Hereford United captain Karl Broadhurst was disappointed with the performance of the officals at Edgar Street this afternoon. On one occassion the assistant on the Main Stand side flagged for offside from a throw in, the referee overruled him and gave a dropped ball but the advantage the Bulls should have had from the throw in was lost.
"One situation sticks in my mind where he gave offside from a throw in. I've never experienced that in my career and I've experienced it twice in four days now," Broadhurst explained to BBC Hereford and Worcester. "It happened at Dagenham as well.
"Officials have a hard job, everyone knows that. They are no ones friends. But I think with this respect campaign that's going on at the moment the players are taught to respect the officials. But, I think, also sometimes the officals have got to be put under a bit of pressure because we've had two sets of officials in two games now which were awful.
"Today they were not as bad as Tuesday but Tuesday was ridiculous. The lads likened it to a PE teacher who didn't know the rules of football. You saw it from the decisions he was giving especially the offside from a throw-in.
"Referees do have difficult jobs but sometimes they have got to make it easier for themselves because they do make strange decisions sometimes."
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Saturday, November 22, 2008
Broadhurst lambasts Officials
Stats from Edgar Street
Here are the main stats from this afternoon's match at Edgar Street.
Possession: Hereford 49% Northampton 51%
Shots on Target: Hereford 3 Northampton 5
Shots off Target: Hereford 12 Northampton 9
Corners: Hereford 3 Northampton 5
Fouls: Hereford 12 Northampton 11
Toumani Diagouraga was yellow carded for a rash challenge.
Attendance 3061 including 387 in the away end.
Bottom of League One:
18 Swindon 16 -4 18
19 Yeovil 17 -9 18
20 Leyton Orient 17 -9 17
21 Colchester 16 -5 15
22 Hereford 17 -14 12
23 Cheltenham 17 -22 11
24 Crewe 17 -20 9
Diagouraga was given an eight for his performance, with sevens for Karl Broadhurst, Steve Guinan and Ben Smith.
Managers Reaction from Edgar Street
Firstly Stuart Gray for Northampton Town:
"I thought we dominated the game and I was very pleased with how we passed the ball," Grey told the Northampton OS.
"We didn't have an end product in the first half but we got our rewards after the break. The performance and the result is a big confidence boost for us ahead of Tuesday night.
"I changed the shape of the team today and I felt the back three did very well, as did Kyle Walker. We dominated the game by passing the ball well but it took a fantastic free kick to beat Matt Murray and give us the lead.
"I have always said to the players how important it is to show quality at set plays and Danny has scored a few free kicks now this season. This win shows we have plenty of character and had we not won today people would have been doubting us, so in many ways this was a huge win for us.
"Hereford had a big 3-0 win against Cheltenham here last week but we came here and we were at it from the start and now we have to take this performance into the Leeds game on Tuesday."
For the Bulls captain Karl Broadhurst spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester:
"Obviously gutted with the result," said Broadhurst.
"Northampton started reasonably well. We went in 0-0 reasonably happy but thought we could have done a little bit better.
"Didn't really start the second-half well. We conceded a goal from an excellent free-kick which we think we shouldn't have given away in the first place.
"The second goal was a comedy of errors really. Jacko's gone to clear it, smashed it against my face. It could have gone anywhere but it went straight to their striker and he's poked it in.
"Two nil down reasonably early in the second half and we've got a mountain to climb. I think it was a real kick in the teeth for us considering the result we had on Tuesday at Dagenham as well.
"That first goal is very important. Too many times this season we haven't got the first goal."
Bulls outplayed and defeated
Despite starting the day just a few places in front of Hereford, Northampton Town came to Edgar Street and completely out-classed The Bulls. The game ended 2-0 to The Cobblers, with the goals coming from the impressive Danny Jackman and Ryan Gilligan early in the second-half in front of 3051 supporters.
Lionel Ainsworth returned to United and the starting line-up, replacing Sam Gwynne who was injured. Richard Rose, Richard Jackson and Bradley Hudson-Odoi were also handed starts with Kris Taylor, Stephen O'Leary and Andy Williams making way. The visitors had England Under 21 international Frank Fielding in between the sticks, whilst experienced striking duo Leon Constantine and Scott McGleish led the line.
Jackman volleyed past the post in the opening stages from 25 yards as the visitors created all the early opportunities whilst Luke Guttridge effort lacked power and Matt Murray gathered with ease. A lack of marking was nearly to blame when Jackman found space on the right after a quick free-kick and a cross into the danger area was met by Constantine who headed over from close-range. A neat switch of play allowed the energetic Paul Walker to control and strike goalwards but Murray wasn't troubled.
