Hereford United supporters living in London and the South-East may be interested in a fund-raising night for the two Adam Stansfield charities.
Whilst the night is being organised by the Capital Glovers, supporters from the Bulls and the Grecians are welcome.
The event has been pencilled in for November 11th from 7.30 at the Blue Anchor in Chancery Lane, London EC4 1HL
Special guest will be former Yeovil Town left-back Murray Fishlock, who like Adam also played for Hereford United. Murray now works for the Football Foundation in London, and will be joining the cause. Journalists Matt Scott and Andy Brassell are also expected to attend.
This might be an event of interest to the newly formed London Bulls.
For more information send an e-mail to ytfcciderspace@yahoo.com
.jpg)
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Fishlock to speak at Stansfield Event
Bulls 15/4 to defeat Port Vale
A price of 15/4 has been quoted by Victor Chandler for Hereford United to defeat Port Vale tomorrow at Edgar Street. More general quotes are 7/2.
Latest Odds from Skybet:
Hereford 7/2 Draw 5/2 Port Vale 4/5
As regards the result a 1-0 win for the Bulls is 10/1 with various outlets.
Best price for a 1-1 draw is 13/2 with William Hill and a 0-0 draw is 10/1 with Stan James.
A 1-0 win for Vale is 6/1 with Victor Chandler, Stan James, Ladbrooks and Betfred.
For first goalscorer in the game Guillem Bauza is 7/1 with several bookies, Stuart Fleetwood is 9/1 with Bet 365, BlueSq and 888sport, Mathieu Manset and Sean Canham are 10/1 with both Skybet and Bet365. James McQuilken is 22/1 with both BlueSq and 888sport.
A view from 6' 2"!
One name that pops up on The Bulls’ chat messageboard “Bulls Banter” is that of ColebridgebullJr, a young man studying for a career in journalism and a frequent visitor to Edgar Street. As part of his studies, he is maintaining a sports blog and the following is part of his recent addition.
Who do you support then?…Sorry, who?
I’m telling myself not to focus solely on just sport in my blog but I think it seems fitting to really start off the stream of nonsense I’m spouting by just sharing some experiences held by myself and the Father as those unfortunate enough to support a "real" football team (and to think my lecturer today had the audacity to call it SOCCER!). When those across the pond refer to *cough* soccer, they think of Beckham, United, Liverpool and Arsenal, the "Premiershite" clubs but whatever did I do wrong to end up following a small team from the English/Welsh border (just to clear up Hereford is a good 45 miles away from the border which causes great amusements when various "scallies" and northern fans descend on Edgar Street with the usual inflatable sheep. Rich in history of giant-killing including dumping Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 bringing about the rise of fame towards one Ronnie Radford and the pioneer game and platform to the top for one John "Motty" Motson. Enough history for one entry at least! It seems that recent years at the club have been eventful for The Bulls.
Those of you with any idea of Lower League "proper" football will associate one man with Hereford – Graham Turner. The man who saved the club from extinction before my time and when in 2006 finally the club regained it's league status I was a "fair-weather" (see uncommitted armchair warmer) but the tears rolling down the face of grown men was quite a sight for the youngster I was. Really highlighting how much this meant to the fans.
I was hooked.
Seasons passed, I dabbled in supporting the Premiership teams – mainly because Chelsea had money and kept winning, but the heart still sat at Edgar Street – the hero was Adam Stansfield (RIP and huge respect to the man as a model professional)
But all the history lies in the books and archives – it's the last few seasons where the club has descended into both a farce and practically a soap opera. Graham Turner played the hero and John Trewick played his dopey sidekick – when enough was enough for Turner the reigns were handed down to Trewick, and following the fantastic promotion of 2007-2008 season, the club spiralled down – signing players bereft of any clue and effectively signing 'Big-Time-Charlie's' who clearly had talent but spent more time slagging the club off on Facebook – that's the generation we live in now – criticise your employer at your peril.
