NEXT HOME GAME - TBC
NEXT AWAY GAME - SUPPORTERS XI ARE PLAYING WORCESTER AT MALVERN ON SUNDAY AUGUST 3rd AT 3.00pm

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Concentration the key – Darren Jones

Speaking after yesterday's defeat of relegation threatened Darlington, Man of the Match and Bulls centre back Darren Jones (library picture) commented that it was a deserved but hard fought three points.

"We controlled the game for all but the closing period.

"Late in the game we dropped too deep and allowed them back into the game.

"We got into some good positions out wide and failed to deliver the ball into the danger area. Sometimes, when we’ve done the hard work of getting to an advanced position we have to take a chance and get the ball in early. When you're not under pressure it's fine to check and take a look at your options but when there’s no time you need to whip it in...if the strikers aren't on the end of it, it's not the fault of the wide players.

"There are a lot of good players at this Club and many are capable of playing well at this level and higher...it's all about concentration. The difference between the top half of the Conference and the lower reaches of the Football League is simply that in a few teams you see a better class of wide players and strikers...players that occasionally do the unexpected. If we keep our concentration at the back and do the basics we can keep the clean sheets that The Gaffer wants."


Youngsters lose to Bristol Rovers

Hereford United's under 18 side lost 3-0 at home to Bristol Rovers this morning.

On Tuesday they travel to Basingstoke for their FA Youth Cup First Round match. The game starts at 7pm.

For anyone interested in watching the youngsters the name and post code of the ground are as follows:

The Camrose
Western Way
Basingstoke, Hampshire
RG22 6EZ


BULLS BEAT SORRY DARLINGTON

Hereford eased past a poor Darlington outfit at Edgar Street this afternoon, climbing the table to the dreaded seventeenth place with defenders providing both goals, and confirming their opponents' rock bottom position.

Manager John Trewick welcomed back Darren Jones and Marc Pugh to replace a poorly Ryan Green and James Walker, late of this parish, but now returned to Saafend. Craig King was given a more attacking role.

The Bulls had the better of the early exchanges, with Keith Lowe, King and Mark Marshall combining well to find Pugh, whose shot was saved by Nick Liversedge. Matthieu Manset was once again proving a strong handful, with his penchant for holding the ball up and laying it neatly into the path of teammates. In successive moves he twice sent Pugh free down the left wing, the first cross being cleared for a corner and the second marginally too high for the onrushing King.

The game entered a quiet phase with Hereford on top, but unable to make a breakthrough, and Darlington offering little in response. Adam Bartlett made one excellent stop, but the whistle had already sounded for a free kick. Some entertainment was gleaned from the sight of two spectators in a cherry-picker sneaking a view over the stand, Darren Jones' attempt to start demolition of the Blackfriars terrace with one long range shot, and the belated recognition of the end of summer as the stadium clock was spookily put back one hour.

As the half-time Bovril beckoned Hereford then made the breakthrough. Pugh trickily evaded tackles and sent in a low cross. The recipient, Keith Lowe showed equally nifty footwork, calmly steadied himself and then gleefully slammed the ball home. Forty-one minutes played and 1-0 to the Bulls.

In the remaining minutes, Jeff Smith sent in a teasing cross which Danny Blanchett did well to head for a corner. Some comic defending then almost presented the hapless Darlington with an undeserved leveller. At the other end, a promising move ended with Ryan Valentine curling his shot narrowly wide.

HT: HUFC 1 DARLO 0

Within two minutes of the restart, Hereford doubled their advantage. A free-kick for a push on Pugh was lofted into the box by Valentine. Up popped Darren Jones, and not to be outdone by his defensive partner, emulated the composure and footwork needed to fire home. 2-0 on forty-seven minutes.

Sam Gwynne was showing tenacity in midfield, making three excellent tackles, Kenny Lunt was distributing rapidly and accurately and the Bulls looked comfortable. Gwynne took a knock, to be replaced by Sonko, and Darlo supremo Steve Staunton made a double substitution to try to salvage something. Marshall, King and Manset all came close to adding to the lead, but chances were being created at the other end too. One useful move saw the ball cut back to James Collins who, on seventy-two minutes slotted the ball into the corner to make it 2-1.

Bartlett was called on to tip over a point blank shot as the Northerners pressed for an equaliser, and the Hereford defence had to deal with a number of corners and other situations from a newly energised Darlo. But hang on they did, dear reader, even coming close to a third goal. Manset unselfishly tried to set up King, and Marshall and the Beast got in each others way when clean through - zut alors! Four minutes of added time brought no further incidents and a few feeble fireworks heralded a deserved victory.

FT: HUFC 2 DARLO 1

ATTENDANCE: 2238, including 98 from the Arctic Circle.

HUFC: Bartlett, Lowe, Jones, Blanchett, Valentine, Pugh (Godsmark 86), Gwynne (Sonko 61), Lunt, Marshall, King, Manset Subs not used: Rose, Constantine, Done, Adamson, McCallum

DARLO: Liversedge, Arnison (Barnes 45), Plummer, Foster, Smith, Convery (Mulligan 56), Chandler, Davis, Collins, Barnet, Thomas (Diop 56)

Hard Battle said Striker King

Whilst Hereford United midfielder/striker Craig King said he had enjoyed today's game against Darlington he also admitted it had been a hard battle.

"I think we did reasonably well, dealt with their attacks, conceded a goal which was a bit cheap but we held on pretty well," King told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Before I came on loan I was playing in mid-field quite a lot, learning the role.

"But I prefer it up-front, setting up people and scoring goals."

King spoke about his strike partner Matthew Mathieu.

"He's a strong lad, he holds the ball up well, releases it as well and gets in the box. He's good to work with, good in the air, strong."

Later in the interview King confirmed that Leicester had given him permission to play in next Saturday's FA Cup match against Sutton United.

He said his aim is to get Leicester in the Cup.

"It would be good to get them in the FA Cup and show them what I can do. Hopefully they would see that and when I go back I, maybe, can get into their first team and do well there."


All the Main Stats from Edgar Street

Below are the main stats from this afternoon's game at Edgar Street where Hereford United defeated Darlington 2-1.

Possession: Bulls 52% Darlo 48%

Shots on Target: Bulls 7 Darlo 8

Shots off Target: Bulls 7 Darlo 4

Corners: Bulls 3 Darlo 10

Fouls: Bulls 6 Darlo 11

Attendance: 2238 with 98 from Darlington

Bookings: No bookings for either side

Man of the Match: Darren Jones was deservedly chosen by the sponsors, the Junior Bulls.

Middle of League Two:

12 Bradford 15 -1 21
13 Port Vale 15 2 20
14 Accrington 15 -1 20
15 Crewe 15 0 18
16 Northampton 15 -2 18
17 Hereford 15 -3 18
18 Macclesfield 15 -6 18
19 Lincoln City 15 -10 16
20 Morecambe 15 -7 15
21 Cheltenham 15 -11 15


Very Pleased with Three Points - Trewick

In his post match interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester, Bulls manager John Trewick said he was very pleased with getting three points from this afternoon's game with Darlington but disappointed with not keeping a clean sheet.

"We made it difficult for ourselves in the second half, didn't control the game as much as we could have done and leaked a goal.

"We know what we want to try and achieve before the half-way stage and that includes keeping clean sheets.

"I think going forward we looked very good at times and got in behind them, down the sides, balls across the box, people into goal scoring positions.

"We scored twice but on another day we might have got six.

"In the second half Mark Marshall had a great chance with a header at the far post and I thought it was a penalty at the end when he was tripped from behind.

"Delighted with the creative side of the game on times but we can't rely on creating as many chances every week as we did today."

Mathieu Manset partnered Craig King up front this afternoon.

