Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Home Against Farsley Celtic On Saturday March 23rd Kick-Off 3.00pm

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Police Warn Troublemakers

The Police have warned potential troublemakers ahead of the Leeds FA Cup match.

A heavy Police presence will be outside the ground and in the city centre, both before and after the game, with a spokesman telling the Hereford Journal: "The match is a ticket only affair for both sides and we would strongly encourage those without a ticket not to travel to Hereford as they will not be able to gain entry to the football ground.

"We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, as it not only spoils things for the genuine supporters also local residents and the general public in the city centre."

Meanwhile, a steady queue was seen at the club for most of the day. Season ticket holders could purchase their tickets from noon, and can also purchase all day tomorrow.


Sportsman's Dinner night before Leeds Game

The annual Hereford United Sportsman's Dinner will take place at the Three Counties Hotel on Thursday November 8th, the evening before the Leeds Cup match.

The guest speaker will be Paul Fletcher MBE who was, until recently, chief executive of Coventry City. Fletcher is a former Bolton and Burnley striker.

Also on the bill is comedian Jeff Alvey.

To book tickets, which cost £35, contact Hereford United on 01432 276666


Bassett to assist Wise

Dave Bassett is to become assistant manager at Leeds according to the Yorkshire Post. He is expected to takes Dennis Wise's in the dug-out at Edgar Street next Fridat week.

Bassett has been close to Wise for some years.

'The 63-year-old former Wimbledon manager, who also spent eight years in charge of Sheffield United, and was in charge at Barnsley for 84 games at the turn of the century, has been a long-term mentor to United boss Wise,' says the paper.

'He led him as a player at Wimbledon and Leicester, and Wise has turned to Bassett for advice during his managerial career having worked together as joint-caretaker managers of Southampton in 2005'.


Cup Income will help avoid Salary Cap at Hereford

The six figure extra income Hereford United should receive from the FA Cup game against Leeds United will help the Bulls avoid any possible salary cap problems this season.

In essence clubs are not allowed to spend more than a certain percentage of their turnover on players wages. With attendances at Edgar Street so far this season below expectations, the extra revenue from the Cup game will be most welcome.

Assuming a gate of 7,000, the gate revenue from this game will be around £90,000. Whilst this has to be shared with Leeds after reasonable costs, Hereford should bank around £40,000. A full house of around 7,700 would be even better.

Added to that figure of £40,000 will be programme sales, extra shop sales (assuming the club promotes the shop adequately), and of course the spin-off by giving vouchers for supporters to use for Cup tickets at this coming Saturday's game. Another £10,000 could be banked from these sources.

With Hereford receiving £75,000 from Sky, the total extra income could be as much as £125,000. Against that will be some extra expenses, possibly including the cost of a few police in the ground and extra stewards, but these extra expenses may not be more than £10,000. Stewards are usually paid £30 per game. So a net income of £115,000 is possible from this cup-tie.

£115,000 is equivalent to about an extra £5,000 income for every home League game or about 500 supporters.

Graham Turner recently said that his players are being paid higher wages than last year. The extra income from the Cup game should ensure Hereford United doesn't have to worry unduly about exceeding the salary cap this season.

And a replay, should it be needed, at Elland Road would be the icing on the cake.


Quakers To Continue Spending

Darlington will carry on squad rebuilding in the January transfer window despite a heavy turnover of players already in 2007.

Seventeen players have joined the club on a permanent basis during the year, with eighteen leaving permanently. The club have also signed four loan players during October, with one departing on loan.

Speaking to the local press, manager Dave Penney said the rebuilding was not finished: "We're pleased with the players we have brought in, they have all had an impact so we're happy with the way it is going. But there'll be more additions and people leaving in the January window as we try and get to where we want to get to.

"It won't be a mass changeover like we had in the summer. We've got the basis of a good squad but any chance you get you try to improve your squad."

Penney's one year reign at the club has seen the club win 21 of 50 games so far, with 15 losses. They sit third in the table but have drawn six games from 13 this season. They hold the best defensive record in the division, conceding just five goals, but have often struggled for goals.


Halifax Avoid Closure

Halifax Town have avoided a winding up order, after they paid an outstanding £100,000 tax bill.

The Conference club, whose fortunes have been on a downward spiral since losing the Conference play-off to the Bulls in May 2006, are believed to have been bailed out by the consortium of Yorkshire businessmen who are scheduled to buy the club. An official statement on the club website only confirmed the withdrawal of the petition by the Inland Revenue.

The club received a much needed boost last night by winning their FA Cup replay with Evesham 2-1, receiving £10,000 in the process and securing a home tie against Burton.


Announcement expected over Watford Two

Speculation that the two players from Watford currently on loan at Hereford United will be able to play in the FA Cup game against Leeds United gathers pace.

Youngsters Theo Robinson and Toumani Diagouraga have played a crucial part in Hereford United's successful start to the season and both featured in the Carling Cup games against Yeovil and Birmingham City in August.

They are on loan at Edgar Street until the end of December and no doubt if agreement can be reached Graham Turner would like to keep them longer.

Currently Watford are six points ahead of second placed Bristol City in the Championship. They have a squad of 37 players including the youngsters on loan with Hereford.

Update: In his weekly interview with Jamie Griffiths, on the Official Website, Graham Turner stated that Watford have not yet clarified whether the youngsters can play.

Turner also confirmed that the capacity of the ground is about 7,700. Season tickets holders could take just over 2,000 tickets should they take up the offer, membership supporters are around 400. Leeds will take 2,000, leaving 3,300 places for those with vouchers fron Saturday's home game with Darlington and others.


Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Imps Appoint Jackson

Lincoln have named Peter Jackson as their new manager on an 18 month contract.

The Huddersfield legend, 46, takes over a side without a win in 10 league matches that have yeilded just three points. They slipped into the relegation spots at the weekend after a loss at Brentford.

Jackson left Huddersfield in March after taking them into League One. He was a player for 150 games at the club and managed them, in two seperate spells over the last 10 years, for nearly 300 games but has not managed anyone else. He was one of the victorious managers during the Imps' successive play-off failures.


Wise could start a fight in an empty house - Sir Alex

Dennis Wise, who will grace Edgar Street in less than a week, has seldom been out of the headlines during his footballing career and not always for the best of reasons but his managerial success at Leeds United to date this season was bringing him many compliments until he had words with a referee at a recent game.

Wise had a varied career on the field. Born in 1966, he started at Southampton but fell out with manager Lawrie McMenemy and then moved to Wimbledon. From there Wise was sold to Chelsea in 1990 for a fee of £1.6M.

He spent eleven years at Stamford Bridge. In that time he made 445 appearances and was part of a team that won various cups and competitions including two FA Cups. In 2001 he was sold to Leicester for £1.6M.

During this time Wise didn't always show the best of behaviour. In 1995 he was convicted of assaulting a taxi driver and in 1999 he was accused of biting a RCD Mallorca player.

Sir Alex Ferguson once remarked that Wise 'could start a fight in an empty house'.

His behaviour whilst at Leicester wasn't much better and he was sacked by the club in September 2002 after fracturing team-mate Callum Davidson's jaw with a punch on a pre-season tour of Finland, while Davidson slept.

He moved to Milwall, some said a natural home for him, and became player-manager. He had a notable success whilst at the Den when Milwall reached the final of the FA Cup in 2004. He moved onto Southampton and then Coventry before being appointed manager of Swindon Town in May 2006.

Again although he had some good results he didn't stay long as he was tapped up by Ken Bates in the following September and joined Leeds. A more unlikely pair could hardly be envisaged.

Although Leeds were relegated to League One at the end of the last campaign, Bates kept his faith in Wise and as the current season progresses Leeds United are on track for promotion.

In a Guardian article last week it was said that Wise had 'matured considerably' since moving to Leeds.

"I knew the financial side of the club wasn't great and the dressing room wasn't great. But Leeds is a massive club and there was my relationship with Ken Bates; we're very close."


Bulls Make Loan Signing

The Bulls have signed teenage defender Robbie Threlfall, pic from Anfield Banter, on a months loan from Liverpool.

The 18 year old defender is an England u-19 international, and can play on the left side or central defence and can also operate as a winger. His only first team experience so far has come in friendly matches.

With Karl Broadhurst and Dean Beckwith out for the weekend, and Trent McLenahan also expected to miss games next month, a loan signing was expected. It is not yet know whether Threlfall, or indeed the Watford loan pair of Toumani Diagouraga and Theo Robinson, will be available to play in the FA Cup match with Leeds.

Below is a short profile from Liverpool Official Website:

Left-back Robbie Threlfall graduated to Melwood ahead of the 2006-07 season. The Scouser, who can also play centre-back and left-wing, has yet to make his senior competitive debut, though he did feature in the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong in July 2007.