The Bulls came into the game mid-way through the first interval with Hudson-Odoi controlling a quick-throw and seeing a blocked shot fall to Ainsworth who tried his luck from 30 yards with a dipping half-volley but it fell over the crossbar. A neat turn from Ben Smith allowed the former Weymouth midfielder to play a pass through to Steve Guinan who shot first time, aiming for the top corner but Fielding plucked the ball out of the air. Smith then sent a half-volley just past the post after a Rose throw-in whilst Jackson ventured forward on the right and sent a cross into the area which Guinan struck goalwards but Fielding again made a straight-forward save. Jackman's good vision sent Constantine away on the left, but a last-ditch tackle from Jackson denied him whilst the former Leeds' striker cut in from the wing after a switch of play from Guttridge found him but he shot over.
The interval gave both teams time to re-group and try to grab that all important first goal and it was Northampton who did just that. Smith gave away a free-kick 25 yards out and Jackman showed an interest. The midfielder, who played in a similar work-man like fashion to David Perkins, struck a left-footed curler around the wall and just out of Murray's reach to open the scoring, much to the delight of the 387 away fans. Clint Easton's cross was touched down by Guinan to Smith who shot with his right-foot but Fielding didn't have to move as it went straight at the 'keeper. Easton then sliced a shot into the Meadow End after Toumani Diagouraga had held the ball up for him before the visitors doubled their lead. McGleish took a quick-throw and caused panic in the Bulls' back-line; Jackson's attempted clearence hit Karl Broadhurst and fell to Gilligan inside the box, who touched past Dean Beckwith before sliding past Murray and into the net.
Nick Chadwick replaced Hudson-Odoi, whilst minutes later, Matty Done and Williams followed with Easton and Guinan making way. Welshman Done curled a free-kick to the back post where Rose helped it back into the danger area and Broadhurst headed goalwards but was denied by a close-range save from Fielding. Reading loanee Nicholas Bignall came on for McGleish and nearly had an instant impact with a strong forward run but the finish didn't match it, trickling past the far-post. In the latter stages, Murray denied Bignall with an excellent reaction save after the young striker had poked goalwards following a scramble in the area. Walker's powerful runs down the right wing was a highlight of the visitor's play and the Sheffield United loanee nearly made it three with a cross that hit the bar. Giles Coke replaced Guttridge with a few minutes remaining before Chadwick's clever pass allowed Ainsworth to poke goalwards but Fielding again denied United.
Following the good win against Cheltenham last weekend, United have been bought back down to earth with two consecutive defeats. In truth, there isn't enough class up front for Hereford. Ainsworth was well-marked and looked tired towards the end of the game whilst Hudson-Odoi too often was out-muscled up top. Northampton looked tidy, with Jackman running the show in the middle of the park. Next up for United is a tough trip to Milton Keynes Dons, who had an excellent 3-0 victory at Walsall this afternoon.
Hereford: Murray, Jackson, Broadhurst, Beckwith, Rose, Ainsworth, Diagouraga, Smith, Easton, Guinan, Hudson-Odoi.
Subs: Samson, Taylor, Done, Chadwick, Williams.
Northampton: Fielding, Walker, Crowe, Hughes, Davis, Dolman, Guttridge, Jackman, Gilligan, Constantine, McGleish.
Subs: Dunn, Coke, Henderson, Holt, Bagnall.
The Bulls Are A Load Of Cobblers
The Bulls lost today's League One match with Northampton 2-0, and deserved little more.
While the Meadow End held their tongue, the Cobblers fans chanted 'You're not very good' - and they were right. Another reshuffled pack, with recent stand-out performer Kris Taylor dropped, produced the same nice passing with little end result.
The 387 travelling fans were equally bemused as the home supporters as, yet again, the Bulls were given offside from a throw in. The referee agreed this time it was a mistake, awarding a drop ball, but it was the only positive from a very poor display from the officials who were clearly unfit for League football.
The Bulls remain two places off the bottom of the table, but are now five points adrift of safety due to other results.
Full report later.
FSF concerned about Police Powers
The Football Supporters Federation (FSF) are concerned that powers given to the Police under section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 can be used against football supporters without justification. Last Saturday a group of Stock City supporters were prevented from watching their team play at Old Trafford after police escorted them out of a pub and put them on a coach back to Stoke.
Amanda Jacks, FSF portfolio holder for policing and stewarding, explains.
We were contacted on Monday by Lyndon Edwards a 38-year-old Stoke fan who'd travelled to their away game against Manchester Utd by mini bus, rather than train, having previously had poor experiences of policing at Piccadilly station. All of his group were members of the Stoke Away Membership scheme meaning they'd been vetted by the police. They knew of a good pub on the way Old Trafford so decided to have a couple of drinks there before the game.
