Difficult Time for Turner

As Graham Turner steps outside into the chill northerly wind this morning to take his dog for a walk in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, he will probably be reflecting on what he can do to lift the spirits of Hereford United after yesterday's defeat by Northampton and last Tuesday's abysmal performance at Dagenham.

This coming Tuesday the Bulls travel to MK Dons for what is expected to be another difficult game. Between now and kick-off time Turner has to decide whether to change the formation of the team, swap a few players around, take into account any injuries, see if he can bring in anyone to brighten up the squad, and generally lift the confidence of the squad.

On top of that, whilst he maintains he doesn't read forums, he will, no doubt, be aware that there have been calls for him to consider his position as both chairman and manager at the club.

Some suggest he's been in charge too long and fresh blood is required if the Bulls are to cling onto League One status. Others maintain it would be difficult to find anyone to take over his position at the club without great disruption and that Turner should be given more time. Afterall the Bulls have achieved two promotions in three seasons and a good manager doesn't become a bad manager overnight.

However, taken together, the poor results on the pitch and the off-pitch problems of an ageing ground and little if any revenue from non-football sources must be taking their toll on Turner's time. He must be frustrated that there seems to be no progress with the Richardson/Carillion partnership towards redevelopement of Edgar Street. His hopes that this redevelopement would enable the club to have its main debt written off still looks a distant dream.

The drop in revenue from lower gates, partly because of poor results and partly because of the credit crunch, probably means the club is losing money each week. Turner had suggested he was hopeful of an average gate of around 3800 this season. Currently that average is some 500 less at about 3300.

However it is on the pitch where the most pressing problems are. A return of just 12 points from 17 games so far means that to remain in League One, the Bulls need an average of more than a point from each remaining game.

Usually to stay in League One at least 50 points is required. That means 38 points from the remaining 29 games. Which translates into, say, 8 wins and 14 draws or 10 wins and 8 draws.

All told it is a difficult time for Turner. No doubt he is up for the challenge.

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