His young career has already been packed with drama having taken part in Liverpool's successive FA Youth Cup triumphs.

Threlfall was at the centre of events when the Reds retained the trophy following a memorable victory over Man Utd in 2007.

After scoring an OG in the first leg, the defender bagged the only goal in the return at Old Trafford - thus setting up a dramatic penalty shoot-out. He duly converted his own spot kick and was voted Liverpoolfc.tv's man of the match.

The youngster has also represented England Under-19s.


TV Tim Sills in Woevil Show

With the understandable hype about the forthcoming Sky coverage of The Bulls clash with Leeds, some may have overlooked the fact that the BBC have chosen the Sunday game between ex-Bull Tim Sills' Torquay and Yeovil for their own shot at capturing a giant killing. Sills has netted ten goals during this season's 17 games for the Gulls but may find a League 1 defence not so generous. On the other hand, if Motson is in attendance, we could be listening to "Sills...now Forbes has gone down for Yeovil...Sills again...oh, what a goal! Sills the scorer, Tim Sills! And the seagulls are invading the beach!" Well, maybe not.


Russell to ref Darlington

Mick Russell from Hertfordshire is to referee the weekend's League Two encounter between Hereford United and Darlington. Russell has been a regular referee in the Football League, varying between all three leagues. His last game was last Wednesday, as Bristol City beat Southampton. He sent off Saints midfielder Yousseff Safri late on in the game.

To date this season during 13 games he has given out 32 yellow and 3 red cards.

The last time, and only time, Russell has reffed a Bulls encounter was at Swindon last season when a Andy Williams double sealed a fine away win for United.


Shrews Boss Denies Crisis

Shrewsbury boss Gary Peters has denied that there is a crisis at the New Meadow, after the club collected just three points from the last 21.

Their last win came six weeks ago against a then struggling Accrington, who were reduced to ten men just after half time. Since that game they've earned points against Wycombe, Bury, and bottom club Mansfield who played the second half with just ten men.

"It's not a crisis, it's a run of bad results and it will get better" he told the Shropshire Star: "I'm as positive as I have ever been. Pressure is what you make it and I don't worry about that sort of thing because nobody puts more pressure on me than I do.

"Nobody can break my spirit or the players spirit. They are young players and they are getting better and better - it’s just a case of getting the confidence back into them. If there was a doubt in my mind that I was the right person for the job, I wouldn’t be doing it.

"We have had two years and 11 months of going forward and one month of bad results. It's funny because my dad has always said to me from the time I came into football that October has always been a bad month for me as a player or manager. Thankfully, we haven't got to play another game (this month)."


Penney Glad For Wright Rest

Darlington boss Dave Penney is glad striker Tommy Wright sat out last weekend's game against Chesterfield.

The 23 year old top scorer looked jaded, according to Penney, against Bradford the previous week and needed a break. A suspension for five yellow cards gave the seven goal striker an enforced break on Saturday.

Penney told the local press: "After the Bradford game I said it was probably time that he had a rest anyway, because he was as poor as the rest of the centre-forwards in the Bradford match. After 12 or 13 games it was perfect for him to have a rest because he looked a bit jaded. Hopefully, after the rest on Saturday he'll come back ready for Hereford."

Penney was not happy about the performance on Saturday as they failed to score for the second game running: "We didn't hold the ball up on Saturday and it's glaring. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that because it's happened in the last couple of games. We've worked on it but we've got to be braver and stronger than we have been."


News Round Up

Bradford have lost the services of loan keeper Rhys Evans after he damaged a shoulder in Saturday's draw with Grimsby. He has returned to Blackpool, and the Bantams will look for a replacement. Grimsby have issued a 'hands-off' warning to Peterboro over full back Tom Newey. The 24 year old is under contract until the summer of 2009.

Chesterfield have extended the loan of Felix Bastians from Nottm Forest for a second month. The German played five times for the club in his first month. Mansfield chairman James Derry has assured fans the takeover will be completed after further delays in finalising paperwork. Derry and a consortium of local businessmen will buy the club for £500,000.

Chester will recall transfer listed loan duo Ashley Westwood and Dean Bennett if their current clubs do not agree permanent deals soon. Westwood is at Port Vale but has struggled for first team opportunities. Bennett is at Kidderminster, who are struggling to break-even on current gates. Chester need to reduce their wage bill in order to bring new faces in. Ex-Bull Neil Mackenzie was named in this week's League Two Team of the Week.


BEST Tickets Update

Members of BEST, the exiled supporters club, should have received an email from organiser Chris Jones about ticketing arrangements organised between BEST and the club for it's members for the Leeds FA Cup match.

BEST membership costs £15, with £10 going to the club for their membership scheme, and was created to help exiled fans get tickets for such an occasion. Chris Jones can be contacted at zebemach@ukonline.co.uk if you have not received instructions.


Wise looks for a Number Two

His best mate, so called, has left him. He's banned from the touchline. He's in line for manager of the month. And he got to come to Hereford.

Another episode in the life of Leeds manager Dennis Wise is unfolding.

Two names have emerged as a possible assistant to Wise at Leeds United - Dave Bassett and Italy Under-21 coach Gianfranco Zola.

According to the Yorkshire Post if 'Poyet's successor not have been found by the time the touchline suspension begins on Friday, November 9 when Leeds face Hereford in the FA Cup first round it will leave just goalkeeping coach Andy Beasley and Joe Allon in the dugout'.

Bassett appears to be the current favourite.

"Knowing Dennis as I do, he will be thinking very carefully about what to do next. He is not the type to rush into a decision like this," commented Bassett.

"Losing Gus will be a blow because they were good mates. Most managerial duos are people who know each other very well and have a strong bond.

"But I am sure Dennis will be even more determined to push on. He had a difficult time last season, but, like when I was at Sheffield United in 1988, sometimes you have to take a step back to go two forward.

"Relegation hurt Dennis, but he has got Leeds flying now and it is great to see things going so well for him."


Fleetwood gets Welsh Call

Former Hereford United striker, now finding the net consistantly with Forest Green Rovers, has been picked for the new Welsh under 23 squad which plays Italy next month. The squad is managed by Tony Pennock, another former Bull.

The newly launched International Challenge Tournament which is run over two seasons is specifically for Semi Professional Under 23 players (as of 1st January 2007) and Wales will face England and Finland as well as their tough first assignment against the Italians on November 14th in Varese near Milan, whose team will be made up of the best youngsters in the Serie C League.


Busy Edgar Street November.

The Big Red Team Coach will be largely redundant during the coming month as four of the five scheduled games are at home. Only a trip to Edgeley Park, Stockport will take The Bulls away from The Street.

First up is the visit on Saturday of Darlington, which is certainly an interesting fixture with the return of 06/07 player of the year Rob Purdie. In a recent interview for the Darlo "Vital" site, Purdie named just three of the present Quakers side in his greatest played with team. "I don't think anyone will know any of them because it would have been in my time in the conference when we had a season finishing with 91 points, 103 goals and finished 2nd only to lose in the play-offs! Out of the team this season though Fozzie, Jockey and Tommy would stand a good chance of making it which means I have a chance of playing in midfield so I'm happy!" The Bulls take on Darlington this coming Saturday the 3rd November when vouchers for the Leeds game will be available.

Next up is Mansfield on the following Tuesday 6th November evening. This, of course, is the day after Guy Fawkes Night and fans will be looking forward to a few late fireworks from the strike force. The Stags have had a poor start to the campaign and currently sit just two places off the bottom of the League despite earning a creditable point against the might of our Slopshire village team neighbours on Saturday. Bulls' boss, Graham Turner, will be hopeful that the squad can come though this fixture with a clean bill of health before the small matter of a "Sky" FA Cup game on the Friday evening.

Fallen and, some might say, disgraced former Premiership outfit Leeds United are the opponents on Friday 9th November for a 19.45 kick-off in the First Round of the worlds' oldest cup competition. A full house and a traditional Edgar Street Cup-Tie atmosphere await Dennis Wise and his team. Like him or not, the results he has extracted from this season's activities have to be admired. However, given Turners reaction to Exeter's financial problems a few years ago it is unlikely that he will be offering to chip in to help pay his Leeds counterpart's outstanding tax bill! This promises to be a real cracker of a game.

The Hatters of Stockport host The Bulls on Saturday 17th November when memories of our "return to The League" game last year will be recalled. Another 2-0 win would do very nicely thank you.

Finally, apart from any possible Cup replays, we have the first of this seasons' tussles with the football purist that is John Coleman when his whippet chasing pack of Old Accrigonians visit Estadio Edgar on November 24th. We eagerly await the eloquence of both their fans pre-match banter and Coleman's after-match excuses (it'll be the Refs fault).