When Trewick and Turner both uprooted and popped up the A49 to the Slops of Shrewsbury Town aswell as taking prodigal son Lionel Ainsworth who Bulls fans adored, it appeared to be a new beginning at the club. The club was handed over to local entrepreneur and TV personality duo of David Keyte and Tim Russon and all was rosey (Turner who?) just like the cheeks of newly appointed manager Simon Davey who arrived with a CV of beating both Liverpool (at Anfield) and Chelsea as the man in charge during Barnsley’s meteoric run through to the semi finals of the FA Cup, Bulls fans thought it couldn’t be better – a play off spot was a comfortable expectation, but as will become a theme to these blogs – life as a supporter of a proper league football team is not as it should be – 10 games into the new season, The Bulls sit bottom of the Football League and fans (both of them…hehe…good one!) began getting impatient with the new administration.
To quote Monday 4 October's Guardian Sport section Davey said following Hereford's 10th game without a win trying to cheer himself up "I'll go home to the family, pick up the paper tomorrow, see we lost 2-0, sulk for 24 hours, then we go back to work on Monday and keep doing that until someone tells me not to". It was this arrival at work on Monday that Davey was pointed in the direction of the Job Centre and Hereford were without a captain to steer their sinking ship, so I’m sat here with the family watching Eastenders and comparing the happenings in Herefordshire with England’s most-loved soap opera.
It isn't half embarrassing supporting this team, but it keeps you on your toes and there’s always something going on but would I change it? Would I 'eck!
The blog can be viewed at http://burrows19.wordpress.com/2010/10/07/who-do-you-support-then-sorry-who/
McDermid set to referee Port Vale Match
Danny McDermid from London is set to referee next Saturday's League Two match between bottom of the league Hereford United and table-toppers Port Vale.
The last time McDermid officiated at Edgar Street was the game between the Bulls and Bradford City on March 20th this year. The Bulls won the game 2-0 with goals from Mathieu Manset and on-loan Jake Jarvis. Towards the end of the first half the man in black nearly sent Bradford manager Peter Taylor to the stands.
The previous time was in December 2007. On that occasion the Bulls won 3-1 and McDermid sent off Lincoln's Gary Croft after just nine minutes.
To date this season McDermid has been in charge of 6 games in which he has given out 20 yellow and 2 red cards.
Preview: Bulls vs Port Vale
The Bulls entertain league leaders Port Vale on Saturday looking for a turnaround in fortunes.
The two sides met last season for their first League tussles in 25 years with a 2-2 draw occuring at Edgar Street last August. Just five of the 18 man matchday squad remain with the Bulls with Marc Pugh and Tristan Plummer scoring the goals. Port Vale have failed to win at Edgar Street in their last five trips including a memorable 4-0 win for the Bulls in the FA Cup in December 2006.
The Bulls face the Valiants looking to stop an increasingly embarassing away goals count. Since getting a clean sheet against Gillingham they have conceded one to Rotherham, two to Oxford, three to Southend, and then four against Stevenage at the last home game. If Simon Davey was still in charge the idea of Port Vale hitting five might have been likely, but the Bulls turned in a vastly improved performance under Jamie Pitman and should provide a more than competent challenge to the leaders.
Port Vale boss Micky Adams collected the Manager of the Month award on Thursday and he will hope the curse of the award doesn't push their away form right off the tracks. After opening the season with four straight League wins on the road they lost at Oxford before a punishing midweek slog to Carlisle ended with them losing on penalties. Ex-Bulls Lee Collins, John McCombe and Kris Taylor have differing fortunes this season. Collins and McCombe are defensive regulars while Taylor has only featured in one League match, spending most of his time on the bench.
Hereford United vs Port Vale, Edgar Street, Saturday 9th October, 3.00pm.
Proud Night for Stansfield Boys
The two young sons of Adam Stansfield together with their cousin were given special treatment at Tuesday evening's Paint Trophy match between Hereford United and Exeter City.
Before the game started they were introduced to the players and had their picture taken with the captains and match officals.
"They wanted to be with the players before the game and loved every minute of it," said Andy Cole, chairman of the Adam Stansfield Foundation.
