan spell has ended. Andy Ferrell was back in the middle in place of Jamie Pitman and Stuart Fleetwood was back in the starting line up in place of Adam Stansfield, who was benched. There were returns from injury, but only to the subs bench, for Guy Ipoua and Nicky Nicolau.
Hereford started brightly with Rob Purdie causing plenty of problems on the left, and it was his dangerous early cross that was clawed away by 'keeper Stuart Coburn. Ferrell had fired off target in the sixth minute before Fleetwood should have broken the deadlock. United had broke well down the right, where they were to enjoy much success in the first half, and Simon Travis delivered a cross for Fleetwood, but his first time effort was somehow tipped onto the cross bar by Coburn.
Stanley had an even better chance to open the scoring just before the half hour mark, after another fast attack down the right caused problems for the Alty defence. This time it was Williams who was the creator, but Stanley volleyed just wide from a central position, from around twelve yards out.
United continued to dominate after the break, but still struggled to make Coburn work that hard in the Alty goal. The Bulls enjoyed much possession around the box and were very rarely threatened at the back for the opening stages of the second half, but the nearest to a shot on goal came through Stanley, whose effort from outside of the box was deflected to safety.
Colin Little had Alty's first real effort at goal when he headed over before Fleetwood finally made a break through in the sixty fourth minute. The Robins had squandered possession in the middle and Ferrell managed to thread an inch-perfect pass, just beyond the toes of the impressive Gary Talbot, and into the path of Fleetwood's run. He made no mistake when faced by the on rushing Coburn, as he fired powerfully into the back of the net.
United took their foot off the gas once they'd got the goal, and Altrincham did come into the game a bit. However, the Bulls almost doubled the lead when an Alex Jeannin corner found Danny Carey-Bertram at the far post, but his first time shot was blocked on the line. Tamika Mkandawire was first to the rebound, but his shot was deflected behind for a corner. Williams also had a good chance, but he was just beaten to a cross from man of the match Purdie, by the flying Coburn.
Substitute Kieran Lugsden shot narrowly wide as the hosts tried to salvage a point before Guy Ipoua replaced Williams in the eighty fourth minute. Hereford had one final chance before Ipoua's introduction, and it was Ferrell, who'd created the first goal, who went close. Williams received the ball into his feet, fifthteen yards out with his back to goal, and touched the ball onto Ferrell who met it first time with a thunderous effort, that whistled just wide of the top corner.
It was, again, not the best performance from United but it is definatly points that matter at this stage of the season. However, Hereford did look solid at the back and a little more fluency and pace to their game would most probably do them a world of good. Another positive for the Hereford following in the crowd of 1,251 was the return of Ipoua. The Bulls will want to have everyone fit and avaliable for their inevitable play off campaign.
HUFC: Brown, Travis, Beckwith, Mkandawire, Jeannin, Purdie, Ferrell, Stanley, Williams, Carey-Bertram, Fleetwood. Subs: Mawson, Pitman, Nicolau, Stansfield, Ipoua.
AFC: Coburn, Aspinall, Talbot, Band, Scott, Potts, Murphy, Peyton, Chalmers, Little, Thornley. Subs: McFadden, Adams, Lugsden, Munroe, Norton
Torquay Edge Towards The Drop
Torquay surrendered a half time lead to lose today and edge closer to the Conference.
Losing 2-1 at home to Cheltenham means Torquay are six points adrift at the bottom of League Two. Two former Conference winners, Barnet and Rushden, are level on 45 points fighting it out for safety. Barnet lost at fellow strugglers Oxford, while Rushden conceded a last minute equaliser to Rochdale - another side in trouble. Eight teams are still in trouble for the second relegation spot.
Chester appear to have got themselves out of trouble. Five straight wins have launched Chester to 15th place and they are now as close to the play-offs as the relegation zone.
Play-Off Spot Almost Confirmed
With results today, the Bulls are now on the verge of a guaranteed play-off spot.
Grays and Halifax can overhaul the Bulls, but York can no longer make the current points tally and both Stevenage and Morecambe can only make 74 points.
Should either Stevenage or Morecambe drop points on Monday, the Bulls will be confirmed in the play-off spots regardless of their own result.
Conference Results Round-Up
Accrington finally secured promotion after a jittery few weeks with a 1-0 win over Woking. Grays missed out on third place as Forest Green gained a valuable late point in a 2-2 draw. Morecambe also helped their play-off cause, winning 3-0 at Tamworth.