Plenty of mouth-watering entertainment on tap with little by way of travelling expense for the Hereford faithful....bring it on (to quote young Trewick).


Monday, October 29, 2007

Broadhurst suspension confirmed

The FA has confirmed that Hereford United captain Karl Broadhurst will serve a one match suspension for gaining five yellow cards to date this season.

The suspension is dated for Saturday November 3rd - the day of the Darlington game.

Meanwhile no Hereford United player has made last weekend's League Two Team of the Week.

Finally Leeds manager Dennis Wise has been nominated for League One Manager of the Month for October. He won the award in both August and September.


Can the Bulls do it again?

It's now 35 years since Hereford United defeated Newcastle United in the FA Cup but the tie against Leeds United next Friday week is bound to bring back memories of that famous game in 1972.

Here's a reminder from www.hu-fc.co.uk:

The story that shocked the football world on February 5th, 1972 came from Edgar Street, Hereford, in the FA Cup third round replay...

Southern League side Hereford United, one of the biggest teams in non-league football, had progressed to the third round of the FA Cup and had held first division Newcastle United several days earlier at St. James' Park to a 2-2 draw. Hereford were pleased to bring the former league champions back to Edgar Street for another crack, but surely had no chance of winning.

Malcolm McDonald, the England international striker and one of Newcastle's best ever players, promised to score ten goals past Hereford but the Bulls, managed by Colin Addison, had other ideas

Perhaps McDonald was a little optimistic, but with eight minutes left he netted the first and it looked as if Hereford were going out after a good fight at Edgar Street. Cue a substitution!

Roger Griffiths was replaced by the attacking-minded Ricky George minutes before Ronnie Radford, a midfielder not renowned for scoring goals, unleashed a thirty yard screamer out of the mud to equalise in the most spectacular fashion.

The goal eventually was voted 'goal of the season' by viewers of BBC's Match Of The Day, and Hereford went into extra time.

Surely, the part-timers of Hereford United would tire? True, they were but substitute Ricky George had fresh legs.

It was George who scored to put Hereford into the lead in extra time from close range, and Newcastle searched for a desperate equaliser. It was not to be found, as Fred Potter in the home goal saved everything Newcastle could throw at them. Hereford had secured the biggest FA Cup upset ever, 2-1 over Newcastle United.

The season was one of sweet success for Hereford reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup (eventually losing in a replay to West Ham United), the semi final of the FA Trophy (losing to Hillingdon Borough), and finishing second in the Southern League. The Football League member clubs voted the Bulls into Division Four after a second vote at the expense of Cumbrian side Barrow.

Photos: Everyone celebrates after the Ronnie Radford goal (top).

The Hereford players celebrate in style after the game (left).

Ricky George's winner goes in (above, left).

Thanks to Nigel Hill for the images.


"Marching Together..."

Simon Wright looks at Leeds United:

I last saw the Yorkshire outfit at Elland Road at the back end of January. It was a sad, frustrated place so different from my numerous previous visits. The 20,000 crowd seemed inadequate for a 40,000 capacity ground and yet given the circumstances of a club rife with internal division, the turn-out was genuinely impressive. Ken Bates is hugely unpopular for a variety of reasons, not least his attempt to despoil the powerful, long running and supportive LU Supporters Club. He was also widely blamed for ludicrous admission prices (£35 main stand anyone?) which even he finally realised wasn't working and amended. Manager Dennis Wise with his Chelsea background was also a strange choice. The squad was disjointed, overlarge … and often overpaid.

Ultimately, United were relegated despite their late rally and enormous passionate support. Somehow, Bates hung onto the club despite massive opposition and then came the final whammy of a 15 points deduction.

Logically, this appeared to be the final straw to guarantee another miserable year. In fact, this season has proved the opposite. With an "us against the world" mentality club and supporters stood together, pushing their differences to one side and the outcome is remarkable. The Millwall (or more recently, the Milton Keynes Franchise) "No one likes us, we don't care." spirit. With that kind of unity, belief and results United supporters are probably having more fun that they've had for many a year. Maybe they understand for the first time that it's possible to get great pleasure from the Beautiful Game without being in the top flight.

Much has been written over the years about the behaviour of Leeds United supporters. It is mainly exaggerated. There are certain clubs (primarily Millwall, Cardiff, Chelsea and Man United) that will always draw out the city's resident nutter element. That's normal everywhere unfortunately. Think Cardiff at Edgar Street. But for the rest, there really isn't any problem. I've had no problems with Leeds supporters since the early 1980's. They are normal supporters with only one head and two legs. Before it was bulldozed, I was regularly invited into the United Social Club. I've had a ground guide tour and travelled to Elland Road twice as guest of honour at the Supporters Club annual dinner. I've sold Albion fanzines outside the home end with a very positive response. It's a big ground that I enjoy visiting – and there aren't that many where I can say that any more.

Frankly, Hereford Police aren't used to big matches and regularly go over the top – remember the stupid kick-off time last season for Wrexham and most laughably Port Vale? Not to mention the groups of Police standing around doing nothing between ground and town for the first dozen League matches. I can honestly say I've seen fewer Police at some Premier League games. It becomes a vicious circle - idle Police seizing on any trivial incident to relieve the tedium / justify their existence, leading to above average arrest figures, leading to more Police etc.
The kick-off undoubtedly will be altered and let's cross our fingers that the TV companies take it game because that is seriously big money for the Bulls – far more than ground receipts. Leeds will fill the away end. They always travel in numbers and this is a novelty for them as it is us. Let's just enjoy the moment – if we can. I thinking particularly of Chris Jones of Talking Bull – being a Hereford United and Leeds United supporter - who has a problem to thrash out…


£75,000 For Coverage

The FA have confirmed that the Bulls will receive £75,000 for Sky's live coverage of the match with Leeds United.

In previous seasons, the BBC have paid more than Sky for coverage of individual games. However all payouts now come from the FA's "Broadcast Fund" which pays each televised First Round club £75,000, regardless of channel or whether they are the home or away club.

The £75,000 fee is also applicable for the Second Round, but doubles for the Third and Fourth Rounds.

The game is a potential goldmine for the club, with a full house expected at Edgar Street. The Bulls' share of the gate receipts could be worth up to £30,000 and a replay at Elland Road could see the 'luck of the draw' earn the club an unexpected total of £250,000.


Preview: Bulls vs Darlington

Darlington travel to Herefordshire on Saturday looking to record their first win at Edgar Street in ten years.

That last win came in the League Two play-offs in May 1996, when a Dean Smith goal was not enough as the Quakers went away with a 2-1 first leg advantage. Since then they've only travelled to Edgar Street twice, securing 1-1 draws in both matches. Last season a Tamika Mkandawire goal cancelled out a first half effort from Alun Armstrong at Edgar Street before Darlington gained a 1-0 win in the return fixture in March.

Both sides have seen major squad changes since that game. Only four of the team that the Quakers fielded played in Saturday's draw with Chesterfield, while the Bulls have only six of the 14 still at the club. Rob Purdie, who rejected a new deal at Edgar Street, is likely to play at Edgar Street for the first time in someone else's colours - not in the midfield role he prefers but the full back role he was pushed into so many times for the Bulls.

Darlington have started brightly, with promotion the only aim for the expensively assembled squad. They lie 3rd in the table, with 24 points, but have not scored in their last two games against Chesterfield and Bradford. Their solitary goal conceded away from home cost them their only away loss so far at MK Dons. They have scored as many goals as the Bulls, 20 in 13 games, but as the Bulls have scored the majority away from home the Quakers have scored most of their goals at home leaving the game looking like a low scoring affair.

Top scorer is Tommy Wright, with seven goals. He missed the weekend match with Chesterfield but returns after suspension to face the Bulls. Former Premiership starlet Julian Joachim has again struggled for goals, bagging just two goals so far after a paltry seven last season.

Hereford United vs Darlington, Edgar Street, Saturday 3rd November, 3.00pm.


Details of Tickets for Cup Game

Hereford United are pleased to announce ticket details for United's forthcoming FA Cup First Round game against League One side, Leeds United.

The above game is all ticket for both sets of supporters. Outlined below are ticket arrangements for home supporters. Leeds Supporters should contact Leeds United for details.

SEATS
ADULTS £20.00
CONCESSIONS £10.00

TERRACE
ADULTS £15.00
CONCESSIONS £8.00

Tickets for season ticket holders will go on sale Wednesday 12 noon enabling them to purchase a maximum of 2 tickets per book. Tickets will be held until Friday 4pm for season ticket holders. Voucher B will be removed from season ticket books.

Membership cardholders can obtain their ticket from Friday 9am until Saturday 2.30pm. One ticket per card.

The Darlington game will be vouchered, people with vouchers can obtain tickets from Saturday evening 5pm at the ticket office on the car park. There will be no credit card facilities available. Only one ticket per voucher.