"They wore the white away shirt of the Grecians with Adam's name and number 9 on the back.
"Adam loved this shirt and the boys were so proud to wear it. I think they will remember this occasion for the rest of their lives.
"As a bonus they also came away with the match ball which was presented to them."
Guinan "Flattered" By Interest
Steve Guinan has told the Worcester News that he is flattered by the interest shown in him to become the next Bulls boss.
The 34 year old has been cut to 8/1 in the betting after being seen at Edgar Street on Tuesday night, and he told the paper: "It’s flattering to be linked, but I’m under contract at Northampton until the end of the season."
The paper has confirmed the Ossie Ardiles application is a hoax, with the Argentinian saying “I have no idea why my CV is there. I’m not interested in the job and I’ve not applied.”
Meanwhile, on the Hereford Times website, a poll for the next manager of the Bulls currently has Colin Addison as favourite for the job with 34% of the vote.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Kovacs to Resume Training
Hereford United captain Janos Kovacs could be back in training this morning just three weeks after a knee operation and missing the last few games with former manager Simon Davey in charge.
"It's been absolutely horrible - one of the worst feelings I have had," he told the Hereford Times.
"It's a bad feeling when you are the captain and you need to be involved but you cannot. But I'm sure everyone did their best.
"We need to push on and pick up results, get the fans back with us and move up the table.
"We need to put in hard work and be hard to beat. We need to get back the confidence, and I am sure this can happen with hard work."
News Round Up
Accrington have responded to interest from Lincoln in manager John Coleman by offering him a three year contract. He had operated in recent seasons on a 12 month rolling deal. Mark Proctor has been heavily backed with the bookies for the Lincoln job. The current Middlesboro youth coach is 6/1, down from 25/1, with Steve Tilson the current favourite.
Barnet have signed Norwich defender George Francomb on a months loan as cover for injuries. The 19 year old played for the Canaries in the Carling Cup this season. Southend have signed striker Waide Fairhurst on loan from Doncaster after missing out on Crewe's Calvin Zola. The 21 year old spent two months at Shrewsbury last season, scoring four in ten games.
Bradford's season goes from bad to worse with news that forward Gareth Evans will miss three months with a fractured wrist. Plymouth are reported to have faced a winding up order from the taxman in the High Court this morning. A brief hearing dismissed the proceedings. Dundee have failed to pay their players as promised, and club insiders have told the BBC they expect the club to enter Administration.
Keyte and Russon on Recent Events.
With Simon Davey gone, Jamie Pitman in charge for now and a new manager about to be appointed both Hereford United chairman David Keyte and vice-chairman Tim Russon has been speaking about recent events and their plans for the future.
In a long interview on Bulls Player, David Keyte spent sometime talking about a deal with the Richardsons.
"We've cracked that. We've got documents with lawyers at the moment. So we have an agreement.
"There will be more detail in the coming weeks.
"We've had some positive conversations with the council who are very pro the football club. If ever we can get the leases back we are very encouraged by their support.
"Yesterday we met people from Stanhope (the developers) across in the cattle market who gave us a lot of ideas as to what might be possible at the Blackfriars Street End.
"There would have to be further planning for any extra Blackfriars development, but agreement was given for a new grandstand back in August.
"I think I'm on record stating we didn't want to jump straight into that as we would rather look at a slightly bigger picture.
"What the football club needs is some structure with 1500 to 2000 seats facing the pitch and facilities around it, catering and toilets.
"What we're looking at now, because there is no point doing that, is the bigger picture. To see what Hereford as a city might want, say a hotel or whatever."
Meanwhile Tim Russon has given an interview to the Hereford Times in which he has conceeded that the football played at Edgar Street this season hasn't been entaining enough to keep the fans coming through the turnstiles.
"You sit in the stand and suffer with them and there has been some poor football played and that’s not what we came to Hereford for," he said.
“We came to Hereford to bring some fun, sparkle and entertainment and we worked so hard over the summer to try to get things moving. It’s been like blowing up a balloon only to have it popped and it has slowly gone down.