"We've not been in a position to pick the same players very often and people haven't been able to develope partnerships. They are vital relationships.

"The longer we go on - Mathieu and Craig are here for the season - hopefully they will gel together and learn a little bit more about each other styles."

Trewick spoke about injuries.

"We've still got one or two. Darren Dennehy went down injuried at the end of the week. Ryan Green went down ill. Sam Gwynne came off with a dead leg."


Results Round Up

Bournemouth remain leaders of the divison but their position is looking increasingly above them after being thrashed 4-0 at home by second place Rochdale. Dagenham slip to third after a 1-1 draw with Port Vale, Notts County and Shrewsbury held on to play-off spots with a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane. Chesterfield push Barnet out of the play-offs after beating the Bees 1-0, while Rotherham keep the other spot with a goalless draw with Aldershot. Bury drew 0-0 with Burton to keep both sides in the hunt.

Down the bottom Darlington are nine points adrift after today's loss, with Torquay beating Northampton 1-0 to open a three point safety gap for themselves after Grimsby's 2-2 draw with Accrington last night cut it down to goal difference. Cheltenham slip to 21st after a 4-0 home loss to Crewe in front of their worst gate of the season, while Morecambe pick up a rare win with a 3-1 defeat of Lincoln. Macclesfield's 2-2 draw with Bradford keeps them level with the Bulls on 18 points, seven points away from both the play-offs and relegation zone.

In the Conference Oxford's lead is back to eight points after a 1-0 win over Altrincham. Second and third Kettering and Stevenage drew 1-1, while Luton's new boss Richard Money saw his side lose 2-0 at home to Rushden. Chester upset AFC Wimbledon by winning 3-1, and Forest Green drew 1-1 with Eastbourne, while Kidderminster lost 2-0 at Cambridge.


Bulls Toil To Three Points

The Bulls made hard work in securing three points against Darlington in this afternoon's League Two match, winning 2-1.

Goals from Keith Lowe and Darren Jones either side of half time left the Bulls forward line sensing blood, and the two strikers and two wingers were all guilty of going for goal themselves rather than seeking the easier pass to increase the lead. Their wastefulness led to a cagey final 20 minutes after James Collins slotted the ball home to give the visitors hope.

But the bulk of the 2,238 crowd, with 98 from Darlington, went home happy thanks largely to some quality saves from Adam Bartlett to preserve the scoreline.

Full report later.


Godsmark hopes to start this afternoon

Jonny Godsmark has recovered from his broken hand and is hopeful John Trewick will give him a start this afternoon in Hereford United's match against Darlington.

“It’s fixed now and I’m pleased to be back to show what I can do," Godsmark told the Evening Chronicle.

“I haven’t had the chance to speak to Chris Hughton since he got the job, but the plan was always to go back to Newcastle in January and see what happens.

“If I’m doing well for Hereford they might extend it to the end of the season.

“Since the injury I have been back for four weeks training, but two weeks in Hereford.”


Football Manager 2010

Football Manager 2010 was released yesterday and as usual some football clubs appear to have copies of the game to sell at reasonable prices.

The average 'shop' prices seems to be about £29.99. However Amazon has it on sale at £25.48.

As for football clubs Altrincham, for example, has the game on sale at £20.


Follow the Bulls This Afternoon

For those unable to watch this afternoon's League Two at Edgar Street, the Darlington site is offering a 14 day free trial.

The site should have full commentary on the whole of the game.

Otherwise it's updates on BBC Hereford and Worcester or the excellent 'text' commentary on the OS.


News Round Up

Histon are the latest side to admit money troubles. The village team hope to sell defender Lanre Oyebanjo to Peterboro, where he is currently on trial, and admit other star assets will have to go in the January window to generate funds. Weymouth's board are to meet with a consortium interested in taking over the club. They have ten days left to find a buyer before they are likely to be wound up by an Administrator.

Crewe are set to sign Bristol Rovers keeper Steve Phillips on loan once he completes a month at Shrewsbury. Barnet have offered winger Albert Adomah a new three year deal to try and keep him at the club. The 21 year old has been offered what the club says is the biggest deal in their history. Luton have appointed former Cambridge manager Gary Brabin as chief scout.


Friday, October 30, 2009

Robbie Williams at Edgar Street

Well, not quite in person but a track off his new album is due to be played at Edgar Street around ten to three tomorrow (Saturday).

Over the next 10 days Football League Clubs across England and Wales will be playing an exclusive new track from the forthcoming Robbie Williams album.

The playing of 'Do You Mind' from Robbie's comeback album, 'Reality Killed The Video Star' is a first for the promotion of a major artist and as a result fans will be treated to a special sneak preview of the album 10 days before the rest of the general public!

Robbie's song will be played exclusively 10 minutes prior to kick off at Football League fixtures between Saturday October 31 and Monday November 9 and is part of a month long campaign involving Shoot Music, Robbie and The Football League including an exclusive competition and interview

The album, produced by Trevor Horn on Virgin/EMI Records, is released on November 9 whilst his brand new single 'You Know Me' hits the shops a month later on December 7.

'You Know Me' follows on from Bodies, Robbie's biggest selling single since Rock DJ in 2000.


Sutton subsidise supporters seats

Sutton United have decided to subsidise the cost of coach travel to Hereford United for the FA Cup first round tie next Saturday (November 7th). They say the gesture is to thank fans for their support so far this season.

The cost is currently estimated at just £8 and could be reduced further should enough fans decide to book.

Tomorrow Sutton United have a Ryman League match against Waltham Abbey.


Shrewsbury tickets selling 'Extremely Well ' says Turner

Hereford United chairman Graham Turner has confirmed that no tickets will be sold on the day for the forthcoming League Two fixture against Shrewsbury Town which is due to take place on Tuesday November 24th. Recently there have been occasions where a match has been advertised as all-ticket and the club has changed its mind allowing tickets to be sold on the day.

"It will definitely not happen for the Shrewsbury match," said Turner.

"The capacity of Edgar Street has been reduced. Tickets have sold extremely well," said Turner.

"Anyone needing a ticket now should come along - there is an opportunity tomorrow before the Darlington match to buy tickets.

"Get them in before they go."


Turner admits Difficulties with Blackfriars End

Hereford United chairman Graham Turner has admitted that there are still difficulties in agreeing plans for the re-development of the Blackfriars End of the Edgar Street Stadium.

"We've got to tie in what we want with the Richardsons. We had meetings with them today. We have meetings next week with the architects.

"There are difficulties, I won't disguise that. It's not really to do with finance at the moment. We have to go to the Football Foundation to see whether we can get the grants.

"But there are difficulties in sorting something out that suits us, suits the Richardsons and the Council."

Turner revealed that the results of the recent archaeological dig had suggested there might be some samples close to the Bronze Age similar to those found at the adjacent livestock market.

"There will have to be future digs after the demolition of the Blackfriars End. Right at the moment I don't see that holding it up."

Asked about the time scale for the re-development, Turner was cautious.

"About three weeks ago!

"I think once demolition is completed then the actual work on the stand won't take that long. I've not given up the hope that that we will have it in place for next season but there are difficulties there is no doubt.

On top of all that Turner has a new Fire Safety Officer to deal with.

"He felt it's (Edgar Street) a fairly high risk structure so we've had to take steps to deal with that.

"By the time we get fire resistant glass put in along the Main Stand, with smoke detection and alarm system we've put in, I can't see us getting much change out of £20,000/£25,000.

"Then we've got the barriers - we've had a further meeting with the Football Licensing Authority concerning the Meadow End.

"We know exactly what we've got to do now. That work has got to be done. The engineers will start work a week on Monday putting the barriers in."

And then the Police Vicinity Costs problem.