Down the bottom, Forest Green's point was not enough to see them end the day bottom after Scarboro beat 10 man Burton 3-0 to move within a point of safety. Southport beat Gravesend 1-0, and Crawley secured their Conference future with a 2-0 win over Aldershot. Crawley have now taken 19 points from the last 21 to lead the form table.
Dagenham appear to have given up on this season, getting their second mauling of the week in a 3-1 defeat at Exeter.
Bulls Win As Accy Finally Secure Title
The Bulls beat Altrincham today thanks to a solitary Stuart Fleetwood goal, as Accrington finally confirmed their entry to the Football League.
The Bulls recalled Andy Ferrell, and Guy Ipoua made a late cameo appearance for his first game since January. There was, however, no place for Ryan Green who was expected to recover from injury.
Full report later.
Evans On Sidelines As TNS Win Title
TNS lifted their second successive Welsh Premier title yesterday, but ex-Bull Graham Evans had to watch from the sidelines.
Evans, who left Edgar Street in January, managed just five starts and one goal before a series of injuries ended his involvement. TNS move to Oswestry next season but will remain in the Welsh leagues.
Canvey "Poised To Quit Conference"
BBC Radio Essex are reporting that Canvey Island will quit the Conference at the end of the season.
Just 621 people watched their Good Friday win over Kidderminster. It was their fourth worst gate of the season, but an improvement on recent figures which dipped to under 400.
With Jeff King likely to leave in the summer, with Chelmsford City admitting they have spoken to him, Canvey will be unable to survive a Conference season based on their meagre gates. King has pumped in up to a staggering £9,000 a week to help the side compete in the Conference.
King has indicated that he will not walk away entirely, offering to match any other investment pound-for-pound, but a move to Chelmsford would force King to cut all ties with Canvey unless they dropped down the divisions.
Canvey would have to submit their resignation by May 13th if they were to resign.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Step nearer Play-offs if Bulls win today
With last night's results going in favour of the Bulls, a win at Altrincham this afternoon will put the Herefordshire side, at the most, just two points away from a play-off place.
And unless Morecambe and Stevenage score enough goals in their last four matches to overtake Hereford United's goal difference, the Bulls may only need one more point assuming they win today. Currently Morecambe's goal difference is four lower and Stevenage's six lower than the Bulls.
Morecambe play at Tamworth this afternoon and will need to defeat the Lambs to keep up their hopes.
The only other likely play-off candidates playing today are Grays Athletic who entertain Forest Green Rovers and would be expected to take all three points.
Finally if Accrington Stanley can take a point at Woking they will be crowned Conference champions.
This afternoon's fixtures:
Altrincham v Hereford United
Crawley Town v Aldershot Town
Exeter City v Dagenham and Redbridge
Grays Athletic v Forest Green Rovers
Scarborough v Burton Albion
Southport v Gravesend and Northfleet
Tamworth v Morecambe
Woking v Accrington Stanley
BBC Hereford and Worcester are covering the game at Altrincham this afternoon but it is unlikely to feature on the Internet as the station is expected to broadcast the Worcester Warriors rubgy game from Gloucester which also starts at 3pm.
Bulls need five more points for play-off place
Halifax Town have closed the gap slightly on the Bulls this evening with their 1-1 draw against fellow play-off hopefuls Stevenage Borough.
The other contenders playing this evening, York City, lost 2-0 at Cambridge United.
As none of the hopefuls took three points, Hereford United now only need five more points to be certain of reaching the play-offs.
Top of the Conference:
1 Accrington Stanley 38 30 82
2 Hereford 38 22 70
3 Halifax 38 13 68
4 Grays Athletic 36 30 65
5 Stevenage 39 16 65
6 York 39 19 62
7 Morecambe 38 18 62
8 Exeter 37 11 54
Potential Points Table:
Accrington Stanley 94
Grays Athletic 83
Hereford 82
Halifax 80
Stevenage 74
Morecambe 74
York 71
Exeter 69
Taylor hopes for Saddlers start
Daryl Taylor has returned to Walsall from Hereford United after playing his last game of his loan spell for the Bulls against Dagenham last Saturday. He is hoping that the new manager at the Bescot Stadium will consider him for selection tomorrow.