Lyndon describes the behaviour of his fellow supporters in the pub as exemplary, boring even. Not a song being sung, just a group of ordinary, law abiding supporters wiling away the time before a long awaited kick off. He wasn't overly surprised or bothered when the police first made their appearance but the mood changed when it became clear that the police were about to put them all back to Stoke on a coach under the powers of Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.
Why? For no other reason than they were a large (if separate) group of predominantly male football supporters. Such was the attitude of the police that his female friend was distraught, so upset that Lyndon asked to see a senior officer to see if he could negotiate her leaving the pub rather than being forced on the coach. Eventually an inspector came to speak to Lyndon, showed no sympathy, he advised that the girl "should know better than to mix with Stoke scum." He then refused to give his name and Lyndon was unable take his number as it wasn't displayed on his shoulder. The girl was eventually able to leave but only after an officer from Stoke intervened.
It is to the great credit of the Stoke supporters that they did not react to this provocation, although even when a couple of fans did try to make the police see reason they were threatened with arrest for public order offences. Processing this many supporters takes time meaning that those who were escorted onto the coach first sat there for nearly two hours, requests to leave the coach to use toilet facilities were met with scorn, fans were told to get a cup off the driver and use that instead.
Lyndon, who is pursuing his complaint with the IPCC, says: "It was the worst policing I have ever experienced in all my years as a football supporter. I am absolutely incensed at the way my friends and I were treated. Not one of us in our group has ever been in trouble with the police for any type of offence.”
“We were treated like criminals and this issue needs to be as publicised as widely as possible to let all football supporters know about the danger of Section 27.”
The FSF fully support his views and our chair, Malcolm Clarke, has written to the police asking whether or not this was an appropriate use of Section 27, and asking him to clarify how officers are trained to use it. We await his response.
Far too many fans are poorly treated by police, and far too few challenge their actions. You may read this and think, what’s the problem? You’ve obviously never experienced it yourself then – draconian and arbitrary treatment of football fans is widespread and we’ve got the mailbag to prove it. If anything, we think it’s on the increase too. Don't just expect and accept this treatment otherwise it will get worse. We're always willing to fight your corner for you and would be pleased to help with any legitimate complaints out there.
Two Special Reasons to go to Edgar Street Today
Any supporter who is undecided whether to go to Edgar Street to watch Hereford United take on Northampton this afternoon might be persuaded because of two special reasons.
Firstly, there is the return of Lionel Ainsworth, probably Hereford United's best known winger since Paul Parry. Ainsworth is back with the Bulls for an initial month from Watford.
Secondly, Steve Niblett's new book goes on sale today at the club shop. The Whites Are Going Up is a 206 page celebration of Hereford United's two recent promotion seasons.
With the Bulls set back in the FA Cup in mid-week, manager Graham Turner has only one target left for this season that being to keep the club in League One. If his squad can play as well as they did against Cheltenham last Saturday then three points this afternoon is a distinct possibility.
For anyone unable to get to Edgar Street, Cobblers World, the Northampton site, is offering a four day trial which will include full commentary from the game for just 99 pence.
Otherwise there will be updates and text commentary on BBC Hereford and Worcester and BBC Sport respectively.
Finally a Hereford United supporter texted Five Live earlier this morning and had his/her message read out on air. In essence the texter wished to thank Watford for letting Lionel Ainsworth return to Hereford United. There are probably many more supporters who would agree.
Ainsworth will receive a warm welcome when he sets foot on the hallowed Edgar Street turf this afternoon.
Friday, November 21, 2008
News Round Up
Bristol Rovers have signed former Bulls trialist Richard Langley to a short term deal. The former QPR player has visited several clubs since being released in the summer. Cheltenham have loaned midfielder Scott Brown to Port Vale, with the Robins agreeing to release him in January. Southend have signed Fulham midfielder Robert Milson until the end of December. His only outing for the Cottagers this season was in the Carling Cup.
Chester have denied that the FA have forced them to pay up for the Paul Taylor transfer, but they have admitted having to still cover his wages until January as he remains on loan. MK Dons have signed Tore Andre Flo on a deal until the end of the season. York have sacked manager Colin Walker with the pre-season challengers languishing in 15th place in the Conference. Coach Eric Winstanley has also left with Neil Redfearn taking charge until an announcement on Monday.
University could help Bulls' Gates
The revelation in the Birmingham press earlier this week that Hereford may be in line for some university facilites could help stop gates falling at Edgar Street.