"There has been a request sent out for us to sit around the table and talk about the situation. We still feel adamant that the Livestock Market should not be included on the ground's footprint. We think it's a simple case if we have to pay for anything they should just close the gates.

"I patrolled out there at the end of the Cheltenham match and supporters inter-mingled.

"We've put a lot more stewards on, quite costly but nowhere near as costly as police charges.

"So we have taken steps to step up our security with extra stewards and I think that is working fine.

"We've obviously got a test coming up in November with Shrewsbury coming over.

"The same principles will apply, we get intelligence and we are still working with the police. Locally we've got a great relationship with them.

"Leading up to the Shrewsbury match we will have the intelligence. As it's an all ticket match it makes it easier to secure.

"We will take every step to make sure it's an occasion that everybody enjoys without any risk of any trouble at all."

(Turner's quotes come from his latest interview on the Hereford United Official Website)


King to return to Striker's Role

Craig King is expected to return to a striking role for tomorrow's League Two game against Darlington. Manager John Trewick needs to make changes as James Walker has returned to Southend and feels King should fill the role.

"I certainly see Craig King as a forward so I think he will appreciate the move back up there," Trewick told the Worcester News.

Looking forward to the game Trewick is hopeful of a returning to winning ways after last Saturday's defeat at Bradford.

"The home form has been good and we have got to make sure it stays like that.

"We can only look to the future and it’s important to continue that run against Darlington.

"It’s important for any side to have a good home record and make life difficult for visiting teams but it’s also nice to get points on your travels. I don’t think there is much difference between the teams at the top and bottom of the table.

"We must not treat anybody lightly and all we have to do is keep our own house in order.

"We have got to be looking to win as they are not at the bottom of the league for nothing.

"There are reasons for that so it’s an opportunity for us but it won’t just happen.

"We have to make sure we concentrate on our own game and do the right things."


Bulls Odds-On For Win

The Bulls are 11/13 favourites to bag all three points from tomorrow's match with Darlington.

The Quakers are 7/2 outsiders, with the draw 5/2. The Bulls expect to be at full strength with the exception of midfielder Craig Jones, who continues to be troubled by a back injury, although Ryan Green has missed some training this week after reporting to be sick. Marc Pugh, Darren Dennehy, and Darren Jones are all back in training and will be in contention.

The Quakers are expected to hand berths in the 18 man matchday squad to new signings Ashlee Jones and Nathan Mulligan, while French striker Mo Diop has received his international clearance and will be considered for the first time. Defender Ian Miller, one of the few to remain from last season's squad, is out after picking up a knock last Saturday at Barnet while midfielder Gary Smith and veteran striker Lee Thorpe remain long term absentees.


News Round Up

Sol Campbell is expecting to take Notts County to a tribunal next week to force them to release his registration. Bradford have handed midfielder James O'Brien an 18 month deal with his initial short term contract due to expire in the next week. The 18 year old was given a three month pro deal after coming through the ranks.

Burton boss Paul Peschisolido has downplayed his interest in Crewe striker Anthony Elding, revealing his disappointment that Dario Gradi released the news. Port Vale are the latest club to be named as suitors for the player. Dagenham boss John Still has signed a new contract with the club until the summer of 2014. He will be 64 when the contact expires. The Daggers have signed Colchester's veteran full back Adam Lockwood on a month's loan as cover for the departed Scott Griffiths.

Rochdale are to take Scunthorpe keeper Josh Lillis on a seven day emergency loan after both their first team keepers were injured. Crewe expect to sign another goalkeeper on loan next week. They currently have three senior keepers on their books. Luton have named former Walsall manager Richard Money as their new manager. He has recently been Academy manager at Newcastle.


Walker expected to start for Southend

James Walker, who returned to Southend earlier this week after a month long loan spell with Hereford United, is expected to start for his club in their League One game against Gillingham this evening.

He will take the place of Dougie Freedman who is carrying an injury.

Cash strapped Southend are very short of players at present.


Cup Draw Kind to Bulls says Trewick

The Hereford United manager, John Trewick, has said that whilst the FA Cup draw has been kind to the Bulls they will take nothing for granted.

"Hereford over the years have had a reputation as good cup fighters and have had good cup runs knocking out higher League opposition," Trewick told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I'm sure Sutton, who have had their share of the same sort of thing, will be looking at us and thinking if they get in amongst us then perhaps on the day they can cause an upset.

"We've got to be ensure that doesn't happen. We want to be in the hat for the next round."


Thursday, October 29, 2009

Darlo Sign Two For Bulls Trip

Darlington have added two new faces to their squad ahead of their trip to Edgar Street on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Ashlee Jones arrives after being released by Wycombe in the summer without making an appearance. Midfielder Nathan Mulligan joins the club from Norton and Stockton Ancients, a Northern League side five levels below the Football League where his father is chairman. Mulligan is a former FA Youth Cup winner with Middlesboro in 2007, while his brother Dale is a former Quakers player.


Green doubt for Saturday.

Ryan Green is a doubt for Saturday's League Two match against Darlington.

The defender has reported sick so didn't train this morning.

However Marc Pugh is back in training and could feature on Saturday.


Trewick not taking Sutton lightly

Hereford United manager John Trewick will not be taking FA Cup opponents Sutton United for granted. The two clubs meet at Edgar Street in nine days time.

"The draw has been favourable to us and we could hardly have expected anything better," Trewick told the Hereford Times.

"Of course, we shall not be taking Sutton United lightly - we all know the dangers of the FA Cup and at Hereford United we have had a reputation ourselves over the years.

"There is always an expectation from some non-league clubs that they are going to cause an upset and that is what Sutton are going to want to do when they come here.

"But from our point of view it has to be a good draw - a home tie against lower-league opposition is all we could have expected."


Dennehy In Irish u21 Squad

Bulls defender Darren Dennehy has been called into the latest Eire u21 side to face Georgia and Switzerland.

The mid-November games are likely to see Dennehy miss the Bulls' trip to Barnet. Ex-Bull Stephen Gleeson is also named in the squad.


News Round Up

In news that passed us by when it happened last month, ex-Bull Simon Johnson was released by Bury just one month into his three month deal. He is now playing for Matt Clarke at Halesowen alongside his brother after playing six times for Bury during the month there. Macclesfield are trialling ex-Liverpool striker Michael Collins, who spent the last season playing for an Italian Serie B side.

Notts County are 23rd in the list of most popular clubs users play with on the Fifa 10 game, just two places behind Brazil. Accrington were seconds away from being wound up yesterday. The judge in the case was ready to wind the club up when Ilyas Khan interrupted the hearing to offer the funds. The club has also said the statement to the court that the PFA was to put £100,000 into the club was a 'mix up'.

Forest Green benefactor Trevor Horsley says the club has cost him £2million and he cannot put any more money in. They have a £650,000 mortgage on their new ground and are looking for new backers. Torquay have turned down Luton's request to speak to Paul Buckle about their managerial vacancy.

Bournemouth have called on fans to turn out in force on Friday night for their last home match for nearly a month. They still have £150,000 of a £400,000 winding up order from the taxman outstanding, with the court date due before they play another home game, leaving them needing a bumper crowd on Friday night to cover the bill. They are currently averaging 5,441 but want a crowd over 7,000. They will also be holding a £5 a ticket £5,000 cash draw on the night.

Grimsby have ended the loans of duo Josh Magennis and Arnaud Mendy early so caretaker boss Neil Woods can concentrate on the contracted players.


Hereford not a Glamorous Tie says Sutton Manager

Sutton United manager Paul Doswell has said that the FA Cup against Hereford United isn't the most glamorous tie but does give his side a chance of causing an upset.

“You start off dreaming of a League One side like Leeds United when they make the draw, so I have to say I was initially disappointed,” he told the Richmond Times.