The 21 year-old, who made ten appearances for The Bulls during his loan spell at Edgar Street, could well be involved in The Saddlers' run-in for the final five games of the season. And if he does force his way into Kevan Broadhurst's plans, he is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
"I feel fitter and sharper now than I have ever done," said Birmingham-born Taylor as reported on the official Walsall website.
"Playing in the Conference as a winger, you know you're going to get kicked all over the place, so you have to always be one step ahead.
"It may not seem as quick as League football when you're watching it, but for me it is. I feel really sharp and I'd like to think that if I get the chance to impress, I'll take it."
Canvey forming Supporters Trust
Canvey Island fans met last night to form a supporters trust.
Manager Jeff King recently told the club that he was unable to continue to support them financially.
150 supporters attended last night's meeting. It was voted to form a Supporters' Trust and there will be discussions with the club.
Today supporters are marching through Canvey town centre to their ground where Kidderminster are the visitors. The kick-off is at 2pm.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Three Conference Games Today
There are three Conference games today, two of which involve teams hoping to be in the play-offs.
Cambridge United v York City
Canvey Island v Kidderminster Harriers
Halifax Town v Stevenage Borough
Depending on how these games end, Hereford United are likely to be that little bit closer to a play-off place.
Cambridge have a good home record and could hold York to a draw. However Halifax should defeat Stevenage as the Shaymen are unbeaten at home this season in the Conference, although Hereford United did win a Trophy game at the Shay.
Two tough tests says Turner
Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that the Bulls face two tough tests in three days with the game at Altrincham and against Tamworth who are both near the bottom of the Conference.
"It looks as though Altrincham are going to get away from it, although they could go down on a technicality, but both games will be difficult.
"And what we need is decent performances, particually at the home match, and to make sure we are in the play-offs and then we can start planning for them."
Meanwhile Altrincham's official website reports that they will be without Mark Maddox who completes his suspension. Val Owen will be out of action and Chris Adams is also doubtful for the weekend. Blake Norton was ill with a sickness bug earlier this week but may have recovered for the weekend whilst there is also a doubt about Stephen Rose, who was unable to complete last night's Reserves' match through injury.
Finally the Alty manager, Graham Heathcote, has spoken of his hope for a good turnout on Saturday after their win at Dagenham last Tuesday.
"I'm happy for our fans tonight (Tuesday) because they deserved that, they have been excellent throughout this season and there was a great turnout again here. But now it's up to the people of Altrincham to come out and support us against Hereford on Saturday, so that we can finally put this to bed... We went at them right from kick off and all the lads showed real heart. If we approach the Hereford game in the same way we will have a good chance of taking something from it".
We can't go to Dubai says Turner
In his weekly column in the Hereford Times Graham Turner contrasted the way managers try to freshen up their sides towars the end of the season.
He noted how West Ham had recently been to Dubai for a short break.
"We haven't got the resources or the time to go and spend a few days in the sunshine. The best we can probably do is a day's paint-balling which we have done in the past. Players enjoy doing it, it freshens everything up and it is something totally different.
"Or we might go go-karting. It may sound strange but something like that gives the place a bit of a buzz because of its competitive nature. The banter and laughter can go on for several days and that is what is needed at this time of year.
"For the remaining four matches, and the play-offs, we need a spring in our step.
"We need to be looking forward to the games with confidence and it is the manager's and coach's job to ensure that the last few weeks of preparation are right and players go out with the assurance that they are fit and strong."
Meanwhile the paper reports that only Tony James and Ryan Green are doubts for Saturday.
"Tony James is very doubtful with his groin injury, although Ryan Green, who picked up a hamstring injury and a bruised ankle at Morecambe, may have recovered in time," said Turner.
Torquay Axe Cornforth As Relegation Looms
Torquay have axed manager John Cornforth in favour of 'consultant' Ian Atkins until the end of the season.
Cornforth, who had an unsuccesful spell at Exeter in 2001/2, was appointed until the end of the season in early February and gained 15 points from his 12 games in charge, but the club slipped to the bottom of the table five points adrift of safety with six games left.
Atkins, now with his eighth club as manager, was relegated to the Conference as Chester boss, and would have repeated the feat with Oxford if two promotion places were in place that season.
Meanwhile, Chester look in a stronger position after a fourth straight win last night lifted them five points clear of the relegation zone.