Whilst nothing is approved as yet it is reported that the Government has around £150 million to help build new universities across the country.
Locally, according to the reports, there could be new colleges in Sandwell, Dudley, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
One of the proposals is that Hereford could become part of Worcester University not unlike the University of Gloucestershire which also has facilities in nearby Cheltenham.
Herefordshire council is reported to be in talks with Worcester University.
In the long term provision of some, at least, university courses based in Hereford could help gates at Hereford United. Currently youngsters who may have watched the Bulls often have to stop when they go off to distant universities.
Cobblers manager expects difficult game
Cobblers manager Stuart Grey has previewed tomorrow's game between Hereford United and Northampton.
"It will be another difficult game at Hereford but we have got to start picking up some points on our travels," he told the Northampton OS.
"We were all obviously very disappointed after the game on Monday night. Defensive errors cost us against Leeds but I've said to the defenders that you have to learn from these games.
"Hereford had an excellent result against Cheltenham last weekend but like ourselves they got knocked out of the cup in the week I'm sure Graham Turner will want a response from his players like I do.
"They've got Matt Murray on loan from Wolves and he is a player I know very well from my time there. He is a very good goalkeeper and I rate him very highly. He has been very unlucky with injuries over the last few years and I'm sure if it hadn't been for those injuries he would have been involved in the England setup by now.
"Frank Fielding (on loan goalkeeper) played an hour for the under 21s on Tuesday night and I've spoken to Stuart Pearce who said he did very well. That will have given him a big lift but we now need to go to Hereford and give everyone a big lift."
Coach Travel to MK Dons
Next Tuesday evening Hereford United play at MK Dons. Both HUISA and the Funbus are takings bookings for those wishing to travel with them to the game.
HUISA's coach will leave Edgar Street at 3pm with a cost of £14 for non-members and £13 for members. Book before the game tomorrow in Legends or contact the club office on 0844 276 1939.
The Funbus has seats available at a cost of £14/£15 depending on numbers. They aim to leave Edgar Street at 3.15pm. A quick pub stop is planned provided they make good time.
Meanwhile Hereford United have tickets available for the game at MK Dons.
Prices:
Adults £17
Concessions £12
Juniors £7 (free if purchased with £17 adult ticket)
Please note Concessions are classed as those over 60 and Students - identification may be required.
Turner watched Northampton last Monday
Graham Turner had a good look at tomorrow's opponents last Monday when he watched Leeds defeat Northampton 5-2 in an FA Cup replay. On Tuesday the Bulls lost their Cup replay at Dagenham.
"They will be in the same boat as us. I'm sure their manager will have had a go at their players and try to sort one or two things out," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We're not the only ones with problems.
"We look at the league table and think that if we could just get three points then we would be out of that relegation zone.
"But it won't be easy - they've got some useful players, they've got some experience in there and we need another performance like we put on against Cheltenham.
"We need the discipline that we have been showing in some of the games recently and individually we have got to be performing right on top of our game.
"It's going to be a difficult one but we have got to be optimistic that we can pick up all three points and that would be a big boost to us when you look at the league table."
Later in the interview Turner spoke about injury problems at Edgar Street.
"I think it's probably been overlooked the problems we've had with injuries. We had five defenders missing against Cheltenham. Bruno's gone, Sam Oji, Robbie Threlfall, Richard Jackson and then Richard Rose going down ill. We've also had Moses Ashikodi missing for sometime.
"To add to that now we've got Sam Gwynne with a hamstring and Stephen O'Leary who needs a scan on his back. He's got a problem with his back so he's unlikely to be fit for the weekend.
"So we've got our problems with injuries right at the moment."
Turner hasn't given up on bringing more players in if need be.
"The players should be adapting to life at this level. If they don't - they'll be a few changes in January."
Northampton Predictions - Friday Reminder
This is a short reminder to remember to enter the Bulls News Prediction League for the Northampton game tomorrow afternoon.
To enter, please send in your final score and attendance predictions along with your username to bullsnewspredictions@hotmail.co.uk .
The deadline is 2.30pm tomorrow afternoon. I will also accept predictions for the MK Dons game on Tuesday evening.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
News Round Up
Stockport boss Jim Gannon wants seven subs in Football League matches to allow the club's youngsters to get more opportunities. Millwall have lost the services of on loan striker Jermaine Easter after he was recalled by Plymouth and then sent to Colchester until January. Yeovil will be without midfielder Darren Way for a month due to a groin injury. Their attempts to sign striker Luke Rodgers have been delayed as the player has flu.