From Monday lunchtime all remaining tickets will go on general sale.

Supporters have ample opportunity to buy tickets at our next two home matches, therefore no postal, telephone, or e-mail orders will be accepted.

Leeds United have been allocated in the region of 2,000 tickets.

UPDATE: Please note the whole of the Blackfriars End is Leeds United supporters only for this game.

(This article is a edited copy from the Hereford United Official Website)


Wise is suspended for Hereford Cup Game

Leeds United manager Dennis Wise has been suspended for three games and will have to sit in the stands when Leeds play Hereford United at Edgar Street a week next Friday.

Wise's suspension comes after the FA found him gulity of using abusive and/or insulting words to referee Danny McDermid who was in charge of a recent game against Gillingham.

Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol were sent off in that game and Wise was said to have had words with the referee.

This from the FA site:

Dennis Wise, Leeds United AFC
Gillingham FC v Leeds United AFC
Football League 1, 29 September 2007
Admitted breach of FA Rule E3 - use of abusive and/or insulting words

Result: Charge proved. Fined £5,000 and two match touchline ban, plus suspended one match touchline ban (imposed on 5th April 2007) commencing Friday 9 November.


FA Cup Match Live On Sky

The Bulls' FA Cup match with Leeds United has been named as the live game by Sky, the club have confirmed.

The game will now take place on November 9th, with kick off at 7.45pm. The game will also be all ticket, with details on sales to be announced later. The club may take the opportunity, with two home games in the preceeding week, to operate a voucher system for the game once season ticket holders have taken their tickets.


News Round Up

Peterboro have identified three more targets in their bid to buy anything that moves. Grimsby full back Tom Newey, Lincoln midfielder Lee Frecklington and Chelmsford winger Ricky Holmes have all been named by boss Darren Ferguson as players that interest him.

Halifax have signed ex-Chester frontman Graham Branch on a month to month contract. The 29 year old ex-Everton player has been without a club since leaving the Deva 12 months ago. Ex-Bull Jimmy Quinn has denied he is in the running for the Port Vale job, adding that he had received an approach from Gillingham as well.

MK Dons have loaned midfielder Mustapha Carayol to Crawley for a month. The Gambian joined the Dons from Swindon in the summer, but has failed to make an impression at the club. Northwich have had their application for Administration delayed as further talks are to be held.

Wycombe have loaned Jack Obersteller to Grays for a month. The full back joined the Chairboys from Millwall in the summer but is yet to break into the first team. Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy has been charged with improper conduct by the FA following their match at Rotherham last weekend.


Leeds lose Poyet to Spurs

It has been confirmed that Guy Poyet has left Leeds and joined Spurs.

Poyet has been assistant manager to Denis Wise for the past twelve months.


Turner admits gamble didn't pay off

Graham Turner has admitted that his gamble to continue with ten men whilst Trent McClenahan was having treatment for a head wound didn't pay off.

McClenahan had to leave the field for several minutes at Peterborough last Saturday. In that time Posh scored their only goal of the game.

"Peterborough provided a stiff test but we came through it well," said Turner as reported by Sky.

"It was a cruel blow to concede when we were down to 10 men. I got the message back that Trent was being stitched-up by the doctor and decided to gamble, but unfortunately it didn't pay off.

"However, we rallied well to come back level courtesy of a very good strike.

"We always try to avoid suffering back-to-back defeats and we have managed to do it again."


Westwood Enjoys Benjamin Battle

Speaking to the official Peterboro site, defender Chris Westwood said he enjoyed the battle he had on Saturday with Trevor Benjamin:

"Trevor is strong and powerful and uses his body to his advantage, but you have to deal with it and I felt we dealt with it quite well. He didn't score and neither did the other front man, so we are reasonably pleased, it was just disappointing to concede in the manner we did.

"We had got ourselves into a good position, but we didn't really start in the second period. It was just one of those days and at the end of the day sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition and I thought Hereford were a good side.

"Hereford lost a few players last season and I was quite surprised with the way they played. I didn't expect them to be up there, but they have brought some decent players in and they are full of pace. We were not at our best, but we kept the unbeaten run going."


Mouth-watering prospect says Trewick

Hereford United coach John Trewick has given his initial thoughts about the FA Cup visit of Leeds United to Edgar Street.

"That would be the icing on the cake financially. I can't see a more attractive draw, no matter who draws each other in this round of the cup," said Trewick as reported in the Worcester News.

"Obviously, in the first round for us we would be looking for an easier draw but it's a mouth-watering prospect and let's bring it on.

"We are playing well ourselves at the moment but Leeds are having a very good season themselves so it's a good one for the fans to look forward to.

"Whatever the ground holds, I would be surprised if we haven't got close to capacity for the game.

"It's a fantastic prospect and who knows, we could go and beat them. Giant-killing acts are the lifeblood of the FA Cup."


Sunday, October 28, 2007

There's Money for the Highlights

Even if the Hereford United/Leeds United FA Cup Round One tie isn't shown live from Edgar Street, there's money for the highlights.

Both BBC and Sky have the right at this stage of the competition to show one live game for which each club will receive £75,000.

However should either choose to show the highlights both clubs will receive a payment of £13,000.

Whilst it is highly unlikely that Five Live will cover the game, the fee payable for a full match commentary is £9,000.

Details of which matches will be covered are expected later tomorrow. Sky have confirmed that they will broadcast a game on the Friday evening, November 9th. The BBC is thought likely to feature a game on the following Sunday afternoon.


Broadhurst will miss the Darlington game

Despite reports elsewhere that Hereford United could agree to play Ledbury Town in the HFA Cup on Tuesday so as to get around Karl Broadhurt's one match suspension, this can't happen.

The rules pertaining to suspensions were changed last season.

Any player suspended has to miss the revelent number of first team games. The list of competitions that apply does not include county cup games.

This hasn't always been the case as Graham Turner used a County Cup Final early one August several seasons ago to use up a game for a suspended player.

Broadhurt received his fifth yellow card yesterday. No other Hereford player has more than three yellow cards at present.

During the period of a suspension a player only receives his basic wage which will have been previously notified to the FA.

The question of using the HFA Cup games to work off suspensions was raised at a fans forum in August 2004. GT's answer was a bit tongue in cheek, but he made it clear that the FA were wise to the dodge of hastily arranged county cup games, so we had to be careful.


Trewick pleased with a point

More reaction from yesterday's game between Peterborough and Hereford.

Bulls' coach John Trewick spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I thought we controlled the second half for a long long period and deservedly got our goal. I'm pleased for Clint (Easton) who is working hard for us.

"There were one or two other little situations where we might just have nicked a win.

"Against a good side - yes we've got to be pleased with an away point."

Meanwhile Hereford United's Youth Team went one better than the seniors yesterday.

They defeated Northampton Town 3-1, after going a goal down, in the Youth Alliance Cup.

The Bulls goals came from two corners late in the first half and a third in the second half. Scorers were Gareth Thomas, Jamie Cuthbertson and Craig Jones.

The Hereford side were described as 'a better and hungrier team'. This was their second win from five starts in the competition.

The date has been announced by Basingstoke for the FA Youth Cup first round game against Hereford United. It will take place at the Camrose on Tuesday November 6th with a 7.30pm start.

The Senior Side have a home game against Mansfield at Edgar Street that evening.

Finally Colin Williams from the Youth Team has told Bulls News that this week they have had a lad over on trial from Ireland. This came about from a contact with former coach Richard O'Kelly. However he is not quite upto the standard required and will return to Ireland tomorrow.

The Youth Team often have lads writing for trial games usually from the London Area for some reason and this happened this week when a lad came down from the smoke and stayed with relatives in Leominster. He has been asked to visit Hereford again at Chritmas. If he is taken on it would be through the Hereford College of Technology Education programme which is where the Youth academy is now based.


Saturday, October 27, 2007

Strong Police Presence expected at Cup Game

A strong police presence is expected at Edgar Street when Leeds United meet Hereford in the FA Cup game which is due to take place on, or about, November 10th.

Leeds supporters haven't got the best of reputations and were involved in trouble with Millwall fans this afternoon when the two teams met at Elland Road.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post police officers on horseback charged at Leeds fans waiting outside Elland Road as three double decker buses filled with Millwall supporters pulled up at around 2.15pm.

Windows and doors on the buses were put through by yobs on board as they tried to goad watching Leeds fans into confrontation.

As the trouble flared a line of police held back a mob of around 200 chanting Leeds fans a short distance down Elland Road while a police helicopter hovered overhead.

There were further disturbances after the game as police tried to force Leeds fans a safe distance from the ground while Millwall supporters were held inside.

Officers on horseback and others with dogs and armed with truncheons spent around 40 minutes clearing the area around Elland Road.