Brady signs new deal at Cambridge
Jon Brady has signed a deal with Cambridge United that will keep him there until the end of next season.
The 31 year-old moved from Hereford to Cambridge several months ago after finding life tough at Edgar Street.
Cambridge manager, Rob Newman, told his official website about how pleased he was to retain Brady.
Brady joined the U's on a free transfer on a free transfer from Hereford United on 5th January 2006, and the 31-year-old Australian right-sided midfielder has previously won promotion from the Conference with both Rushden and Diamonds and Chester City.
Like former Rushden team-mate Ritchie Hanlon, Brady has now signed a new contract for next season and Rob Newman was delighted.
"He's been with championship winning sides in the Conference before so he brings us that experience, plus he has great energy and work ethic and commitment to the cause.
"He's been in the Conference before and knows what it's all about and he knows what it takes to win this league, which is great to have in your team and can only help us.
"As a manager you try to create a good work environment so that people can come in and work hard but have a smile on their face too, and people like Ritchie and 'Brades' contribute to that."
Brady set up an equalising goal in a play-off semi-final last May but was released at the end of the season when Stevenage signed Hereford's Danny Williams.
Brady made the opposite move to Hereford in the summer and was a regular in their squad, but travelling from Northamptonshire to Hereford for training proved to be a problem and in January he joined United for the rest of the season.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Bit of tiredness at Accy says Brown
Former Hereford United striker, David Brown, has told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph that he is thankful Accrington Stanley may only be one game away from winning the Conference title.
"Everyone says being top for so long doesn't get to you, but being up there has slightly affected us I think," he said.
"When you are top of the league, everyone tries that bit harder against you.
"Plus we've played a lot of games. We've only got a small squad and it's the same sort of people playing in most games.
"I think a bit of tiredness has possibly crept in.
"It's unfortunate we've had a sticky run. But it's only the first one we've had all season and you have to take the positives off everything.
"We were disappointed not to win on Friday (against Forest Green) but the draw took us one point further, so it will happen when it happens.
"I'm not going to be hoping Hereford get beat or anything like that.
"I'm pretty confident we can go out and do it on our own anyway."
Woolmer - Perfectly Adequate Referee
Our friends at Ciderspace have been having a dig at Hereford United supporters and their dislike of referee Andy Woolmer.
Woolmer is due to officiate in the Yeovil/Scunthorpe game on Good Friday.
Still cursed by Bulls****** supporters - for a completely correct decision that they blame as denying them a return to the Football League - he will always start with a ton of credit amongst Glovers fans for this single act.
Ciderspace does admit that when Yeovil met up with him in Non-league days, he wasn't very good.
However his one time officiating a Yeovil match so far this season, away in the Carling Cup victory at Portman Road, was perfectly adequate.
It will be interesting to see if they think the same way after their game on Friday.
All aboard at Halifax
Halifax Town have agreed a sponsorship deal for next season with train operator Grand Central reports the Halifax Courier.
"It is a significant sum," said Ian Yeowart, managing director of Grand Central who are bidding for the right to run a direct train service from Halifax to London.
"We will be supporting the club in as many ways as we can and part of the package is for away travel and accommodation. (said to be worth around £20,000)
"Halifax Town is a well run club. They have had their problems in the past but they are trying to put those problems behind them now and we are delighted to be on board."
Meanwhile Hailfax Town chairman Geoff Ralph is said to be delighted to have finally negotiated the deal.
"People are beginning to realise that as a club we mean business, and the final piece of the jigsaw will be to pay off the CVA."
DCB Wants To Win Play-Offs
Recently recalled striker Danny Carey-Bertram has told the Worcester Evening News that the squad is desperate to win the play-offs this season.
"For a couple of years, we've come so close and not been able to win the play-offs. We really want to win it this time. It does not matter how we do it, just so long as we do.
"Getting promoted would mean a lot to me. A lot of the players here have been in the Conference for years. It would mean a lot for them, the club and the supporters."
"The games can be really tense for both teams. All the players felt that way and it's keeping relaxed during the game that's important. No matter how well we had played in the league, it did not matter in the play-offs. It's all about what happens on the day and getting that one goal that can win a game."
Carey-Bertram has been a peripheral figure in this years campaign, being used on the wing as much as in his more familiar striking role.