Bournemouth boss Jimmy Quinn has been alerted to a 'drinking culture' at the club by a number of fans emailing him. He has vowed to investigate. Carlisle have signed Newcastle keeper Tim Krul to replace departed loanee Ben Alnwick. The Dutchman was a regular for Falkirk during the first half of last season while on loan there but has made only one start for the Magpies.
Brighton have extended the loan of ex-Bull Joe Anyinsah for a third and final month. MK Dons have confirmed that Tore Andre Flo is training with them, but they have not entered talks over a contract. Oldham boss John Sheridan has been banned for two matches and fined £500 over his sending off at Tranmere.
Cheltenham have sent transfer listed Craig Armstrong to Burton for two months, but Aaron Ledgister has rejected his pay-off offer and will remain with the club. They have also given goalkeeper coach Alan Fettis the role of chief scout. Grays have blamed a short-circuited bulb for the abandonment of their FA Cup match with Carlisle, but the Cumbrians are considering a formal complaint to the FA.
Murray's a big man to beat says Cobblers manager
Northampton Town manager Stuart Grey is well aware of Matt Murray, the Wolves keeper currently at Edgar Street as he worked with him at Molineux in 2004.
“Matt Murray’s a fantastic keeper. They won 3-0 last week but Matt made a lot of very good saves in that game to keep them in it," said Grey.
“He’s a huge presence in the penalty area and we know we’ve got a big man to beat when we do get through.
“Some players are just not blessed and he’s been so unfortunate with injuries. If he was clear of injuries, he’d be in the England set-up — that’s how good I think he is.”
Ainsworth returns to Edgar Street
Lionel Ainsworth has re-joined Hereford United on a one month's loan from Watford reports the Official Watford website.
The pacey winger has been at Edgar Street this afternoon finalising his initial one month loan move back to United. The winger is expected to go straight into the side for the match against Northampton Town this weekend.
Watford are unable to recall Ainsworth in the first 28 days of the deal.
Ainsworth moved to Watford from Hereford United on 22 November 2007. The transfer saw him sign initially on loan, with the transfer becoming permanent on 5 January 2008. The exact fee was undisclosed but part of the deal included the extension of Watford players Toumani Diagouraga and Theo Robinson loans to Hereford United until the end of the season. Hereford were also given first option of signing Diagouraga, which they utilised during the following close season. Ainsworth signed a two and a half year contract, keeping him with Championship side until the end of the 2009–10 season.
Ainsworth to return?
In today's edition of the Hereford Times, Sports Editor, Richard Prime reports that "The Bulls are hoping to have Lionel Ainsworth in their side after making an offer to bring the flying winger back to Edgar Street from Watford on loan."
Bulls News understands that the offer was made a couple of days ago and a positive response is expected.
In his four month spell at Edgar Street during season 2007/08, Ainsworth made a total of nineteen first team appearances scoring eight goals including hat-tricks against Yeovil and Stockport. However, his ability to provide a speedy outlet for a counter attack is what he is most remembered for.
If a swift conclusion to the negotiations and early announcement can be achieved it is certain to prove a boost to the dwindling gates at Edgar Street.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
News Round Up
Weymouth owner Malcolm Curtis offered to hand the club over to their Supporters Trust, but the Trust refused to take it as there were so many conditions attached that would have limited their ability to run the club. The Terras are losing £30,000 a month, and the Trust admit they would struggle to keep it out of Administration.
Carlisle have lost keeper Ben Alnwick after Spurs decided to keep the u-21 international as cover for their under fire stoppers. Exeter have vowed to ban eleven 'supporters' who were arrested for violence in Guildford prior to their match with Aldershot. Redditch fans will protest at the weekend about the proposed merger with Bromsgrove.
MK Dons are trying to sign Tore Andre Flo, according to Norwegian TV. The 35 year old still lives in London after his time at Chelsea with manager Roberto Di Matteo. Millwall boss Kenny Jackett is one of four people on Watford's shortlist according to the local press. Swindon caretaker boss Dave Byrne wants the job full-time. They will be interviewing candidates this week.
Tranmere have signed Doncaster midfielder Mark Wilson on a months loan. The former Man Utd trainee has played a handful of games for the Championship side this season. Crewe have signed former captain Kenny Lunt on loan from Sheff Weds. He hasn't played first team football since a previous loan spell at Gresty Road last season. Torquay's rise to the top of the Conference - fifteen games unbeaten - means they are the tenth side to top the table this season.
Millwall lost £6.1 million last season
Millwall Football Club lost £6.1 million pounds last season marginally worse than the previous season when they lost £5.1 million.
Millwall Holdings PLC Ltd report that the poor season especially the start lead to reduced matchday takings. Other extra costs included having to sign players to cover for a higher number than usual injuries.