"I can’t complain about the fans staying away because they have every right to because they haven’t been entertained.
"We want to think of Hereford as a club, get the spirit of Hereford and make it happen."
Bookies Sense Foyle Chances
With local expectations looking towards some combination of a Steve Guinan/Colin Addison partnership, bookies have been cutting odds on Martin Foyle to be the next manager.
Foyle is second favourite behind the drifting Jimmy Harvey with Skybet, and joint second favourite with Victor Chandler alongside Addison. Originally quoted at 9/1 he is now as low as 4/1.
Foyle recently left York for undisclosed reasons and also had a few seasons as Port Vale's chief.
Kidderminster For Sale
Kidderminster Fotball Club has ben put up for sale by chairman Barry Norgrove.
Since being relegated back to the Conference in 2005, they haven't been able to compete with some of the top clubs because of lower gates.
Norgrove says he can't put any more money into the club.
"I feel I am holding the club back," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We need fresh investment to get to the higher end of the table and I do not have the finances to do that.
"There are people out there looking for football clubs - I know that for a fact."
Last night they attracted less than 1,000 for their home win over Gateshead after averaging 1,548 last term.
Guinan/Addison Odds Slashed
Victor Chandler have slashed odds on either Steve Guinan or Colin Addison becoming the next Bulls manager this morning.
Guinan, who was 12/1 at 10am, has suddenly dropped to 8/1 with Addison dropping from 16/1 to 10/1 at the same time.
Jimmy Harvey remains their 2/1 favourite. Skybet have also issued odds with Harvey 6/4 favourite, but they have not listed either Guinan or Addison.
UPDATE: Addison has dropped to 5/1 second favourite by Noon, while the odds on Jimmy Harvey have lengthened to 3/1.
Ardiles Not On Bulls Radar
David Keyte has told the official site that the club have received an application from Ossie Ardiles to be the next manager.
Keyte told the OS the Argentinian was 'probably not one for us overall', although the application was likely to be another hoax. In May, Ardiles denied applying for the then vacant Shrewsbury job with the BBC reporting:
"It seems someone has put my name on a CV, but I can categorically deny I have applied for the job." Ardiles, 57, seemed amused as well as red-faced about the story. "Maybe next time," he added in jest.
Keyte says they have had 20-25 applications already, although the presence of Steve Guinan at last night's match seems to have cemented rumours that he was finally going to take up some sort of coaching role at the club.
He was offered a small coaching role by Graham Turner as part of a one year contract offer prior to leaving for Northampton on a two year deal. His time with the Cobblers was hit by injury in the first season, starting only 19 League games, and this term he has found himself a bit-player after being transfer listed in the summer.
The presence of a striker amongst the coaching staff would likely to wonders for the existing forward line. Graham Turner brought in Lee Mills to coach his young Conference strike force and Andy Williams, Stuart Fleetwood, and Adam Stansfield all progressed to League One and above in subsequent years while Guinan himself became a goalscorer with former frontman Richard O'Kelly as the coach.
Lease Agreement Reached
David Keyte has told the official site that the club has reached agreement with the Richardsons over the leases of Edgar Street.
He told them: "We've got documents with lawyers at the moment, so we have an agreement, and that will manifest into a little bit more detail in the coming weeks."
Keyte has been confident of reaching an agreement since first meeting the Richardsons, with the development company seemingly happy to reach a deal.
Meanwhile fans are reminded that, for Saturday's game with Port Vale, the stand at the Blackfriars End will not be available for home supporters. The table topping Valiants are expected to bring around 1,000 fans with them for the match.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
We Worked Hard said Pitman
In his first interview as stand-in manager of Hereford United, Jamie Pitman appeared pleased with effort the team had put in to last night's game against Exeter.
"I thought we played very well," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"I don't really think the score reflected the football but I can't fault them.
"They've listened to what we've tried to do but I did think we got a little bit tired towards the end and a little bit ragged."
James McQuilkin was man of the match.