“But when you look at the detail of it we have half a chance. I couldn’t have said that if we’d drawn Southampton or Charlton Athletic.

“It will be a great day out for everyone and a good team bonding session for the players and officials.

“It wouldn’t be the biggest shock of all time if we won. We probably need a good day and they’ll need be a bit off colour, but we are in with a shot.

“We have won our last four away games and our support on the road is first class. We’ll be going to Hereford to give it a real go.”


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Turner - Favourite Wolves Manager

It's a long time ago since Hereford United chairman Graham Turner was manager at Wolverhampton Wanderers but his time there is still remembered by supporters.

In an article for next Saturday's game between Stoke City and Wolves on the Why Delilah site, a handfull of Wolves fans were asked who was their favourite manager.

Below are two of the responses:

Graham Turner - He turned the club around at our darkest hour, signed Bully and won two consecutive Championships.

Graham Turner - Took us from the bottom of the Fourth Division to the Second. A shame he never made it to the top tier. He performed miracles at Hereford too.


Accy Get Seven Days To Clear Tax Bill

Accrington have been given a further seven days to clear their tax bill.

The club admitted last night that some transactions had failed to complete in time in order to clear the full £308,000 demand, but reports from the court today say they have accumulated a further £125,000 of debt to the taxman outside the current demand.

The club has paid just £96,000 of the outstanding amount, while the PFA are reported to be ready to put £100,000 in to keep the club running and former shareholder Ilyas Khan, who walked away after a series of rebuffs from the board, is to also contribute to keep the club going.

Supporters are already questioning why only £96,000 was paid off when the fundraising was reported to have raised £116,000. They are to hold a vigil tonight at the club.

Meanwhile Portsmouth have been handed a transfer embargo for unpaid footballing debts. It would be interesting to know whether the Premier League strugglers have paid the Bulls their share of the gate money from the Carling Cup match earlier in the season.


News Round Up

Bournemouth have been refused permission to extend the loan of West Ham youngster Anthony Edgar by the Football League. He was allowed to arrive for a month due to an injury crisis, but it has now eased leading the FL to block an extension. Northampton are giving trials to former Leicester full back Peter Gilbert and Portugese winger Andre Costa.

Lincoln are set to sign Peterboro winger Sergio Torres for the rest of the season after sucessfully negotiating financial matters with The Posh. Crewe striker Anthony Elding would like a return to the Imps as well, with Brentford and Gillingham reported to be showing interest.

Weymouth have confirmed that they are to go into Administration. The are currently bottom of Conf South, six points short of safety, and are almost certain to be relegated once the ten point deduction is applied. A statement released by the club says it expects an Administrator to close the business as it is not viable as a going concern.


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

FA Cup Results Round Up

Chester were dumped out of the FA Cup 4-0 at home to Barrow. Early reports suggest fans were thrown out of the ground for holding up signs against unpopular chairman Stephen Vaughan, who got a less than warm welcome from the Barrow fans. Kidderminster also dipped out, 3-1 at Fleetwood, while Gloucester also ended their run in a 4-2 loss at Lowestoft.

Ex-Bulls Ben Smith and Karl Broadhurst won't be in the draw either after Crawley lost 3-1 to AFC Wimbledon, even though the Dons were down to ten men for the whole of the second half. AFC Telford did progress though, beating Blyth Spartans 4-0. In the other game of the night Salisbury beat Farnborough 4-2.

Meanwhile Accrington will go to the court tomorrow to ask for more time to settle their tax bill after some of the promised money failed to appear in time. They raised around £100,000 after a series of fundraisers, with around £150,000 due from board members and a £50,000 loan from one fan.


You Guys need to see the Bigger Picture

One of the Leeds sites, the Scratching Shed, has had a go at Bullsnews after our report (Surprise, Surprise, Leeds On TV (almost)...) that the FA Cup game involving Leeds United will only be streamed on the net as opposed to being televised.

Seems the fans of Hereford United are a little jealous of ourselves, Charlton and Norwich after arguably the biggest teams in the 1st round of the FA Cup were picked for live coverage.

Whilst the Norwich and Charlton games will be shown live on Sky Sports, the FA have decided to follow the England streaming catastrophe by showing the Leeds game using the same technology – this time live from their own website.

Anyone who was unfortunate enough to watch the England game being streamed live over the internet will have seen a poor game, shown by a poor service that constantly staggered throughout.

As for Hereford, well you guys really need to see the bigger picture. There’d be very little interest in yourselves playing on Sky or via the net and the powers that be need viewing figures to sell advertising space so they can make a profit. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the business and ourselves, Norwich and Charlton have far bigger fanbases which means far bigger revenues. It’s a dog eat dog world and until you start barking, no ones going to take any notice.


Walker nominated for 'Ultimate Finish'

James Walker has been nominated for Ultimate Finish award after his goal for Hereford United against Aldershot in the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on October 6th.

The striker, who returned to Southend United earlier this week, struck in the match which the Bulls won 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 2-2.

Walker’s goal is on a shortlist of 10.

Fans can view footage of Walker’s strike on the JPT official website: www.johnstonespainttrophy.com and register their vote. The closing date is Monday, November 2.

The best goal will be announced on the website and all fans that vote for the same winning goal will be shortlisted into a prize draw. Each round, the winning goalscorer will be presented with a Johnstone’s Paint Ultimate Finish Award and one lucky entrant will win an iPod nano.


Usual Prices for FA Cup-Tie

Hereford United have announced that usual matchday prices will apply for the FA Cup game against Sutton United on Saturday November 7th.

Everyone can pay on the day. However under 10's can attend for £5 as opposed to concession price if they purchase their ticket in advance.

Should a replay be needed it will be hold on Tuesday November 17th with a 7.45pm kick-off.


Surprise, Surprise, Leeds On TV (almost)...

It shouldn't come as too much of a shock but the games featuring three of the biggest sides in the FA Cup First Round - Leeds, Charlton, and Norwich - have been picked for live coverage.

Although in a slight twist, and with the FA still short of a broadcast partner with Setanta long gone, Leeds' game at Oldham is to be broadcast on the FA website (Sat Nov 7, 5.15pm). The other games between Paulton and Norwich (Sat Nov 7, 12.45pm) and Northwich and Charlton (Sun Nov 8, 1.30pm) are both on ITV1.


Southend Consider Administration

Southend have admitted they are considering Administration after avoiding a court day with the taxman.

A late change of mind by the taxman gave the club breathing space after they called in their large six figure debt that caused a transfer embargo to be placed on the club, but the club now admit that they are running out of options to keep the club trading profitably.

In a statement on their website chairman Ron Martin said that the taxman is now pushing for the club to go into Administration, while he lists more that £15million that the current board have ploughed into the club including nearly £2million into their long-awaited new stadium.

The taxman is pushing for the club to enter Administration next Wednesday. If they do they would incur a ten point penalty, which would drop them from 13th to the bottom of the League One table.


McQuilkin Trials With Mansfield

Bulls midfielder James McQuilkin appears to be next out of the door after Mansfield confirmed he is to play for them in the reserves.

The Stags play Notts County today in a practice match with McQuilkin expected to feature alongside one-time Bulls trialist Richard Langley. McQuilkin impressed many in pre-season but, like the departed Glen Southam, suffered injury and has been unable to force his way back into the first team picture.

The 20 year old would only be able to join the Stags on loan initially.

Stags boss David Holdsworth told the Nottingham Evening Post: "Hereford have made a lot of changes and James may be deemed surplus to requirements there, but I have had my eye on the kid and he has a good pedigree."