At one point clashes between cops and United yobs trying to stand their ground could be seen breaking out in the local McDonalds car park.

Once order had been restored Millwall fans were let out of the stadium onto a number of double decker buses and driven away under heavy police escort at about 5.55pm.


Ferguson disappointed with draw

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson was disappointed with today's draw against Hereford United.

"They (Hereford United) are a good team, probably one of the better teams we've played. I knew that - they played the way Graham's teams alway play. They get it down and knock the ball about as we do," Ferguson told BBC Cambridgeshire.

"Obviously one nil up at half time and then another ridiculously soft goal we conceded. We expect to win our home matches but to be fair we've come up against a good team.

"Our aspirations are for automatic promotion."

Meanwhile Graham Turner admitted in his press conference that he would have taken a draw before the game. He also said that Richard Rose may partner John McCombe in the heart of defence next Saturday against Darlington as both Beckwith and Broadhurst are out.


Farmer Bates may fear a Field of Bulls

For a first round FA Cup-tie it doesn't get much better. Leeds United, a team whose rightful home is probably in the Premiership, coming to Edgar Street. If this tie doesn't wet the appetite of the supporters what will?

It's the Tie of the Round and so there has to be a reasonable chance it could be broadcast by either Sky or the BBC.

The League One side, whose chairman Ken Bates used to be a farmer, defeated Arsenal in the 1972 Cup Final - the very same year that the Bulls made football history when they beat Newcastle United in the Cup.

The game will be the first time ever the two teams have met.

All the details for the tie will be announced next week, but it is likely to be all ticket as Edgar Street's capacity is now under 8,000. Season ticker holders are expected to be given first chance to secure their seats.

Whether Hereford United will put the prices up for this game remains to be seen, but the club has the chance to make some money from this tie which is needs especially after manager Graham Turner revealed that his players wage costs had risen this season.


Who will Partner McCombe?

It is often two out of three central defenders are unable to play in a game, but that will be the case next Saturday when Hereford United play Darlington.

Dean Beckwith will miss the game with his jaw injury and captain Karl Broadhurst will miss the game after picking up his fifth yellow card this afternoon at Peterborough. Richard Rose may join John McCombe in the heart of defence next Saturday assuming manger Graham Turner who has hinted at a possible loan signing doesn't find anyone more suitable.

Broadhurst was penalised for a rash challenge and after last weeks red card for Steve Guinan, some supporters were fearing the worst. Also booked were Webb, McCombe and Robinson.

The game itself was a entertaining clash with Posh probably shading the first period and Hereford the second. Possession wise the Bulls were given 55% and Posh 45%.

However Posh had more goal attempts with five on target as opposed to only two for the Bulls.

Clint Easton was awarded an eight for his performance. McCombe, who had another sound game in the heart of defence, Brown, Diagouraga and Taylor all received a seven. Peterborough's Newton also received an eight.

As in previous encounters against the Bulls Aaron Mclean was given quite a lot of justified abuse by Hereford Supporters. He went down, supposedly injured, on numberous occasions only to very quickly return.

After the match several Posh fans spoke or texted Radio Cambridge with their views on the encounter. Few were happy. There were calls for manager Darren Ferguson to go and for various players to move on. And all because Posh had dropped a point.

One spoke about the return of Trevor Benjamin, who didn't have the best of games, to London Road. Suffice it to say it wasn't very complimentary.

The attendance at the game was 5,008 with 285 from Hereford.

With MK Dons losing at home and several results drawn, the Bulls stay in sixth place just six points below the leaders.

1 Milton Keynes Dons 13 14 28
2 Chester 13 9 25
3 Darlington 13 15 24
4 Chesterfield 13 10 23
5 Barnet 13 7 23
6 Hereford 13 8 22
7 Peterborough 13 6 22
8 Rotherham 13 4 21
9 Wycombe 13 4 21


Easton Equaliser Gains Posh Point

A second half Clint Easton, pictured pre-season, equaliser sealed an away point for Hereford at pre-season favourites Peterborough. Posh had taken the lead in the first half when Craig Mackail-Smith tapped in from close range, but Easton's fine finish meant the points were shared, with both sides level in the league.

As expected, Trevor Benjamin returned to London Road to face his former employers. There was one other chance in the line-up, perhaps surprisingly, Lionel Ainsworth was dropped to the bench, with Luke Webb replacing him on the right hand side. The home side named last season's League Two player of the year, Dean Keates in midfield, whilst names known to Bulls fans from the Conference days, George Boyd, Aaron Mclean and Mackail-Smith all started.

A free-kick from the left hand side resulted in John McCombe flicking a header wide, whilst the tricky Boyd caused problems at the other end, and smashed a shot into the body of Wayne Brown. Mclean also threatened, meeting a Keates free-kick from the by-line but putting it over. Set-pieces were the main source of chances in the game, with Easton putting a wicked ball which elluded everyone but narrowly went past the post. A sliced clearence from Chris Westwood deflected past the post after good work down the left wing by Easton. A snap-shot from Robinson after a corner also gave the Peterborough defence cause for concern, but goalkeeper Mark Tyler was more than equal to it.

A fine burst in the middle of the park from Boyd, allowed him to find Mclean on the wing. The former Grays striker cut in, and crossed low for strike partner Mckail-Smith, but his effort was blocked and then smashed clear. Once again, a free-kick threatened the Posh goal, with Webb taking charge of duties. He swung the ball in, and Tyler mis-judged. The ball looked to be heading in, but Tyler managed to push the ball out for a corner. The earlier chance for Mckail-Smith should have acted as a warning for United, as the striker pounced to put the home side in front. The Bulls were down to 10 men, with Trent McClenahan off the field receiving treatment for a head injury, and Hereford were punished. Newton picked up a pass on the right wing, and a poorly timed tackled by the otherwise impressive Kris Taylor allowed the winger to cut in, and cross for an easy tap-in for Mckail-Smith.

Despite Webb picking up a booking, and having a tough time up against Jamie Day at left back, Graham Turner opted to keep it the same after the interval, with Ainsworth remaining on the bench for the time being. An early chance fell to Benjamin, meeting Easton's cross, but putting his header wide. Easton also crossed for captain Karl Broadhurst, but again, the header was wide of Tyler's post. Former Walsall stars Keates and Westwood combined, with the latter heading a corner over. Quick-thinking from a throw-in resulted in Charlie Lee smashing a shot over the bar, before Ainsworth was introduced in place of Webb. Good hold-up play from Benjamin resulted in Ben Smith driving a shot wide, whilst Mclean headed over at the far post from yet another Keates set-piece.

Peterborough will look back at the game, and point out their missed opportunities which seemed to have cost them the three points. Mckail-Smith was one of the guilty party. Despite his goal, he failed to find the net after some fine build up play put him in on goal but Brown closed him down and made a fine save to deny him. Rene Howe then replaced Mckail-Smith, and within minutes, Hereford were back on level terms. A long punt by Brown caused problems, as Posh failed to clear, and Easton won the ball from Newton on the left hand side. The winger produced a fine finish from an acute angle on the edge of the box, to beat Tyler in the far corner and level terms. Posh looked for a response, with both Chris Whelpdale and Gavin Strachan introduced late on, in place of Newton and Keates, but they rarely threatened. They did though very late on, with a quick throw-in, allowing Mclean to pace down to the by line and provide a low cross for Boyd, but the former Stevenage attacker could only fire over from all of three yards, after some good pressure from McClenahan.

The point keeps both sides level in the table, with United lying sixth currently. Watched by 5008, Peterborough looked a good outfit, with some tricky individual players, but Hereford stood tall against them, and deserved the point. In particular, the back-line impressed, with good performances from both McCombe and Broadhurst. The latter however will miss next week's encounter with Darlington, after picking up his fifth booking of the season.

Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, McCombe, Broadhurst, Taylor, Webb, Diagouraga, Smith, Easton, Benjamin, Robinson.

Subs: Ingham, Rose, Ainsworth, Gwynne, Johnson.

Peterborough: Tyler, Gnapka, Morgan, Westwood, Day, Newton, Keates, Lee, Boyd, Mclean, Mckail-Smith.

Subs: Jalal, Branston, Whelpdale, Strachan, Howe.


Bulls Get Leeds Cup Test

The Bulls will meet Leeds United in the First Round of the FA Cup following today's draw.

A £16,000 prize awaits the winners of the tie, to be played in the week of November 10th. The game, however, is likely to be subject to Police intervention and a lunchtime kick off is probable with a large away following to be expected.

It will be a first match between the two sides, having never faced each other in a competitive match. Leeds are the only unbeaten side in the Football League, and would be 11 points clear at the top of League One if they had not been docked 15 points before the season started.


Bulls Get London Road Point

The Bulls gained a point in today's League Two match against Peterboro with a 1-1 draw.