"He's been fairly consistant over the course of the whole season. He's got ability and does work hard."
Sean Canham had two good headers towards the end.
"Sean has done ever so well. You've got to be in there to score but if the chances weren't coming I'd be worried."
Stuart Fleetwood missed out last night with a back injury.
"He's got his back injury but also his wife went into labour. We're yet to hear from him. A few sleepness nights.
"Hopefully he'll be available for us at the weekend."
Ex-Bull Watch
Mark Marshall scored Barnet's goal as they lost their JPT match to Southend. Ben Smith started for Crawley as they won at Luton at the top of the Luton. Mark Beesley started for York after signing on loan from Fleetwood alongside Leon Constantine but they lost at home to Kettering.
KEEP THE FAITH
It may seem on paper that tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat was merely another low point in a depressing sequence of results. However, the Bulls played a full part in an entertaining game, showing guile, creativity and commitment against their League 1 visitors. Indeed, Exeter’s ability to take chances was the deciding factor in an evenly contested match, the final margin of victory being somewhat flattering.
The teams were led out by the late Adam Stansfield’s sons as both sets of fans paid their respects to their departed hero. A giant replica shirt with Adam’s name on was laid out on the temporary seating at the Blackfriars end.
In a lively start, Exeter were first to fashion a chance, the former Bulls bit-part player Bertie Cozic fluffing his header when ideally placed. Guillem Bauza then played an incisive through ball to the speedy Joe Colbeck who was rather harshly punished for a push. Andy Marriot’s whipped cross (or is that a hospital near the Orient ground?) was handled safely, and then Sean Canham was slow to read another Bauza turn and flick. Richard Rose impressed with his distribution in his new midfield role as the game ebbed and flowed.
12 minutes had passed when the truism that a struggling side does not seem to enjoy its share of fortune seemed apt. Ex United (not Hereford, but some other outfit) youth trainee Daniel Nardiello skipped down the wing and Michael Townsend brought him down in the box. The incident was one of those “seen ‘em given” moments and the penalty award seemed harsh. Nardiello dusted himself down and fired his spot kick powerfully down the middle.
Undeterred, Hereford continued with some good passing moves, keeping the ball on the lush green Edgar Street turf and eschewing the hoofball seen recently. Whilst probably a little premature to credit caretaker boss Jamie Pitman for this, it was certainly a treat to see some entertaining play and a willingness to try new plans such as Colbeck and the keen to impress Dominik Werling switching flanks. Bauza displayed higher level skills and won a free kick with a rapid turn drawing a foul from Troy Archibald-Henville, presumably a pal of Bertie Wooster. From the free kick Jimmy Mcquilkin rattled the outside of a post.
Tony James’ return to the Street provided a calm presence at the heart of the defence, though he was fortunate to escape a yellow card for a high challenge on Cozic. The resultant free kick saw a 30 yard shot from David Noble which needed prompt attention from Adam Bartlett. Canham was now holding the ball well, and McQuilkin started to create openings for teammates, before thundering a shot of his own narrowly wide. Meanwhile, at the other end, Andy Marriott threatened with some well timed runs, and Nardiello broke free on the left to be denied by the outrushing Bartlett. In the last action of the half, Canham headed on a long clearance and almost found Bauza in the box.
HT: HUFC 0 EXETER CITY 1
After the interval, the Bulls were quick to continue the good work. One move saw the Werling dervish pass to Rose who fed McQuilkin. Little Jimmy then set up Ryan Green, joining the attack to good effect and flashing a shot across the goal. Bauza’s dramatic appeal for a penalty fell (rightly) on deaf ears before Rose played a superb pass to Green whose progress towards goal was halted by a hefty collision with Billy Jones. Then, 53 minutes played, and the visitors launched a counter attack. James Dunne sprinted down the line to meet a threaded through ball, played it back for John Flynn with time and space to hit the target.Shortly afterwards, Noble played Nardiello in and the striker shot just wide.