News Round Up

Aldershot are to abandon their two-tier board system. They introduced the system, with seperate boards for financial and operational matters, last season after a financial review of the club but the experiment has apparently failed. The club have set a deadline of November 4th for applications for their new manager. Torquay are to sign 20 year old Southampton midfielder Jake Thomson on a months loan.

Grimsby are understood to have bagged a £100,000 fee for selling 15 year old striker Jack Barlow to Hull. Crewe have had loan keeper David Button recalled by Spurs for a second time. They may not seek his return after Dario Gradi criticised him last week. Sol Campbell has accused Notts County of demanding £100,000 to release his registration. Campbell has told EPSN that the Magpies keep moving the goalposts even after he had written confirmation that he would be released.

Northwich will hope the prospect of a bumper pay day from their FA Cup tie with Charlton will resolve their future. They are still unable to agree a CVA deal with the taxman, and the Conference have now stopped them signing new players due to the ongoing wrangle in addition to the FA witholding FA Cup prize money due to their situation.

Some ex-Bulls in this week's Teams Of The Week. Paul Parry makes the Championship side for his goalscoring performance for Preston, while Steve Guinan gets the nod in League Two for Northampton. Burton have shown an interest in taking transfer listed Crewe striker Anthony Elding on loan. Accrington have lost the services of loan keeper Alan Martin after Leeds recalled him when their own loan keeper was called back to Blackburn.


Preview: Bulls vs Darlington

The Bulls entertain Darlington in a League Two match at Edgar Street on Saturday.

This year is the 19th the two sides have shared the same division, with the Quakers holding a 14-10 advantage in wins. The Bulls are two matches unbeaten in the sequence of games after winning both matches in the 2007/8 season. Gary Hooper's goal beat a Darlington side featuring Ryan Valentine in April 2008, after the Bulls strolled to a 5-1 win at Edgar Street the previous November with five different scorers.

The Bulls' home form is stopping them from being in the bottom two, and few will predict anything other than a home win on Saturday - but the Bulls must be on their guard to ensure that they do not take the points for granted and see them slip through their fingers. The Bulls have been difficult to beat at Edgar Street, but have also found it hard to finish off sides at times when the three points looked on the cards. With James Walker gone, boss John Trewick will decide who to place up front with Craig King, Jonny Godsmark, Leon Constantine, and Lee Morris all available for a start.

Since naming Steve Staunton as boss he has brought in a string of new signings across the pitch in an attempt to reverse their epic slide since entering Administration in February. Gates have fallen by 35% on last season's average - the worst drop in the League - and they have scored just six goals in their League campaign - also the worst in the League. They seem destined to have a second stint in the Conference but upset Shrewsbury just two weeks ago and are not quite dead yet. They held off Barnet for a half last weekend before the errors returned and they had another second half crash - an event Staunton is determined to stop happening.

Hereford United vs Darlington, Edgar Street, Saturday 30th October, 3.00pm.


Staunton Needs Side To Avoid Loss

Darlington manager Steve Staunton hasn't branded Saturday's visit to Edgar Street a 'must win' game, but a 'must not lose' one.

The Quakers are six points short of safety and have scored just six goals in their 14 League games so far, leaving Staunton desperate to level an apparently fastly sinking ship. He told the press after Saturday's game: "Because of the position we are in we have to win as many games as possible. Next week is vital now. The most important thing is not to get beat. Unless we start keeping clean sheets though we are going to be saying the same thing every week."


Hooper to referee Darington Match

Simon Hooper from Wiltshire is set to referee next Saturday's League Two fixture between Hereford United and Darlington.

The last time Hooper refereed at Edgar Street was last March when Southend were the visitors. The Bulls lost that game 1-0 and Hooper booked four players - Sam Hewson, Sam Gwynne, Darren Dennehy and Dean Beckwith - and awarded Southend the debatable penalty that seperated the two sides.

To date this season Hooper has officiated 12 matches and given out 30 yellow and one red card which was last Saturday at Plymouth where he sent off Darcy Blake.


Monday, October 26, 2009

News Round Up

Chester have a reprieve from their deadline to clear football debts that expired at 5pm on Monday. The Conference have issued a statement saying talks are ongoing, with the Conference waiting on the Football League for answers to Chester's claims of non-payment of their parachute funds.

Crewe have told striker Anthony Elding he can leave the club. The former Stevenage striker, once dubbed 'Eldinho', is best remembered to Bulls fans for collapsing in a heap in front of keeper Wayne Brown with a bad case of play acting. Since leaving Stockport for Leeds in a big money move he has scored just seven goals in nearly two years and 57 appearances, and has not scored for Crewe in over a year.

Notts County are expected to name Hans Backe as their new manager in the next couple of days. Backe, 57, used to be Sven Goran Ericsson's coach at Man City and Mexico and is currently also linked to the Sweden job turned down by Ericsson. He has four Danish titles to his name but lasted just two matches as boss of Greek side Panathinaikos due to poor performances. The Magpies have denied demanding a gagging order on Sol Campbell in order to release his registration with the club. The PFA are involved in discussions with the club after press reports claimed they wanted Campbell to stay silent on his experience with the club.

Accrington face the court on Wednesday to defend the £308,000 tax demand, with the club expecting the sum to be cleared in time. Southend are reported to be £660,000 in debt to the taxman, debunking claims by the club the matter has only turned into a transfer embargo due to paperwork delays.


McCallum knows about Sutton United

Hereford United manager John Trewick will be able to find out about FA Cup Round One opponents Sutton United from a current player at Edgar Street as Gavin McCallum was top scorer at Sutton last season.

McCallum joined Sutton from Havant and Waterlooville at the start of last season and played a key role in helping his side reach the Isthmian League Premier Division play-offs.

His signing was announced on the same day as former Hereford United striker Chukki Eribenne joined the club.

McCallum was first to score a League goal for Sutton last season. It took him just 12 minutes in a league game against Harlow.

Meanwhile there is one player currently with Sutton that Hereford United supporters will remember from the 'Wilderness Years'. Defender Jason Goodliffe used to play for Stevenage amidst other clubs.


Walker staying at Southend

James Walker is not returning to Edgar Street at least for the time being. The Southend striker is to stay at Roots Hall and fight for a place in their team.

"James returned for training today," confirmed manager Steve Tilson.

"Obviously we are very light on numbers at the moment so that is welcomed.

"However, what pleased me the most was that he genuinely wants to come back here and fight for his place.

"He's played some games and scored some goals which will have boosted his confidence and fitness.

"Hereford were keen to keep him and extend his loan but James wanted to come back and we are pleased to welcome him."

Whilst with the Bulls Walker scored twice, one in the League against Dagenham and one in the Trophy match against Aldershot.


Bullock annoyed with first booking

Bradford's Lee Bullock has admitted that it was his own 'stupidity' that got him sent off last Saturday.

"I’m more annoyed with the first booking because that was a really stupid thing to do," said Bullock as reported by the Telegraph and Argus.

Bullock used his arm to try and help the ball goalwards past Hereford keeper Adam Bartlett.

"The hand ball was stupid of me. It was a spur of the moment thing but I knew what I was doing.

"But I didn’t expect to get sent off after the foul. I genuinely went for the ball and I thought the ref realised that.

"Then their lad (Kenny Lunt) started to have a moan about it. It wasn’t very nice but you can understand why he did it because they were one down. But I’m more annoyed with the first booking because that was a really stupid thing to do."

Meanwhile team-mate Gareth Evans thought Lunt might have influenced referee Webster.

"Refs pick up on little things like that. Kenny showed he was frusutrated and that made it seem ten times worse than it was. I think it was a poor decision."


Walker's Month Loan Ends

James Walker is due to return to Southend this week as his one month loan deal with Hereford United comes to an end.