Stimson Denies Using Mole Information
Grays manager Mark Stimson has denied using the 'mole' information - and has claimed that it was only one call.
Exeter's official site claimed that Stimson had received calls before both the second leg FA Trophy semi final and Monday's Conference match both detailing tactics and line-up of their opposition. Stimson denies the first call and admits the second, but denies using the information.
Stimson told the BBC: "Me and Alex are managers against each other but we are also friends and if I can help him I will and I'm sure he would do the same. I didn't take too much notice of the call but I passed on the information to Alex to help him in the future because whoever did it might ring up the next manager.
"If you have got a spy in the camp you need to be aware of it. He has obviously taken it on board and they are trying to find out who did it. It (the call) did not change my views on how we were going to play. We have got a certain way of playing and we try not to concentrate too much on the opposition and focus on what we do."
Released Premier Talent On Show Today
Scouts will flock to Lilleshall today for the Premier league assessment trials - designed to give lower league scouts a look at the released Academy players.
Two matches will take place today, with over 60 players on show who have been told they will not be retained by their Premiership clubs.
Preview: Altrincham vs Bulls
The Bulls travel to Altrincham for only the second time in the Conference, and will be looking to pick up their first win against Graham Heathcote's men.
A disappointing 0-0 draw in September at Edgar Street, with Heathcote's touchline antics antagonising many in the stands, followed up a 2-2 draw in the 1999/2000 season at Edgar Street. The only Conference trip to Moss Lane saw Alty winning 2-1 in November 1999.
Alty are safe from relegation - pending legal action. While the FA cleared them of wrongdoing in the James Robinson case, the Conference are still consulting their lawyers and Alty could lose all the 18 points gained while Robinson was in the team. However, whatever the Conference's decision, Alty retain the right of appeal to the FA suggesting that no action will be brought.
Alty are believed to be operating on the lowest budget in the Conference, and have performed admirably this season. Their 4-2 win at Dagenham, when the Bulls couldn't score except for a penalty, outlines their ability.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Support the Bulls at Alty on Saturday
Hereford United travel to Altrincham next Saturday for their last but one away game this season in the League.
Altrincham are 18th in the table but defeated Dagenham 4-2 last night. They draw at Edgar Street earlier this season.
Coach Travel To Altrincham:
Huisa have arranged a coach. Full details - 01432276666.
By Car:
From Herefordshire there are two options, either take the A49 or the M5/M6 from Worcester. Join the M56 at junction 10 (from A49) then at junction 8 join A56 and head northwards.
Or leave M6 at junction at Junction 19 and join A556 and then A56.
Follow Airport signs to M56, do not join the motorway but keep straight on at roundabout on A56. After one mile turn right at traffic lights for Bowdon/Hale B5161. Continue for one mile passing Quality hotel on right. Go through the traffic lights, then right at the mini-roundabout into Hale Road. Continue for about one mile turning left into Westminster Road - opposite cementry entrance. Continue for about 3/4 mile into Moss Lane, the football ground is on the right.
Please use the offical matchday parking at Blessed Thomas Holford School which is a 5 minute walk up moss lane from the ground.If you are tempted to street park, you will more than likely end up with a ticket as the local wardens are very keen on match days.
Hereford supporters will be housed the 20/20 (Hale end) of the ground, this terrace holds 1434 away supporters so you should have plenty of room to move around. There are four turnstiles for gaining entry to the away end of the ground. Seating is available in the family stand and main stand.
The bar will be open for away fans and can be accessed from the street at the left hand side of the main stand. It wil be open from the street at 12.30pm, please be aware that once you enter the away section of the ground you can no longer gain access to the bar due to the segregation in force, so please use the red gates to the left of the main stand.
Seating: Main/Family Stand Adults - £12
Seating: Main/Family Stand Concessions (U16 and OAPs) - £7
Terraces: Adults - £10
Terraces: Concessions (U16 and OAPs) - £6
Terraces: Under 11 - £2
Many of the above details are from the official Altrincham website.
Alty put four past the Daggers
Altrincham took three points off Dagenham this evening and are now probably safe from possible relegation.
In an eventful match Altrincham were 3-0 ahead after 37 minutes but the Daggers scored twice late in the first half before having Paul Bruce sent off for violent conduct.
Altrincham increased their lead mid-way through the second period and late on Dagenham's Blackett was sent off
Hereford United travel to Altrincham on Saturday for their next Conference game.