Unfortunate to go two behind, the Bulls refused to capitulate. A spate of substitutions from both sides included the telling introductions of Kenny Lunt and a first appearance for Zac Evans, whilst Exeter brought on the vastly experienced Marcus Stewart. McQuilkin sent in a hanging cross which was held by Artur Krysiak, Ryan Valentine started to probe the left flank with Werling. From one such move, a cross did not fall kindly for Canham, who was only able to shoot weakly. Chris Shephard skied a shot and Jake Thompson chose the wrong club for a crossfield pass when left in acres of space. A move involving Noble, Dunne and Nardiello ended with the latter shooting straight at Bartlett, and he then missed a further chance to put the tie to bed.
For their part, the Bulls continued with some attractive approach play, although the killer instinct was still missing. Rose, Lunt, and sub Sam Gwynne produced an intricate move from which McQuilkin’s attempted backheel was just intercepted. Canham then played Valentine in and the defender’s cross was headed marginally over the bar by Canham. As the ninety minute mark passed, one last desperate Hereford attack saw the ball contact a defender’s arm in the box. The home side’s strenuous appeals were waved away, play switched to the other end, and up popped Richard Duffy to chip Bartlett for a third goal, putting an uncalled for gloss (geddit?) on the scoreline.
Strange to say, but after another defeat in what some consider an unimportant competition, a very sparse crowd, and another duck in the ”goals for” column, there does seem to be some cause for optimism.
FT: HUFC 0 EXETER CITY 3
Attendance: 1286, with 158 Devonians.
HUFC: Bartlett, Green, James, Townsend, Valentine, Rose (Evans 56), Werling (Gwynne 69), McQuilkin, Colbeck, Canham, Bauza (Lunt 55).
EXETER CITY: Krysiak, Duffy, Archibald-Henville (Stewart 58), Heath, Dunne, Noble, Cozic, Jones, Thomson, Nardiello, O’Flynn (Shephard 58).
50/50 Draw donation goes to Stansfield Fund
This evening’s winning 50/50 ticket was bought by an Exeter fan who promptly donated the sum of £60 to the Adam Stansfield Foundation.
Things haven't been gone enough under Davey
Before the start of this evening's game, former Hereford United defender Gareth Davies gave his reaction to the sacking of Simon Davey and to the new loan signing Tony James.
"Football is about results and if you don't get them you lose your job," Davies told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"Okay you're not expecting people to win every single game but your home games in particular you've got to get three points.
"I'm disappointed for him, but things haven't been good enough.
"We've all seen potential in the players but it's no good having potential unless you roll your sleeves up and have a go.
"Mainly games of football are won over 0 to 10 yards.
"Do you want to close someone down, do you want to create an angle, do you want to fill a hole to support a colleague?
"At the moment players haven't produced that."
Davies spoke highly about Tony James.
"If there's anybody who is going to role up their sleeves and put their head in the right position - he'll head the ball, he'll tackle, he'll defend. He's a fully committed player. Hereford United fans know what they will get from him.
"Somebody like Tony can set the tempo for everyone else to perform for 90 minutes."
Stats from Trophy Game
Below are the main stats from this evenings Paint Trophy game in which Exeter defeated Hereford United 3-0.
Possession: Bulls 42% Exeter 58%
Shots on Target: Bulls 5 Exeter 6
Shots off Target: Bulls 7 Exeter 6
Corners: Bulls 7 Exeter 7
Fouls: Bulls 10 Exeter 3
Cards: For the first time this season no Hereford United player was carded.
Attendance: 1286 with 158 in the away end plus a few big Adam Stansfield Flags
Bulls Play Football
The post-Davey era started with the fast paced attacking football originally promised but not delivered.
Losing 3-0 at home would normally be a source of boos and calls for the managers head. The side were applauded off as the team, showing a few rough edges, genuinely entertained the fans. Former striker Steve Guinan was a boardroom guest, and furiously wrote out notes throughout the game. If I was a betting man I'd have a fiver on an imminent loan signing.