Craig Mackail-Smith opened the scoring just before half time before Clint Easton's low drive equalised for the Bulls in the middle of the second half. The result gives the Bulls' 22 points, remaining in 6th place in the table.

Full report later.


Friday, October 26, 2007

Plans taking shape for Edgar Street

Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, has been speaking about how he sees progress towards the redevelopment of Edgar Street.

He had a meeting last week with most of those involved with the proposed work including the Richardsons and seemed pleased with the outcome.

"In terms of what comes on the site - hotels, retail - we've got a clearer picture of what we can do," said Turner in an interview on the Official Website.

Turner has asked his architect to get together with the Richardsons architect to come up with some plans.

"It is up to the Richardsons to attract the businesses - hotel, hotel group which one it is going to be and how we can do it.

"What we have to make sure is that it is football facilities first and developer second. That's why we have employed the services of a football architect."


Bulls get Number 20 Ball

Hereford United have been given ball number 20 in tomorrow's FA Cup Draw which takes place shortly after 5pm.

Trevor Brooking will be joined by John Hollins and Paul Parker when the draw is made on BBC One.

Should Hereford progress to Round Two they will be £16,000 better off and even more if the game is televised.


News Round Up

Shrewsbury have announced that they will sign current loanee Jimmy Ryan on a permanent deal from Liverpool in January. The youngster has only played four times for the club in two months on loan. Wrexham will be without defender Danny Williams for three months as he requires back surgery.

Lincoln could be the destination of ex-Stevenage man Mark Stimson, after Gillingham were apparently put off by the compensation fee demanded by his former employers. Stimson has expressed an interest in the Sincil Bank post. Former Exeter boss Alex Inglethorpe will assist Clive Allen for Tottenham's weekend fixture as they await a new boss.

Peterboro have denied that they have received an approach from Bury for midfielder Peter Gain. The Shakers' Director of Football, Keith Alexander, worked with Gain at both London Road and Lincoln. Macclesfield have released defender Dave Morley after the player agreed to cancel his contract. Morley played over 100 times, including starting the last three games, since arriving at the club in 2005.


Ferguson Praises Turner

Speaking to PeterboroughToday ahead of tommorow's clash, Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has praised Graham Turner, one of his former managers.

"He has done a fantastic job at Hereford and it is certain to be a difficult game" commented Ferguson. Yet, the former Wrexham midfielder is confident of gaining a result. "Our form and our results at London Road have been good lately and we need to make sure that continues. We are unbeaten in six games and a good win tomorrow would cap an excellent month."

"Graham's teams always get the ball down and play football - and I don't expect Hereford to be any different this season.

Ferguson then went on to talk about one of his former players, Trevor Benjamin, who is set to return to London Road tommorow. "Trevor never gave me any problems and it will be nice to welcome him back. Sometimes a player just needs a fresh start in a different environment and I hope he continues to have a good season - after having a nightmare tomorrow of course!"

Darren, the son of football legend Sir Alex Ferguson, talked about how he has been pleased with the start to the season, despite not living fully up to their early pre-season expectations of title favourites. "We are doing fine as far as I am concerned and victory tomorrow would continue a nice run."



Preece sacked at Worcester

Overnight it has emerged that Andy Preece has been sacked by near-neighbours Worcester City. Just four wins in thirteen games so far this season haven't helped. Last Tuesday they were defeated 5-0 at Hucknall Town.

Preece, who joined City from Carlisle United in February 2005, led City to 7th, 8th and 9th place finishes in Blue Square North.

"The board of directors would like to thank Andy for all his hard work, effort and enthusiasm. We would like to wish Andy and his family all the best for the future," said chairman Dave Boddy.

"We are hopeful of appointing a caretaker over the weekend and should make an announcement by Monday."


Thursday, October 25, 2007

Hereford's Directors took Decision to Speculate

It has emerged that the Board at Hereford United took the decision several months ago that if the club was to advance it had to speculate to accumulate. This is the reason, said manager Graham Turner, that the club has invested in a higher standard of players.

"We've invested a lot more heavily in wages this season, so the quality of the player [reflects this]," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"You look through the backgrounds of some of the players in the side; people like Clint Easton, Karl Broadhurst and one or two others in there - they are a far more experienced squad of players than we had in the past."

The confirmation that the Bulls are spending more on wages this season means that the club needs all the income it can pull in to balance the books and probably, for example, explains Turner's understandable reluctance, at present, to invest in a better youth set-up at the club.

Meanwhile Turner appears confident going into this weekend's game at Peterborough.

"Peterborough now and then Darlington, they pose two real challenges for us and we've got every confidence in what we can do," he commented.

"If we play the game we can live with the good sides up there. If we do perform well we can cause anybody problems."


Turner Relishes Big Spender Test

Graham Turner has spoken to BBC Hereford and Worcester ahead of Saturday's match.

With the club's level on points, Turner believes the Bulls can match their big spending rivals: "We've got every confidence we can do it, we can live with the good sides and we can cause anybody problems. It's a test, it's a challenge, that's what we throw out to the players.

"They can go out and sign, by our standards, almost anybody they want. These big money spenders, let's go and show them we can live with them, and that's what the aim has got to be on Saturday."

The bookies are less confident of a positive result for the Bulls at London Road, with The Posh 10/11 favourites and the Bulls 10/3. The draw is 12/5. The Bulls are not expected to be big scorers in the game with Trevor Benjamin only an 8/1 shot, along with the 'no goalscorer' bet, to get the first goal. Four Posh players are ahead of him in the list including ex-non league trio Aaron McLean, Craig Mackail-Smith, and George Boyd.


Johnson stays until November 9th

Simon Johnson is staying at Edgar Street until November 9th according to the Hereford Times.

The paper suggests that Johnson could stay longer especially if he is given a chance to impress during the absence of Steve Guinan.

Meanwhile Graham Turner has spoken about Guinan's red card which Turner felt initially was harsh.

"The referee's report indicated serious foul play. I can't quite see where he got a high tackle from which was in the description. It's a heavy price to pay for a silly bit of action," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

Finally coaches for Peterborough on Saturday are filling with just one seat remaining, as at 4pm, with HUMADS.

HUMADS also say that Malvernian tours, who supply their coaches, will have a new 76 seater double deck euro ski bus in November. In it there are 26 luxury facing seats round tables downstairs and 50 reclining seats upstairs, toilets, DVD screens, digital radio service and piped heating.


News Round Up

Shrewsbury have signed Darlington winger Neil Wainwright on a months loan with a view to a permanent deal. He was the Quakers' player of the year last season, but has had limited first team chances this term under Dave Penney. Notts County have launched 'Charlie' season tickets. The heavily discounted tickets are to encourage fans back to support popular new manager Ian 'Charlie' McParland.

Brentford have signed Luton full back Lewis Emanuel on a months loan. He is the fifth loan player at the club already this season. Grimsby chairman John Fenty has refused to fire boss Alan Buckley, despite the club being just two points off the relegation spots and without a point from the last four games.

Bury Director of Football Keith Alexander has ruled himself out of the running for his old job at Lincoln. Ex-Port Vale man Martin Foyle was amongst the spectators at Sincil Bank at the weekend and has publically declared his interest in the job. Chester have won an employment tribunal brought by former assistant boss Mark Aizlewood. The former Welsh international left the club in 2005 after a poor season with Ian Rush in charge, but failed to convince the panel he was unfairly dismissed.

Northwich's Supporters Club and Supporters Trust have both been offered seats on the reformed board of the club by the prospective new owners, a local consortium. The two supporters groups are on opposite sides of the current chairman Mike Connett. In the four years since assuming control of the club, Exeter's Supporters Trust has ploughed £750,000 into the club according to their latest reports.

Kidderminster have cut prices for their 'must win' FA Cup qualifier at home to Vauxhall Motors. Harriers are currently losing money on their low home gates, and need a cup run to balance the books.


Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Young Bulls to play Basingstoke in FA Cup

Hereford United's Youth team will play Basingstoke Town away in the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup.

This evening Basingstoke defeated Milton 1-0 in the FA Youth Cup 3rd Qualifying Round. It will be the first time Basingstoke have ever progressed as far as the first round.

No date for the tie has been announced but it may take place on November 10th.


No Posts on Confguide Today

When Hereford United was in the Conference many supporters regularily looked at, and several posted on, Confguide. And until recently a few still posted on there.

However a new forum has appeared at www.conferenceforum.co.uk and all the posters appear to have jumped ship (or forum).

This evening Confguide is off the web. Whether this is temporary or permanent remains to be seen. Reportedly no one had posted on there today.

Confguide was originally set up by 'Hoagy', a Yeovil supporter, and became a much loved forum. It was sold to TeamTalk but hasn't had as much support in recent months.