The manager early in the year, Willie Donachie, was replaced by current manager Kenny Jackett. Costs involved with this change also contributed to the loss.
Whereas many clubs including Hereford United end their year in May, Millwall's year ends in June which coincides with the end of players contracts.
Preview: Bulls vs Northampton
The Bulls entertain Northampton Town on Saturday in a return to League One action.
Prior to the Bulls' relegation from the Football League the two sides had shared the same division for 16 of the previous 20 years. Most of those seasons were uneventful for both sides, but a certain Mr Brian Coddington entered the Bulls into the record books by sending four Bulls off - including player-boss Greg Downs - during a match in September 1992.
The match cost Mr Coddington his place on the League list of refs, but the Bulls still came back from a goal down to take an unlikely point thanks to Simon Brain.The last meeting between the two sides was a Football League Trophy match at Edgar Street in 2003. The Cobblers won on penalties after David Brown scored a late equaliser to deny them a normal time win, with future Bulls Glyn Thompson and Tom Smith watching the action from their bench.
The Bulls return to League action preferring to forget about Tuesday's surrender in the FA Cup. The all too familiar story of plenty of posession and no bite returned after the resolute performance that swept the Robins aside last Saturday. Graham Turner will have to have one eye on the looming loan deadline as he continues to try and shuffle his squad and, with Matt Murray intent on forcing his way back into the Wolves picture after his month, another goalkeeper will be on the shopping list even if it may not be the fans' first priority.
The Cobblers home form is the only thing keeping them as high up the table as they are. Away from home their only recorded League win was at bottom club Crewe, although they earned a creditable draw at Leicester between recent losses at Walsall and Swindon. Top scorer Adebayo Akinfenwa has eight goals in fifteen games this season, but hasn't played in a month due to injury. Veteran Scott McGleish will be the latest to try and fill the gap after ex-Bull Karl Hawley's return to parent club Preston.
Hereford United vs Northampton Town, Edgar Street, Saturday 22nd November, 3.00pm.
Just three more games for Murray?
Matt Murray will play just three more games for the Bulls unless his loan spell is extended.
Murray, who is spending part of his week at Molineux and part at Edgar Street, has been talking to the Official Wolves website about his hopes to keep goal for Wolves but realises that there are already two excellent keepers in front of him.
"I'm at Hereford until December 6 when my loan spell is up and after that, who knows?" said Murray.
"If I do get my chance, I've made sure I've trained well, done what I've done at Hereford and in reserve games so that I'm 'on-blob' and can take it.
"It's going to be very hard to get in through Wayne or Carl losing form. You never know - it could be an injury, suspension illness, who knows? I just need to be ready to take it when I can.
"I wouldn't want to get in the team like that, I just want to come back from Hereford knowing if I'm called upon, I'm ready."
Langford set to referee on Saturday
Not for the first time this season a newly promoted young referee has been appointed to take charge of a game at Edgar Street. Oliver Langford will referee Saturday's match beteen Hereford United and Northampton Town.
28 year old Langford is in his first season as a National list referee, after three seasons as an assistant. He started refereeing in 1995 at age of 15 in the Midlands progressing through the Midland Combination and Midland Football Association leagues. He was part of the PGMO team that refereed in the Dallas Cup 2008.
To date Langford hasn't red carded any player this season but has given out 18 yellows in 11 games.
Updated Wilderness Years Book Available
Hereford United's well known trio of writers have been busy at their typewriters, or more likely computers, adding a couple of extra chapters to their book Hereford United - The Wilderness Years.
Ron Parrott, Richard Prime and John Williamson have, in effect, produced a second version of their book which now includes the last two seasons as well as all those years in the Conference.
All the seasons from 1997 to 2008 are covered with facts, figures and photographs from each campaign finishing with promotion to League One.
Hereford United: The Wilderness Years...And More is published by Desert Island Books and priced at £11.99.
The most nerve-wracking game of my career - Murray
Matt Murray has admitted that getting through last Saturday's game for Hereford United was the most nerve-wracking game of his career.
"The mental battle is huge and that’s why Saturday’s game for Hereford was so big – that was harder than making my debut because it was the third time I’ve come back from a long lay-off," Murray told the Express and Star.
"You think ‘will my knee hold out? How will I do? And, if I don’t do it at Hereford in League One, then what’s going to happen?’
"It was about getting through the game – everything else was a bonus because it’s been so long since I’ve played.
"I still feel I’ve got a lot to prove. That’s why Saturday was a big psychological thing for me and I need to push on.
"It’s all about getting rid of the fears. I spoke to my psychologist last Friday because I do have those fears. Things come into your mind and you need the words to keep them out and stay positive.