But it was Jamie Pitman, aided by Russell Hoult, who barked instructions from the touchline and even found need to berate the ref at the end over Exeter's final goal. What's that chant the Scunthorpe fans used to sing? Who needs Mourinho, we've got our physio...
Full report later.
Davey was a top bloke to work with – Bartlett
"Yes, it was a bit unexpected but when you look at the results then you understand why the decision was made.
"He was a great guy to work with. The time on the training ground was interesting and enjoyable. We all wanted it to work for him. We have enough quality in the squad to be in a higher position than we are but with most of the squad having been brought in by him then I guess something had to give.
"We'll give it our best shot tonight….I think "Pits" is going to put out a strong side. We need a win but firstly we need to create some chances.”
Mark Halsey to front Stansfield Foundation
It's been revealed that Premiership referee Mark Halsey is to front the Adam Stansfield Foundation. The announcement by the Trustees has been warmly welcomed.
The purpose of the Foundation is to both support youth football in the South West and to increase awareness about cancer.
"I am pleased to be able to offer what support I can to the Trustees," said Halsey who recently had treatment for throat cancer.
"Although I am based many miles away I want to take an active role where possible, if through supporting this cause I can help with youth football and raise awareness about cancer then this will be time well spent."
News Round Up
Bradford boss Peter Taylor says "it's going to be a big fight but I'm up for that" as he defies fans calls for him to quit. The Bantams have been linked with a move for Crewe striker Calvin Zola. Torquay have received planning permission for a new main stand at Plainmoor. They hope to have the stand ready for the start of next season but are yet to confirm full funding.
Southend say they have paid ex-manager Steve Tilson his contractually obligated payments despite the local press repeating claims that he has not been paid since being sacked. Tilson says he is interested in the Lincoln job, while John Coleman has called the Imps 'a big club and the potential of their fan base is massive'. Crawley boss Steve Evans has denied speculation linking him with the Imps, and has denied the NLP's claims of a £1m transfer chest.
The Search for a New Manager
Hereford United vice-chairman Tim Russon spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester earlier this morning about the departure of Simon Davey and the search for a new manager.
"It was a difficult decision to make," said Russon.
"We've been told we have a good set of players and we shouldn't be where we are.
"But our record is woeful, at some stage we had to make a decision.
"Davey's contract was for two years, but there are clauses in that contract which make way for a settlement.
"I can't obviously go into that as it's unfair on the manager. It was a confidential agreement. But we have made that settlement. That's been agreed and we move on."
So who next?
"We're not going to rule anyone in or anybody out at this stage.
"We've already had a flurry of people coming in by email. David took quite a few calls last night at home from want to be managers and agents.
"I've taken quite a few calls as well and we are going to spend the day sitting down looking through them and touching base with some of them and drawing up a shortlist.
"Then we will go through and again try and sort out the right man for Hereford."
Harvey Favourite to Manage Bulls
Jimmy Harvey is favourite to land the job as next manager of Hereford United according to bookmakers Victor Chandler.
Jimmy Harvey - 2/1
Dave Penney - 5
Martin Allen - 6
Steve Staunton - 7
Martin Foyle - 9
Jamie Pitman - 10
Paul Ince - 10
Mark Cooper - 12
Gary Brabin - 12
Jim Gannon - 12
Keith Downing - 12
Michael Appleton - 12
Steve Guinan - 12
Justin Edinburgh - 14
Mark Venus - 14
Steve Tilson - 14
Colin Addison - 16
David Holdsworth - 16
Martin Ling - 16
Mike Pejic - 16
Nicky Law - 16
Dan Ashworth - 20
Shaun Teale - 20
Terry Connor - 22
David Icke - 100
Jackson Could get Bulls Smiling Again
Until the next manager of Hereford United is appointed there will be lots of names mentioned with lots of reasons why that particular individual should be appointed.
One name put forward this morning is Peter Jackson.
In an article on 'the Seventy Two' site, Mike Holden suggests the Bulls need someone 'who will provide a constant source of merriment for the players, for the media, for the fans, even for the tea lady.'
His gives his reasons for this view.