Whether Bull's manager John Trewick will want to try and extend the loan remains to be seen. However the current transfer embargo and injury situation at Southend might mean that Walker is needed at Roots Hall.

Last Saturday Southend were prevented from extending the loan of George Friend from Wolverhampton by the Football League because of a problem with HMRC (Revenue and Customs).

Their squad is already short because of players out with injuries and others unavailable because of loan deals (Alex Revell and Kevin Betsy were mentioned).

On the other hand there is a feeling that Trewick has enough players on the books at present particularily as several are expected to start training this week after injuries - Marc Pugh for example.

Any extension to Walker's loan is likely to be announced later this week in time for the Darlington match.


Sunday, October 25, 2009

The Wrong Kind Of Bradford Welcome

This article, written by by Jason Mckeown, was first published on the BfB (Boy from Brazil) site - http://www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk/2009/10/an-ugly-victory-as-hereford-united-fans-get-the-wrong-kind-of-bradford-welcome/

(The picture shows Bradford stewards around the Hereford mini-bus as it was about to leave the ground - after the local youngsters, who had tried to attack its occupants, had been dispersed.)

It was a long way back home – 180 miles to be precise – for the 176 Hereford supporters at Valley Parade on Saturday, but for many it will not have been Gareth Evans’ 41st minute strike and subsequent celebration in front of them which will have provided the lasting impression of a disappointing day.

The welcome some received from the people of Bradford could be fairly summed up as ugly, with stories of heavy-handed stewarding and a gang of teenagers punching and spitting on supporters outside the ground at the end. Small and trivial these incidents may be considered in the context of the history of poor stewarding and hooliganism, but little consolation for the few on the receiving end.

It was midway through the second half that attention was diverted from a reasonably entertaining League Two encounter to the block of the Midland Road stand which housed Hereford supporters. Without knowing what was happening, it was clear stewards were dragging out a small handful of supporters in the most heavy-handed of manners. A Bulls visitor to Claret and Banter claims the stewards began throwing out supporters for persistently standing. When these fans quite reasonably argued that home supporters in other parts of the ground were also standing, they were apparently removed for questioning the stewards’ authority.

Meanwhile the photo evidence of a young supporter appearing to be forcibly removed reflects badly on the the people charged with home and away supporters’ welfare and some questions should be raised by those with the power to ask them at Valley Parade this week. At numerous City away games in recent years, stewards have attempted to force City fans to sit down; but the larger number of away fans make it next to impossible to enforce and efforts are usually quickly abandoned. Were these Hereford fans penalised for supporting a small club?

As the skirmishes ended, the reaction of City fans in the Bradford End was hardly commendable either. Aside from strong rivalries, banter between sets of fans at games is generally good natured and fun for both. The same Hereford fan who left a message on Claret and Banter claims home supporters initiated slit throat gestures towards them, while the choice and tone of the chanting towards them came across as unnecessarily threatening. Such anger might be understood, if not excused, were it directed towards Leeds, Huddersfield and Burnley fans, or even if the visitors were leading. The Hereford fans had done nothing to warrant this humourlessly-bile form of chanting.

And then outside after the game it got worse. Walking along Midland Road after home games all season, it’s been noticeable that gangs of teenagers have begun congregating on street corners in the hope something might “kick off”. A small mini bus for Hereford fans was positioned close to the away turnstiles, with one steward stood talking to them. I’d begun to walk past and towards my car, so didn’t get the best of views, but within minutes this group of Hereford supporters were surrounded by a gang of teenagers and fighting broke out. Those nearer claim a female supporter was punched while another female was spat at. Other Hereford fans tried to defend their own and the steward looked helpless. Eventually more stewards arrived to help and two police vans pulled up, with the group of teenagers fleeing up the hill towards Manningham Lane and hiding within the grounds of the nearby Mosque. A long journey home for Hereford fans must have felt significantly longer.

And as they departed so to did a bit of the club’s reputation. “Going to Bradford away? Watch yourself, I’ve heard the stewards are violent and home supporters ambush you outside the ground at the end,” is the kind of story which travels fast among rival fans. After the match City manager Stuart McCall had spoken of his frustration that, mid-way through the first half, a supporter within his earshot had barracked the players with the words “come on, we’re only playing Hereford,” but in this situation “only Hereford” is an important point. Perhaps these cowardly fans who attacked visiting supporters will steer clear when the likes of Rochdale and Rotherham come to Valley Parade, as they will bring sizeable numbers of fans which are likely to include plenty willing to get involved with a fight.

Next Saturday City travel to Macclesfield, a fixture I’ve been looking forward to for weeks due to the warm welcome I’ve received from friendly Silkmen fans on my previous two visits. Luton and Chesterfield aside, that’s usually the norm wherever you go in League Two and, for the majority of well-behaved City fans, it’s part of the enjoyment. What a shame that, thanks to the minority, there are now less people who will consider a trip to Bradford anything but ugly.


One Bradford Steward

Yesterday some Hereford United supporters felt that a few of the Bradford City stewards might have been out of order by evicting several of their number from the ground.

With just 176 Supporters in the away end, and no sign of any trouble other than some standing up - which was also noticable in the home stand behind the one goal - the Bradford stewards decided to get heavy.

One in particular decided it was time to throw out two youngsters who had been sat near the front of the stand.

Whether he used reasonable force is debatable.







Sutton United

Formed in 1898, Sutton have a proud history and famously put Coventry City out of the Cup in the third round of the 1988/89 season. Aldershot. Torquay, Colchester and Peterborough United have also been brushed aside during their Cup exploits. Current Crewe station master, Dario Gradi, is a former Sutton player.

They currently lie 9th in the Ryman Premier having won 6 and lost 5 of their 11 fixtures to date. They are managed by former Eastleigh boss Paul Doswell and have ex Stevenage stalwart Jason Goodliffe as Club Captain.


Bulls Get Sutton At Home

The Bulls have drawn Sutton Utd at home in the First Round of the FA Cup.

The Ryman League side have been drawn against the Bulls twice before, in 1992/3 and 1995/6. The Bulls won both games at the first attempt, pushing past the non-league side 2-1 in a mud-soaked game in 92/3, while a Steve White double gave the Bulls a home tie with Tottenham after a second round home win in 95/6.

The game is to be played the weekend of November 7th. In other ties of note in the First Round the smallest club left in the competition Paulton Rovers face Norwich City, Shrewsbury face Staines, while Kidderminster will have a trip to Northampton if they get past Fleetwood at the second attempt.


FA Cup Draw - Bulls No 23

Hereford United enter the FA Cup this afternoon when England Ashes hero James Anderson and former England and Charlton Athletic defender Chris Powell make the draw on ITV at 1pm.

All 48 clubs from League One and League Two enter the draw following yesterdays final qualifying round of fixures. The teams involved include 2003 Finalists Southampton, and 2004 Finalists Millwall. Former Premier League clubs are also present such as Charlton Athletic, Leeds United and Norwich City.

Bulls supporters will be listening out for ball number 23.

Ties are to be played on the 7th and 8th of November 2009 and the winners will receive £18,000 in prize money.


Youth team lose at Cheltenham

Hereford United's Youth team were defeated 5-0 at Cheltenham yesterday in a League game.


Saturday, October 24, 2009

Bulls stutter to defeat at Bradford

United failed to continue their recent run of improved form when, despite defending well for most of the first half, eventually fell to the only goal of the game just before the break.

Trewick started with the same eleven that had defeated Chesterfield with the only change on the bench being the return of Lee Morris in place of McCallum and The Bulls were soon on the back foot as Bradford opened the brighter.