"I was in a happy place last Saturday but that’s the thing about football – you can be high one moment and low the next and I’ve got to try to stay level-headed."
Murray would love to play regularily for Wolves but appreciates he has to take one step at a time.
"My first target is to play one game for Wolves."
Meanwhile Murray has also been quoted by the Birmingham Mail. In their article the goalkeeper thanks Graham Turner for taking a risk with him.
"It was just nice to hear that dressing room banter again after training all week.
"It’s just great having that buzz on a Saturday and playing for points in a game that has something riding on it.
"To come through unscathed after 90 minutes was the most important thing, everything else was a bonus.
"There were a few bits of my game that weren’t as good as I’d like it to be but I took a few crosses and I felt I had an impact on the game.
"I just wanted to go out and play first-team football again.
"It’s Hereford who have taken a risk, because I haven’t played any football for 18 months. The last game I played was Leicester City away.
"I’m grateful for Hereford taking a chance with me. They’ve shown faith in me and I want to repay them for that.
"Everyone was really friendly. Obviously I read all that stuff in the press about Darren Randolph, who was also on loan to Hereford, walking out on them, but that was up to him.
"You keep wondering, how will my knee hold up and if I don’t do well for Hereford in League One, what would the future hold for me at 27?
"But the knee was fine and now it’s just about getting sharp again."
Northampton look for Hawley Replacement
Northampton Town are looking to bring a extra player to replace Karl Hawley in before their game against Hereford United next Saturday.
Hawley, who played for a short spell for the Bulls several seasons ago, has returned to Preston where he is currently based.
"I'll definitely be looking to bring someone in on loan before we play at Hereford on Saturday," said manager Stuart Gray.
It rumoured that player might be Gabor Gyepes, who was sold to Cardiff City in August. Gyepes is on the fringe of the first team squad at Ninian Park.
Meanwhile Northampton's on loan keeper Frank Fielding came on as a sub in England's Under 21 game against the Czech Republic last night.
News Round Up
A 42 year old Kettering man has been arrested and bailed over the racial abuse allegations from their match with Lincoln. Yeovil expect Luke Rodgers to agree a deal today after finalising a deal with Port Vale. They will pay his full wages over the course of the loan deal before a permanent deal in January.
Port Vale lost £383,738 over the course of last season despite selling striker Akpo Sodje for £250,000. Total debt is now £3.9million, and another loss is expected this season. Grays' match with Carlisle last night was abandoned after 20 minutes due to floodlight failure. It is the second time in a week that the lights have gone out on a game hosted by Grays, with a Setanta Shield match last week failing to start after the power went. Carlisle will provide free travel to the re-arranged game.
Ex-Bull Chris Weale has been stopped from going on loan to Rotherham as Bristol City would not be able to recall him unless both their other keepers were injured. Swindon will find out in the New Year if Bath rugby club will be sharing with them while they complete a two year refurbishment of their own ground. The Robins plan to add corporate boxes to the ground if the share is confirmed.
Torquay have announced that defender Chris Todd is battling Leukaemia. He was diagnosed after a blood test earlier in the week as doctors tried to find out why he was taking so long to recover from a stomach injury received in September. Peterboro striker Liam Hatch, on loan at Darlington, did not break his neck as first feared in last night's match, while keeper Joe Lewis, stretchered off during England's u-21 match, only suffered heavy bruising to his ankle. The Posh have signed Gillingham midfielder Andrew Crofts on loan with a view to a permanent January deal.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
We deserved to lose said Trewick
Hereford United coach John Trewick didn't mince his words in his post match interview with Steve Miller.
"Over the ninety minutes we didn't deserve anything than the defeat that we got," Trewick told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
The defeat last night cost the Bulls £20,000 and on top of that around 45% of the recepits from a round two tie at the Walkers Stadium which might have been worth anything up £70,000 or £80,000.
"It's not only the financial side but the fact that we could have gone to Leicester against a good side and put on a decent show hopefully and possibly progress to the third round, who knows," commented Trewick.
Match Stats from Dagenham
A depressing night in London for the Bulls saw the home side gain 47% of possession and the visitors 53%. But as in any game it was what they did with that possession that mattered.
Shots on Target: Bulls 2 Daggers 5
Shots off Target: Bulls 4 Daggers 6
Corners: Bulls 6 Daggers 8
Fouls: Bulls 5 Daggers 10
Attendance: 1409 with 140 in the away end who were very quiet for much of the game. Probably no more than 50 travelled from the Herefordshire area.
Bookings: Karl Broadhurst - yellow for unsporting behaviour.
