Bulls News

HEREFORD United fans are to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of that Newcastle victory on February 5th, and a local charity will benefit.

A very special copy of the `guaranteed to raise a smile anthem', `Hereford United (We Love You)' is being auctioned off after a signing by Ricky George.

"It's 30 years old and we're going to sing happy birthday to it," said Danny Lee, who sung the song. he told the Hereford Times: "They said on the radio a few weeks ago that `Hereford United' is the most sung song in the county. It makes me laugh when you think of `God Save the Queen' and Beatles songs that it's up there."

It was recorded at Rockfield Studios in 1972 with the Dave Stewart band. The charity auction will be held at Broadleys Inn, Ross Road in Hereford on Friday at 8pm. Danny is donating all proceeds to St Michael's Hospice. To raise extra money on the night Danny will challenge punters to match his unique trick of downing a pint of beer while resting another on his head.

HEREFORD United will be eager to avoid any embarresment when Hampton & Richmond Borough visit Edgar Street next Saturday in the fourth round of the FA Trophy.

The game is undoubtedly Hampton's biggest of the season whilst Hereford are 14/1 tips for the Trophy, their final chance of silverware this season. Surrey Sports quote Hampton at 80/1 shots.

The London side lie fourth from bottom of the Ryman Premier League averaging exactly one point per game, whilst Hereford are just inside the bottom half of the Nationwide Conference. Hampton's league form of late has been variable, they beat Newport County 2-0 in the last round of the Trophy and overcame Yeading 3-1 in the League Cup third round on January 15th. Hereford's recent record is more impressive - they haven't lost since December 8th when they exited the FA Cup 3-2 at Swindon Town and last lost a league match on December 1st when Barnet were 2-0 victors at Underhill.

On hearing of the trip to Hereford in the Trophy fourth round draw, Hampton chairman Vic Searle told the Richmond Guardian: "I'm pleased with the draw and I think, at this level, we can beat anyone on our day. We are good enough and I always fancied us to do well in this competition."

The Beavers have never travelled played at Edgar Street or travelled so far in the Trophy, either in terms of rounds or geography. However, they reached the first round of the FA Cup last season before losing 2-1 to Barnet at Underhill after leading for a long period.

Hampton have a pair of safe hands at the back in the shape of Stuart McKenzie. The thirty six year old 'keeper won the Ryman League with Farnborough last year before joining the Beavers. The former Welsh youth international Matt Flitter and ex-West Ham youngster Steve Omonua are likely to start in defence. Craig Maskell is Hampton's star striker. The thirty three year old attacker moved from Leyton Orient in 1999 after spells with Huddersfield Town, Reading, Swindon Town and Brighton & Hove Albion. He also played in the Premiership with Southampton, and scored twenty seven times last season making him the league's top scorer. Maskell is player/coach at the Beveree Stadium, and has scored fourteen league goals already this season, making him joint-third highest scorer in the division with a certain Robbie Reinelt, who is now with Braintree.

Hereford coach Phil Robinson is expecting a tough tie, as he told the Hereford Times: "Hampton are a direct side with two very tall central midfield players and it will be a tricky match for us."

The Bulls have forward Gavin Williams back after a one-match suspension and Tony James (groin) and Scott Goodwin (bruised foot) should be fit, despite missing training earlier this week. Scott Voice (groin) has been referred to a specialist, while United have signed Kington Town's Jon Hill and Roy Jordan on non-contract forms.

In the event of a draw, the replay will take place at the Beveree Stadium, Hampton, on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

HEREFORDSHIRE Council Leader Terry James has revealed in today's Hereford Times that he hopes to meet new backers of Hereford United within the next three weeks.

He has already spoken to individuals and will hold further discussions with them soon. The club owe over £1 million to property developers Chelverton which should be repaid on May 19th 2003.

The news came after yesterday's HU-FC.co.uk release of letters that saw an end to negotiations between Councillor James and Chelverton's Simon Morgan. Morgan confirmed that Chelverton were not prepared to write off the £1 million investment which had saved United from extinction.

Morgan told the Hereford Times: "We have started the new year with problems. I have been told that there are parties interested in investing in the football club but we don't know their identity and we ourselves have not been contacted. If they are out there, I would appeal for them to come forward."

Councillor James commented: "Nothing is going to happen overnight. Chelverton may wish to hang on and see if the council is going to change its mind over the use of the football ground. But we are very unlikely to change our views."

Chelverton intend to make representations during the UDP process and hope to argue their case at a subsequent inquiry.