A couple of early moves from The Bantams failed to trouble Adam Bartlett while Kenny Lunt was just off target from just outside the box as he latched onto a Craig King knock-down. The hosts continued to produce the more attacking play but a combination of some majestic defending from Ryan Green and some wayward shooting meant that Bartlett was rarely brought into action apart from getting down comfortably to collect a low shot from Michael Flynn. The Bulls huffed and puffed but with Manset being close-marked and being forced to play mostly with his back to goal, any serious threat seemed unlikely. Brandon saw a couple of efforts go wide of the mark before Flynn's fine shot from 20 yards was close with a few minutes of the half remaining. However, the home side took the lead almost immediately after when another Flynn effort rebounded of the foot of the post and fell to the fortunate Evans to tap home from inside the six-yard box. A long distance effort at the other end from Walker failed to trouble the home keeper although Manset was unlucky to see his cracking 25-yarder whistle just over the bar with Eastwood seemingly beaten.

HT Bradford 1 Bulls 0

The pattern of the first period continued after the break with The Bulls having a decent share of possession without creating real chances in the danger area. Manset and Walker both showed good touches but were unable to find their way passed the well organised but somewhat ponderous home rearguard and officials' failure to penalise the frequent holding didn’t help the visitors cause. Bartlett saved from Brandon and Blanchett was on hand to complete the clearance before Hanson found the net only to be rightly ruled offside. Craig King tried hard in his unusual wide right role, as many fans were wondering why his pace and tenacity weren’t being employed in his more accustomed central striking position. Having said that, King’s whipped cross did cause some anxiety in the Bantams defence when it flew off a defenders head and dipped agonisingly over the bar with Eastwood scrambling to recover his position. Hanson had his second "goal" denied by the Assistant's flag when headed in from O'Brian's cross. Trewick replaced the tiring Manset with Sonko as he eventually moved King to the centre with twenty minutes remaining and also brought Lee Morris on for Walker with ten minutes to go. This did provoke a spirited closing period as The Bulls finally started to show themselves as an attacking force. Mark Marshall might have done better as a Lunt free kick evaded him while Morris was just off target with a glancing header from Marshall's centre. Bullock was dismissed for the second of two agricultural challenges before Ryan Valentine cut in from the left to fire a right-footed effort just wide. King’s pace provided a chance but Eastwood was quickly off his line to block as Bradford saw out the closing stages to record their third home win of the season in front of a crowd of 11,107 including 176 rain-swept Herefordians.

FT Bradford 1 Bulls 0

Hereford, apart from the final ten minutes or so, never really produced the passing game to open the home defence and while Manset showed flashes of his "Champs-Elysees" swagger his questionable stamina today proved his undoing. Walker grafted without much reward but it was the failure to provide telling through balls and crosses that accounted for the lack of goal attempts. At the back, Lowe performed in a steady manner without showing much going forward while Valentine was perhaps a shade fortunate, having been already booked, to stay on the pitch following a show of petulance when taking retribution having been hauled to the ground and not gaining the Ref's agreement for a clear foul. Blanchett and the imperious Ryan Green mainly restricted the home strikers to distance pot-shots and while the wide pair tried, they failed to produce the final quality to trouble the hosts. Marc Pugh, who joined the Bulls fans in the visitors section returns to full training on Tuesday and it is hoped that his much missed threat from the left will be available for the next game against Darlington next Saturday.

Bradford: - Eastwood, Bateson, Williams, Rehman , O’Brien L, Flynn, Bullock, Brandon (O’Brien J 70) Neilson, Hanson, Evans.
Unused Subs: - McLaughlin, Clarke, Boulding, Osborne, Sharry, Horne

Hereford: - Bartlett, Lowe, Green, Blanchett, Valentine, King, Gwynne, Lunt, Marshall, Manset (Sonko 70), Walker (Morris 79).
Unused Subs: - Adamson, Rose, Done, Godsmark, Constantine.


Baffling Decisions from Referee Webster

Those Hereford United supporters who read this site's notes about the next referee might have noticed that Mr Webster didn't impress the last time he was in charge of a game involving Hereford United.

Today was no different. He appeared to lose control of the game towards the end and several of his decisions were baffling.

Why he didn't book the Bradford scorer for making gestures towards the Hereford United supporters was just the start.

Here's how a Bradford City site BFB reported on Webster.

Evans pushed the ball into the goal five minutes before half time and celebrated on his knees shaking a fist up at the visiting Hereford supporters which left one wondering what the away fans had done to deserve the number nine’s ill advised displeasure and why the Referee did not issue him with a yellow card.

For this question was on the lips of all when Referee Colin Webster looked at a two feet off the ball lunge by Ryan Valentine on Scott Neilson that left the City winger hobbling for the rest of the game and should surely have resulted in a red card – considering that Lee Bullock was booked five minutes before for returning the ball to the corner taker when Webster had decided that a City man got the last touch from the previous cross – and only gave a caution.

It seemed obscene that minor infringements are given the same punishment as tackles as bad as Valentine’s and one had to wonder why the left back piled in on the right winger. Nothing thus far in the game had suggested bad feeling and unlike Graeme Lee’s hatcheting of Michael Boulding last month there seems to have been little chance for the little winger to have amassed enemies from former clubs. Perhaps Neilson had done some especially poor plumbing at Valentine’s house at some point.

Either way Neilson seemed to have not been especially popular and Valentine had received something approaching the benefit of the doubt and it was that sort of doubt which City ended up cursing in the opening ten minutes of the second half after Kenny Lunt dribbled the only shot on target of the game from the visitors at Simon Eastwood from twenty five yards out and the Bantams had the ball in the goal twice with Webster’s linesman ruling out both goals.

Firstly Neilson – not popular with the linesman next closest to Valentine either, perhaps it was his aftershave – was hit by a Gareth Evans and ended up with the ball at his feet to pop into the goal once balance was regained but the flag ruled the goal out despite appearing (from my position, which it has to be said was better than any of the officials had) to have been onside.

Minutes later more excellent pressing had Luke O’Brien – who has really stepped up his performance this season and looks a very able player – cross for James Hanson to dart in front of his defender and diving head home only for the same flag to rule the goal out and the same impression that City’s number seventeen was level or behind the defender when the cross was made.

.......

McCall ended the game furiously confronting Referee Webster after a last ten minutes which saw the Bantams galvanised by a red card for Bullock which was in no way deserved and seemed to come out of some dark corner of Webster’s mind rather than the rules of football.

Bullock was involved in a tangle with Lunt and pulled down the former Crewe man in the middle of the Hereford half. Webster allowed the payer to wander away and then – on seeing the number perhaps – sent off Bullock who from his fifteenth minute booking had committed not a single offence and given away not a single free kick.

The rules of football – yes those pesky things again – have this to say give the referee seven reasons to book a player: unsporting behaviour, dissent, delaying the restart, not retreating at free kicks, entering the pitch without permission, leaving the pitch without permission and “persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game”.

Bullock had committed not a single offence and given away not a single free kick since being booked after fifteen minutes and the single foul that followed – and Bullock seemed convinced that Lunt had made more of the offence but regardless – does not merit a yellow card through any of those seven reasons outlined above. “Persistent infringement” cannot – by definition – be a single offence and unless he has not read the rules of football then Colin Webster knows this but decided that he would make up his own rules.

This was a disgraceful Refereeing decision which had no justification in the rules of football. They say that winning teams never complain but Stuart McCall should raise Hell over Colin Webster and his Refereeing using his own rules.

That Ryan Valentine was allowed to dive in for another bad tackle on a City player and walked away without a resultant red card was perhaps justified by the word “persistent” above but there are no way of running a football match that say that Bullock should be sent off and the Hereford number three should not have been.