Tactical Intrigue Awaits Bulls' Management

If there is one thing that marks the difference between life in the Conference and that of League 2, it's the extra tactical awareness that is required both on the pitch and in front of the dugouts. So long as they have players with discipline who can carry out instructions, coaches in League 2 seem more likely to change game plans during a match than they do in lower leagues. There can be little doubt that this seasons clutch of players hold the edge over the previous incumbents. It was interesting to see Paul Ince viewing the game from a seat high in the Stand last weekend to give himself a better perspective of the game and presumably to send carrier pigeons with instructions to the bench.

Saturday's Peterborough encounter is showing signs of being a real battle of wits with Posh Boss Darren Ferguson (no doubt with the unpredictable Barry Fry bending his ear) regularly changing his selection, tactics and formation. Last week, for example, saw Ferguson drop Craig Mackail-Smith to accommodate a 3-5-2 formation. Our own Turner/Trewick combination have this season proved to be a match for most but will certainly need to be on their toes on Saturday. The few occasions when the Bulls have struggled for control have come when opposition teams have had numerical advantage in midfield. However, the Hereford back four have looked solid this year even without the absent Dean Beckwith so it may be unlikely that Turner will want to tinker with that part of the set-up. With the FA so far ruling out 12 a side games, a five man midfield may see us deploying a lone striker certainly in the early stages of the game. Clear favourite for that role would be "Big" Trevor Benjamin who will be busting to make an impression on his return to London Road but where will the extra midfielder come from? It could signal a return for Rosey to his preferred left-back position and a move to midfield for Kris Taylor. On the other hand, Turner could stick to the same system that he used against The Dongs with Benji coming in for the suspended Guinan. The comforting thing about all this is that if the Bulls' fans don't know, the Posh management won't have a clue either!


Baker's return to Hereford

Matt Baker returned to Hereford last weekend and in his latest MK Dons article he comments on the familiar surroundings.

"I think I know why our SAS troops are the best fighting force in the world," wrote Baker, who used to keep goal for the Bulls.

"It's not the extreme training that they go through or the fact that they use live ammunition during training exercises. It's not the amazing mental strength they must possess or the fact that they adopt that British mentality of just getting on with the job in the most horrific condition imaginable.

"It's the fact that about 500 yards down the road from their base, on the outskirts of Hereford, they have the most amazing Chinese restaurant in the land!

"I know several of the boys have plundered their menu after a long tour away and because it's only 300 yards from where I used to live when I was a Hereford United player, I know it a little too well!

"My friend is actually in the SAS and some of the stories which he has told me would make you hair curl. Forget sportsmen, they are true heroes.

"I have to say it's a good job they are our heroes because after the week British sport has endured we desperately need something or someone to inspire us."

Baker then reminds his readers that in football, rugby and motor racing last weeekend there was little success for England.

"So the footballers had flopped, the rugby squad had tried valiantly to be the first side ever to retain a rugby World Cup and failed, and so all our hopes were on an 22-year-old from Stevenage, in a go-cart, to brighten the British mood.

"Again we were left disappointed and disgruntled. We had promised so much and delivered so little, maybe the fact that we as a nation are comfortable with mediocrity is the reason why people weren't that upset, maybe they were expecting it. I know people who I spoke to said, 'oh well, we were always going to lose.'

"Thank goodness I didn't feel so pessimistic over the weekend. A battling display and a spirited Dons victory was the perfect tonic to combat the national disappointment.

"With nine wins on the bounce, a superb away following and a four-point lead at the top of League Two, I was all smiles.

"Although the plate of crispy duck and prawn toast certainly helped!"


Chesterfield Match Moved For Sky

The Bulls' trip to Saltergate in January will now be shown on Sky Sports.

With both sides currently riding high in League Two Sky will show the game on Monday January 21st, two days after the original date. It will be the first time the Bulls have featured in a live Sky game since they lost at Grimsby 2-0 last season.

The meeting between Chesterfield and Hereford United will be the first between the two sides since January 1995 when Chesterfield won 2-0 at Edgar Street in, what was then, the Endsleigh League Division Three. Earlier that season the two teams met at Saltergate when the home side defeated the Bulls 1-0.


News Round Up

Darlington have signed Bradford winger Joe Colbeck on loan for a month. The 20 year old is one of four fringe players to be allowed out on loan by the Bantams. Barnet are still negotiating with planning officials over what is and isn't acceptable as they try to get Underhill up to League standard.

Crawley's owners have hit the headlines for more wrong reasons, after turning down a woman for a job at a new 'bikini bar' due to the apparent lack of size of her cleavage. The bar will be managed by the club's chief scout Gee Evans, the brother of ever colourful Red Devils' manager Steve, who had the tough job of selecting the bar staff. He told the local press: "We're willing to leave it up to the customer to decide if we have recruited the right kind of girls or not."

Swindon are to axe seven players as they continue to struggle for money. A trio of Portugese players, brought in at the behest of the failed Portugese takeover, have all been told they are surplus to requirements while one will have his loan into the club cancelled and three more will be shipped out on loan. One of those loan depatures is expected to be striker Kaid Mohammed, who scored several goals pre-season for Wrexham before spurning their short term offer.

Macclesfield are to hold an EGM on Saturday to change the structure of the club's shareholdings. The club will seek to increase share capital by £8million, and wipe out £150,000 in debt at the same time. Exeter are expecting to lose assistant boss Joe Gallen to Millwall, either as manager or assistant, within the next few days after just two months in the job.


Tuesday, October 23, 2007

November Fixture Posters Now Available For Download

Display posters advertising home fixtures for the month of Novenber are now available on the Official Website at http://www.herefordunited.co.uk/upload/club/herefordunited/doc/November_Fixtures.pdf

Games included are Purdlington (3/11), Mansfield (6/11) and Stanrington Accley (24/11). The posters are in A4 format and are ideal for traders to download and print out for display in Pubs, Clubs and shop windows.


News Round Up

Wycombe have signed former Scotland international goalkeeper Rab Douglas on loan for a month. The current Leicester keeper has 19 caps for his country. The Chairboys have also signed Tommy Docherty on loan until January. He was named their player of the year after a loan spell at the club last season.

Nottm Forest have announced a loss of £4.2million for the last season, adding that they will lose a similar amount every season they are not in the Championship. They lost £8million in the previous season. Wrexham boss Brian Carey has been backed, again, by the Board at the club. The club have made funds available for loan signings.

Ex-Bull Chris Mackenzie has extended his loan spell at Kiddermibster for another month. The Shrewsbury goalie coach has played seven times for Harriers in the first month. Mansfield chairman James Derry has been fined £3,000 and suspended from football for 28 days after admitting a charge of improper conduct.

The Team of the Week features no Bulls, with 11 different clubs having representatives for the first time this season. MK Dons' defender Danny Swailes gets a nod for his performance against the Bulls.


Monday, October 22, 2007

Football Manager 2008 - Opportunity Missed

Has Hereford United missed a trick by failing to advertise earlier that they have the new football manager 2008 game on offer at £19.99.

To have put the offer on the OS today is surely several days too late as the new game was released last week.

Copies were available from elsewhere last Thursday if not before. No doubt many of those copies cost more than £19.99.

Most clubs are selling the game at around £20 although Stockport have it available at £14.99.

There must be a reasonable mark up and therefore profit for the Bulls so why wasn't it advertised earlier?

UPDATE Tuesday 10am:

It appears that the original release date of the game was Friday of last week, but was brought forward to Thursday 'due to breaches of the official release date of Friday, October 19th' say the manufacturers.


Yeovil suffering from poor gates

It isn't only Hereford United who have started the season with lower gates than anticipated. League One Yeovil are also wondering where their support has gone.

Last Saturday, Hereford United had their best gate, 3936, so far this season for the visit of MK Dons but the average is 3196 which is 4% less than last season despite currently being sixth in the League.

However this drop is less than that at Yeovil which gates are down by 8.4% compared with last season.

"We wanted a 6,000 average and we are on about 5,000. We look at averages on gates against previous years for the equivalent game. We offered a very good season ticket discount and we got our 3,000 target there," said chairman John Fry.

"Football fans want to see goals and entertaining performances - it isn't like that in League One. It is very, very competitive and it is very easy to be at the bottom of the table. The season is going very well apart from the drop in crowds and the club can't do any more regarding its position in the league and the resources it has. The results against the availability of the resource have been pretty good."

A marketing manager has recently been appointed at Huish Park to help promote the club.

Last week Graham Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester that the lower than expected gates at Edgar Street 'had been a mystery'.


Does Benjamin live in a Caravan?

Hereford United striker Trevor Benjamin is the most travelled player in the Football League. He has broken the 'English' record held by goalkeper John Burridge who turned out for 15 clubs although he also played for five Scottish clubs.