Performance: All the Hereford United players were given either a five or a six. In truth that was a fair reflection of their game where no one in particular stood out.
Referee Darren Deadman: Little to mention of note except when the Bulls manager appeared to be told off by Deadman after questioning one of his decisions which not only baffled Turner but many other Hereford United supporters as well.
Bulls out-battled at Dagenham
A Hereford team that, apart from Samson replacing Murray in goal, was the same starting squad that had defeated Cheltenham was dumped out of the FA Cup in this evening's replay at The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium by a 2-1 final score line.
The opening skirmishes provided little goalmouth action but it was clear from the off that The Daggers were the more determined outfit as they were quicker to close down and showed a hunger for round 2 that was missing from The Bulls play. Fans may have been excused for thinking that we were playing a team of bosom pals rather than fighting for progression in the oldest Cup competition in the world. A couple of early efforts from Sam Saunders whistled passed Samson's goalposts before Guinan headed a Kris Taylor cross narrowly wide. The Daggers took the lead on seventeen minutes when Saunders swung in a cross from the right, which was met by a thumping header from Paul Benson who had risen well above the United rearguard. Shortly afterwards, Sam Gwynne released Andy Williams but his sharp effort was turned away by the aging Roberts in the Dagenham goal. The resulting corner saw a Beckwith header scrambled clear. The second and decisive Daggers goal came just after the half-hour mark when a poor defensive header from Broadhurst fell invitingly at the feet of Solomon Taiwo who volleyed in a once in a lifetime shot that hit the net before Samson could even blink. If he plays for another century, I doubt Taiwo will ever hit another like that one. Things were not looking good at this stage. However, within a couple of minutes The Bulls had reduced the arrears when Kris Taylor's speculative 20-yarder found the far corner of the Daggers goal following neat work by Ben Smith. Although the hosts continued to look the sharper, Hereford did have an opportunity to level the contest when, on forty minutes, Guinan flashed a header just wide when well placed. Just before half time, Turner was seen to give referee Deadman a piece of his mind following a few unpenalised robust challenges.
HT Daggers 2 Bulls 1
The second period followed in similar fashion to the first with the home side again seeming to pick up most of the second ball and generally looking the more purposeful although when a Kris Taylor cross was only half cleared, Easton saw his snap-shot blocked and cleared while Samson did well to get down to Strevens header following a Saunders corner. Strevens, the rumoured Bulls close season target, then rolled off Broadhurst and fired a shot, which Samson, again, did well to turn away for an unproductive corner. With twenty-five minutes left on the clock, Turner made a couple of uncharacteristic early changes. Richard Rose joined the fray at right-back allowing Diagouraga to revert to his more customary role in midfield at the expense of O'Leary who, it has to be said, had been having one of his less effective games. At the same time, Hudson-Odoi replaced Andy Williams. In a rare breakaway, Guinan got between the two centre backs to fire a fine effort from the edge of the box but Roberts was well positioned to parry the ball to safety. Simon Johnson replaced Sam Gwynne on the right with around fifteen minutes remaining but was easily controlled by the Daggers wide defender. He produced very little by way of threat and didn't once get behind the home back-four.
FT Daggers 2 Bulls 1
In truth, we never looked like winning this game. In fact, some might say we never looked like wanting to win it. It would be extremely difficult to pick a player from either team who really impressed and it makes you wonder why the vivacious Darren Ferguson bothered to travel from the Bank vaults of Peterborough to watch the game. I did ask him but he mumbled something about just taking in a football match. Maybe I should have hung around to ask Mr Deadman how the hell you can be offside from a throw-in? No, seriously...
Dagenham & Redbridge: Roberts, Foster, Okuonghae, Arber, Foster, Ritchie, Taiwo, Gain, Saunders, Benson, Strevens. Subs: Hogan, Nurse, Southam, Graham, Nwokeji, Uddin, Tejan.Sie
Hereford United: Samson, Diagouraga, Beckwith, Broadhurst, Taylor, Gwynne, O'Leary, Smith, Easton, Williams, Guinan. Subs: Breen, Hudson-Odoi, Rose, Johnson, Jones, Chadwick, MacLeod, Done
Did anyone catch the attendance, because I didn’t although the thought of playing a load of Cobblers next does have a certain irony to it.
Bulls Sliced By Daggers
The Bulls have been dumped out of the FA Cup by Dagenham after a 2-1 loss in tonight's match.
A Paul Benson header and Solomon Taiwo's 25 yarder gave the Daggers a 2-0 lead. Kris Taylor pulled one back quickly but that was it for goals for the 1,409 attending, with the 140 Bulls fans going home disappointed.
Full report later.