Meanwhile Scarborough draw with Tamworth in the only other Conference fixture this evening.
Bottom of the Conference:
18 Altrincham 38 -24 41
19 Tamworth 38 -26 37
20 Southport 37 -32 34
21 Forest Green 37 -13 33
22 Scarborough 38 -22 33
More about Talking Bull
Chris Jones, one of the supporters behind Talking Bull, was interviewed on BBC Hereford and Worcester this evening.
Malcolm Boyden first asked Chris about the history of Talking Bull.
"We started round about 1989 when the fanzine movement as a whole got going and we noticed there were loads of other clubs who had fanzines so we thought why don't we get one and start up because there was not really much scope for United fans to sound-off and have their say.
"So we started off. It was printed in the supporters club chairmans' garage and we went from there.
"I've been involved with it right from the beginning. The internet is fine for your instant soundbite or whatever.
"But not everyone has the internet and they're missing out."
Talking Bull hasn't been published so recently lately but Chris is glad it's back.
"I sounded out the current co-editor, Peter who lives in Leominster, and asked him if he had the time for it and he said yes. So he put me in touch with some other of the old contributors and I'll see what comes up.
"It's worked out well as we were over-subscribed with material for just about the first time ever."
Asked what the hot issues are, Chris replied:
"The hottest issue is whether Graham Turner is the wonderful person quite a lot of people think he is or whether he has not been very good for the club as other people seem to think."
Talking Bull costs just £1 and the next issue is due out on Saturday April 22nd when Hereford United are at home to Southport.
How Bent Is Conference Football?
With two cases of 'insider information' having arisen in the Conference in two weeks, the question has to be how bent is Conference football?
Less than two weeks after Gravesend's Lee Protheroe admitted telling a Stevenage player vital information about Gravesend's tactics prior to Stevenage beating the Fleet 2-0, Grays' manager Mark Stimson has admitted receiving calls containing vital information prior to 2-0 and 3-0 wins against Exeter.
Worse still, Stimson only admitted the calls after apparently putting the information to good use - not only gaining three valuable points in the play-off hunt, but bagging a lucrative FA Trophy final spot to boot.
Does the 'mole' in the camp explain Exeter's poor relegation-like form in 2006? And quite why would someone make such calls?
Is the caller correct that he is the father of a player, and does that player want out of St James Park? Or is it a financial thing, with the caller placing bets on the opposition safe in the knowledge that Exeter's plan has been lain bare?
One thing is for sure, the FA will take a keen interest in Exeter's investigations.
Exeter Hunt For Mole
Exeter City have embarked on an investigation to uncover a mole that has apparently undone their play-off and FA Trophy hopes.
Exeter boss Alex Inglethorpe and Grays manager Mark Stimson spent a long spell last night discussing phone calls Stimson had received from a person claiming to be the father of one of Exeter's players.
Stimson received calls before both last night's game and the FA Trophy Semi Final second leg. Grays won both games comfortably, 2-0 and 3-0, after losing the first leg of the semi final 2-1. Both calls gave correct details on formation, tactics, and starting line-up.
Operations Director Frances Farley today told exetercityfc.co.uk: "This is a very serious accusation and the directors want to let our supporters know that we are investigating the matter. If this allegation is proved then this would be a clear case of gross misconduct and any player concerned would obviously have no future at the club."
What appears to be more worrying is that Stimson told Exeter about the calls only after the two matches - leaving him open to speculation that he used the information to gain an unfair advantage.
24 Clubs in the Conference next season
On the off chance that Hereford United are still playing in the Conference next season, here's the changes that will make the number of clubs up to 24.
The Nationwide Conference has confirmed that next season the league will expand by two teams to 24.
Next season onwards will see the formation of a 24 team league in the Nationwide Conference, as opposed to the current structure of 22, in order to the bring the competition more in line with The Football League. The new structure will therefore mean four extra games next season, two at home and two away.
The 2006/07 season onwards will also see four teams relegated from the Nationwide Conference each season, with two teams being promoted each season from the Conference South and Conference North.
However, promotion issues are unchanged, with only two clubs promoted to The Football League each season and two Football League clubs continuing to be relegated to the Nationwide Conference.
The Conference has also confirmed that the 2006/07 season will commence on Saturday 12th August 2006 and finish on Saturday 28th April 2007.