When a club is so intrinsically linked with one man as Hereford is with Graham Turner, it often takes a larger-than-life character to come in and drive it forward in the immediate aftermath of his departure.
He was simply part of the furniture at Edgar Street, involved in literally everything that happened behind the scenes so his departure inevitably leaves a substantial void that needs filling.
More to the point, what Hereford are faced with right now is a crisis of identity. The point being that Graham Turner was their identity, now they don’t have one. And like an ex-girlfriend that moves on quicker than you ever anticipated, it will only add weigh heavier on their hearts that Turner himself has discovered a new lease of life, planting the seeds of a new promotion challenge with an old flame up the A49.
Essentially, what they need is somebody to play a similar role to the one Ian Holloway has played since he walked into Blackpool a year ago, a man who can help the club to forget that Graham Turner ever existed.
It’s only a stab in the dark at this point, an instinctive response without any consideration for a long list of possible alternatives, but that man might just be Peter Jackson.
The self-styled ‘Yorkshire Mourinho’ might fancy himself a bit too much, he might sometimes promise the earth and fail to deliver, but at least he has what it takes to sweep Hereford off their feet and get them smiling again.
The full article can be read at: http://theseventytwo.com/2010/10/05/jacko-can-sweep-bulls-off-their-feet/
Preview: Bulls vs Exeter
The Bulls meet Exeter City tonight for a Johnstones Paint Trophy match at Edgar Street.
The two sides last met in the 'Football League Trophy' back in the 2003/4 season. New caretaker boss Jamie Pitman and defender Ryan Green started the game in midfield with Tony James on the bench. The Exeter side features three future Bulls in Alex Jeannin, Gareth Sheldon, and Sean Canham with goals from David Brown and Steve Guinan giving the Bulls a 2-0 win.
The Bulls go into the game looking for a first win in ten matches in all competitions. With Simon Davey out the door the team sheet for tonight's encounter could be anyone's guess, but then it was probably going to be that way anyway. The Bulls need to name six of the players that started the game last Saturday, or will start the game this Saturday, or six of this season's regulars. There has been no word whether Tony James is eligible for tonight's game, with Burton still in the competiton, so he could be one of those to miss out.
Exeter make their first trip to Edgar Street in five years, with the clubs managing to miss each other in League encounters since the Bulls returned to the 92. While they lie seventh in the League One table their position is deceptively lofty as they have won just four matches. Ryan Harley and Richard Logan share top scorers duty with four League goals each, while expensive Shrewsbury flop Jamie Cureton scored twice in the first round win over Yeovil. Former Bulls midfielder Bertrand Cozic remains a bit-player for the Grecians and is likely to feature in some part.
Hereford United vs Exeter City, Edgar Street, Tuesday 5th October, 7.45pm.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Two Extra Reasons to Watch Hereford This Evening
There are two extra reasons to come along to Edgar Street this evening. Firstly Jamie Pitman will be in charge of Hereford United for the second round Johnstones Paint Trophy Tie against Exeter this evening and secondly the game will be another chance to remember the life of former player Adam Stansfield.
Named as caretaker manager yesterday, Pitman is Hereford through and through and it has to be hoped that supporters will make every effort to turn up at Edgar Street and get behind him and his squad.
Thrust into the limelight at very short notice, Pitman is bound to be a little apprehensive but the a few chants from the Meadow End mentioning his name should help to put him at ease.
Pitman will have to make at least one, probably two chances from the side that started last Saturday's game at Barnet.
Stuart Fleetwood is a doubt with a back niggle, however Ryan Green may return after illness. Janos Kovacs remains sidelined.
Originally the game was going to be a tribute to Adam Stansfield but inevitably Pitman's appointment, albeit temporary, may overshadow it to some extent.
However the game does give supporters a chance to celebrate the life of Stansfield who spent two seasons at Edgar Street before moving to Exeter.
The match programme will be dedicated to Stansfield and there will be a collection for the Adam Stansfield Football foundation.
Finally should the score be level after 90 minutes it's straight to penalties.