This from Sniffing the Touchline:

Benjamin broke the record when he signed for League Two heavyweights Hereford United in August this year, tipping his total to the magical 16, of which an incredible 15 have been since the year 2000! Perhaps most settled at Leicester City, who paid a whopping £1.5million for his services, Benjamin still struggled to just 11 goals in 81 appearances as the Foxes languished in the Premier League.

Whats funny is that, looking at his list of clubs (below) they are spread around pretty much the whole country, so either Big Trev had to move an awful lot, or he actually lives in a caravan. If you are in any doubt about whether this story deserves coverage here, bear in mind that not only is he Jamaican but he’s also mates with Rio Ferdinand. Man like Rio will merc up your manor if you don’t big up his bredrin.

Cambridge United, Leicester City, Crystal Palace (loan), Norwich City (loan), West Bromwich Albion (loan), Gillingham (loan), Rushden & Diamonds (loan), Brighton & Hove Albion (loan), Northampton Town (loan), Northampton Town, Coventry City, Peterborough United, Watford (loan), Swindon Town (loan), Boston United (loan), Walsall (loan), Hereford United.


Guinan to miss three games

As expected Hereford United striker Steve Guinan will miss three games as a result of his red card last Saturday. These will be the next League games against Peterborough, Darlington and Mansfield.

Meanwhile Tony Hall from the West Midlands will be in charge of Saturday's match at Peterborough.

Hall has been in charge of eleven matches to date this season and has given out 6 red and 44 yellow cards.


News Round Up

Ex-Bull Wayne Dyer is on the move again. Now 29, the Monserrat international has moved from Bromsgrove to Hednesford Town. The Pitmen are managed by former Bulls loanee Phil Starbuck. Morecambe goalkeeper Joe Lewis is being assessed after receiving a deep nine inch cut across his head during the match with Rotherham on Saturday.

Cheltenham will not be making a move for Wycombe striker Jermaine Easter after the Chairboys named a price that was well out of the Robins' budget. Lincoln are expected to name Brian Little as their new manager, according to The Mirror. Former Port Vale manager Martin Foyle is also believed to have applied for the job.

Chesterfield have sent loan striker Nicky Travis back to Sheff Utd after the youngster picked up a knee injury that would rule him out for the rest of his stay. He played just twice for the Spireites after an ankle injury delayed his debut for two months. Notts County have named Dave Kevan as their new assistant boss. The 39 year old former player left the same post at Burnley for the job at his first club.

Bradford have refused to pay the £55,000 asking price for Chilean striker Willy Topp after his club finally got in touch. The Bantams, who have not paid for a player since their Premiership days, have made an offer to the club. Peterboro have loaned goalkeeper Craig McKeown to Worcester for a month.

Rotherham have lost the services of loan midfielder Marcus Bean as parent club Blackpool have an injury crisis. Stevenage will take legal action if sufficient compensation is not coming their way for departed manager Mark Stimson. Former Grays boss Stimson is expected to be named as Gillingham boss this week, but could still pop up at Port Vale who are also interested.


FA Cup Draw On Saturday

The FA Cup First Round draw will take place this Saturday.

League One and Two clubs enter the draw along with the remaining non-league sides, with the draw being televised on BBC1 at around 5.10pm after the Fourth Qualifying Round games have taken place. Amongst those games are Torquay's trip to Bath, their first match in the qualifiers in 80 years.

The games for the First Round will take place on, or around, November 10th with the First Round winners receiving £16,000 in prize money.


Guinan inspired by Schumacher

Another article on Saturday's game by David McVay from the Telegraph.

In a parallel universe, or at least with the help of an HG Wells contraption, this fixture could have stirred the emotions to gladiatorial levels.

Back in the Seventies, a divot on the pitch teed up Ronnie Radford to arrow a searing shot towards the top corner, only for Teletubby goalie Dickie Guy to defy both gravity and his frame to save.

Indeed, both Hereford United and MK Dons, or Wimbledon in their previous incarnation, can reflect on derring-do and FA Cup glory when top-flight giants were put to the sword and mercilessly slain.

These days, the only blood shed at Edgar Street emanates from the adjacent cattle market. But at least the defiance of a home side depleted to 10 men was commendable before a late Mark Wright volley secured a 1-0 victory, a ninth win in succession for the Dons, who extended their cushion at the top of League Two. Time machines are not required to evoke the past at Edgar Street, where the 'bookend' stands behind each goalmouth resemble temporary shelters for Stig of the Dump hosting a dinner party for a platoon of eco-warriors.

Progress may be protracted but new plans to regenerate the area include a renovation for the old place that has been home since 1924. Chairman and manager Graham Turner has also presided over an upward spiral since regaining League status two years ago.

They remain in a play-off position despite this defeat and despite a slightly patronising credit in the Dons programme the previous Sunday, a reference to the club being unable to climb much further up the league ladder, which clearly irked Turner as he saw Lincoln City battered 4-0.

Perhaps it was pinned on the dressing room wall to inspire Hereford, but their cause suffered appreciably when Steve Guinan was dismissed seconds before half-time. In his profile, Guinan admits that his other job ambition would be a Formula One driver, and his collision with Lloyd Dyer, reckless and ruthlessly premeditated, certainly had the Michael Schumacher stamp of approval.

"He [Guinan] was caught out," Turner admitted. "It was cynical and it goes on in the game. We don't condone it, but it was a yellow card. I was staggered when he [the referee] produced a red."

On the day Hereford embraced the anti-racism theme that football is championing, Paul Melin demonstrated a Henry Ford-like determination to promote colour. "You can have the card in any colour – as long as it's red," seems to be the Surrey official's slogan. He has now ordered off seven players in eight games this season. Just four to go and he can start on his second XI.


Sunday, October 21, 2007

POSH BOUNCEBACKABILITY DAY

Peterborough United v Hereford United
Saturday 27th October 2007 Kick-Off 3.00pm
Football League 2
London Road
Peterborough
PE2 8AL
Phone 01733 563947

Peterborough United who host the visit of The Bulls on Saturday were founded in 1934 and during their initial years played in The Midland League, the entry fees being paid by a £20 loan from Grantham Town FC. By stark comparison, they now have the reputation of being the big spenders of League 2 having splashed hundreds of thousands on, in particular, recruits from non-league. Players like George "Tiptoe" Boyd, Aaron "Ooops" Mclean and Craig Mackail-Smith will bring back memories of many Conference encounters to travelling Bulls' fans while our own squad of players attempt to recover their winning ways following the "Ref inspired" defeat to FC Franchise.

The present London Road set-up holds around 15000 spectators with up to 850 seats being offered to visiting fans in A block of the main stand. Further standing room is provided on the Moyes End Terrace. The Official Posh site is reporting that the seated costs are: - Adults £20, Senior Citizens £12, Students (with NUS card) £12, Juniors (U16) £9. The equivalent terrace prices are £15, £12, £12 and £9.

Travel

HUISA coaches leave Edgar street at 9.30am Fare £16 (Club 01432 276666)
HUMADS Departs ES at 9.00 am, Cross Keys, Malvern 9.30, M5 J7 9.45. Fare £10. Contact Reggie on 01684 572945 or 07958 176937.
FUNBUS will run NOT run to this game (I hope to enjoy a glass or two on Charters!)

Train. Peterborough station is around a mile away from the ground. Turn right out of station and follow the main road, passing an Asda store on your right. At the traffic lights near to Woolworths, turn right. Go over the bridge and you can see the floodlights of London Road, over on your left. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the station to the ground.

By Car To Worcester then M5 north joining the M42. Leave the M42 at J7A (sign London M1, Coventry) and join the M6 and continue to its end at the M6/M1 interchange where you should follow signs for Felixstowe A14. Leave the A14 at J13 and join the A605 (sign Peterborough). Continue on the A605 to Peterborough and then follow signs for Whittlesey, which will take you to London Road. The Stadium is visible from some way away. Police advise that visiting fans park in the Fair Meadow Car Park in Oundle Road (£3). Distance Approx 140 miles (2 hours 45 mins). Postcode PE2 8AL.

Refreshments. The "Papa Luigi" dial a Pizza in London Road does a match day Pizza slice and fries for £2.50 otherwise; the usual KFC (for Ellie) type fast food outlets are all available close to the ground. The Peacock in London Road (near KFC) and The Cherry Tree in Oundle Road seem to be the nearest alehouses. For those looking for something out of the ordinary, "Charters" is a former Dutch barge, which is moored on the River Nene a few minutes walk from the ground. The upper deck contains a Chinese Restaurant while below is a bar with up to 12 real ales on tap! Finally, The Brewery Tap of Oakham Ales is near to the Train Station on Westgate and is well worth a visit.

Come on you Bulls