Edrissa Sonko roughly handled Webster as the game petered out and was only yellow carded but the sending off which will cost the Bantams a player who is putting in the performances that Brandon needs to if he is to demand a place in the side pushed City over the finishing line. The Bantams had dug in but only after feeling a second type of injustice at the hands of the man in the middle who – for whatever reasons – went to great lengths to apply a different set of rules to the two teams on the field as best illustrated by Bullock committing one trip and being sent off and Valentine hacking once and fouling while remaining on the field.

So what should have been a comfortable victory for City was an unenjoyable slog of a match and became the opposite of the defeat to Crewe to be proud of. The chase is rarely fun in football.

Webster left Valley Parade unpopular as he no doubt will leave many grounds until he starts to referee on the basis of the rule book rather than his own whims and fancies.

No Christmas cards, no birthday cards and certainly not enough Valentine cards.


Managers Reaction from Valley Parade

Below are the two managers reaction from Valley Parade.

Firstly for Hereford United - John Trewick interviewed by BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We were well aware that Flynn can crack one from the edge of the box and unfortunately he got on to one and it came back of the post, and our marking was less than we would have wanted it to be from the rebound.

"A bad goal from our point of view and disappointing.

"We are all a little bit flat as we felt that after the run that we have had, we haven't quite achieved today."

The pitch was quite wet, although the sun came out as the game started, and there were five bookings in the game.

"It had rained heavily before the game and the surface was slippy," continued Trewick.

"Sometimes with those conditions you get the odd mis-timed tackle and clash but I think the game was played in a decent spirit.

"I didn't see anything really nasty out there."

Trewick didn't comment on Bullock's sending off.

"I was more concerned with Ryan Valentine not getting himself a second yellow card and Eddie Sonko keeping his head when the referee gave a decision against him.

"We had nothing to lose and we were doing okay. We were getting into good areas but not finding the final ball.

"We rallied and that's important, we didn't just lie down and accept it and that's encouraging."

Secondly Stuart McCall for Bradford City:

"If you look at the 90 minutes there is no doubt we deserved to win the game although we made it hard for ourselves.

"You always go out with the intention of being positive and scoring lots of goals, but we wanted to win to keep everyone going.

"We should have more points than we have got this season and when you drop points you put pressure on the next game so this was a big win for us.

"We were a bit edgy when we couldn't score a second goal and we then had to hang on with ten men, but I was pleased with the clean sheet and the three points."


Stats from Bradford

Below are most of the stats from this afternoon's League Two match when Bradford defeated Hereford United 1-0.

Possession: Bantams 51% Bulls 49%

Shots on Target: Bantams 11 Bulls 1

Shots off Target: Bantams 8 Bulls 3

Corners: Bantams 6 Bulls 2

Fouls: Bantams 6 Bulls 14

Cards: Yellows for Valentine, Gwynne, and Sonko

Attendance: 11,017 with a good following of 176 from Hereford

Referee: Poor

Thrown out: Four Hereford United supporters

Bottom of League Two:

16 Macclesfield 14 -6 17
17 Lincoln City 14 -8 16
18 Crewe 14 -4 15
19 Hereford 14 -4 15
20 Cheltenham 14 -7 15
21 Morecambe 14 -9 12
22 Torquay 14 -6 11
23 Grimsby 14 -16 10
24 Darlington 14 -18 5


Ex-Bull Watch

Gavin Mahon scored a rare goal as QPR beat Derby. Paul Parry scored his second goal for Preston as they drew with Middlesboro. Joe Anyinsah scored the winner as Carlisle beat Southend. Alan Connell scored the opener as Bournemouth beat Grimsby. Steve Guinan scored the opener as Northampton beat Morecambe.

David Brown opened the scoring for Forest Green from the penalty spot as they beat Mangotsfield in the FA Cup. Both Chris Mackenzie and Chukki Eribenne are also in the First Round after their Hinckley side beat Histon. Moses Ashikodi scored a late equaliser to keep Kettering in the competition as they drew with Redditch.

Meanwhile three ex-Bulls who joined new clubs this week all saw their sides lose. Glen Southam scored for Bishop's Stortford but they lost at Lewes, Richard Jackson failed to make the team as Darlington lost to Barnet, and Clint Easton started the game as Ebbsfleet lost 3-0 at Bromley in the FA Cup.


Results Round Up

Bournemouth extend their lead at the top of the table to three points after beating Grimsby 3-1, with Dagenham only getting a point in their 2-2 draw at Macclesfield. Third place Rochdale lost 2-1 at home to Accrington, while Rotherham slip to fifth after losing by the same score to Bury. Notts County move up to fourth with their 2-0 win over Crewe, while Barnet keep pace with a 3-0 win over Darlington. Shrewsbury round out the play-off spots after their 3-1 win over Aldershot. Chesterfield beat Burton 5-2 to stay within a point of the play-offs.

Down the bottom, Torquay's goalless draw at Lincoln pulls them out of the bottom two at the expense of Grimsby, with Darlington now six points short of safety. Northampton beat Morecambe 4-2 to move up to 15th, with Cheltenham joining the Bulls and Crewe on 15 points after a 1-1 draw with Port Vale.

In the FA Cup Chester face a replay with Barrow after their game ended 1-1. Gloucester also face a replay with Lowestoft to make the First Round after a 1-1 draw in their game., as do Kidderminster after a goalless draw wth Fleetwood. Forest Green are through after a 2-1 win at Mangotsfield. FC United failed at the last hurdle, being beaten by Northwich 3-0, while both Oxford City and Oxford United are through after home wins.


Bulls Run Ended At Bradford

The Bulls' unbeaten run is over after Bradford won today's League Two match at Valley Parade 1-0.

Gareth Evans' first half goal was enough to seperate the sides, although the home side will be aggrieved by two disallowed goals and the sending off of Lee Bullock for two yellow cards.

Full report later.


News Round Up

Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell has denied a press report saying he offered Weymouth £5,000 a month to take his son on as a player. Son Tom plays for Dorchester and has been training with the Cherries, but Weymouth director Paul Cocks says Mitchell snr offered his son and former Dorchester boss Shaun Brooks to the club free of charge in additional to the cash sums in a series of emails.

Grimsby have signed Southampton defender Oliver Lancashire on a one month loan. The England u19 international replaces the departed Ryan Bennett, with the club denying they sold Bennett to keep the money flowing at Blundell Park. Aldershot have lost the services of Spurs' loanee Dean Parrett after the Premier side refused permission for them to keep him for a second month.

Chester chairman Ian Anderson is confident the club will survive Monday's deadline to clear football creditors. Negotiations are ongoing with the Football League and Conference to get money owed to the club channelled to their creditors.


Audio from Bradford City

Hereford United supporters will have two ways they can listen to live coverage of this afternoon's League Two match from the Valley Parade where Bradford City take on the Bulls.

For those around Herefordshire, BBC Hereford and Worcester will have full match coverage of the game on 94.7FM.

For anyone else who wishes to listen to commentary, the Bradford City website has a free 14 day trial.

Meanwhile manager John Trewick has suggested that his players will be looking forward to playing at Bradford this afternoon.

"It should be good," Trewick told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"If I was a player and if I was looking at the Bradford fixture, I would be thinking it's a place that I want to go and play football."

With confidence higher in the camp on the back of a decent run of results Trewick is hopeful of taking points from Bradford.

"If we go and perform the way we have done, and in the way we are capable of, then we'll give them a good game."


Friday, October 23, 2009

Southam to Bishop's Stortford

Glen Southam, who until this week was a Hereford United player, has signed for Blue Square South club Bishop`s Stortford.

Early in his career he played for Stortford and during his time there was voted their player of the season three times.

He moved to Dagenham and Redbridge for a £20,000 fee in May 2004.

Southam is expected to play for his new club against Lewes tomorrow.


Easton to Daggers?

Former Bulls' left-sided midfielder Clint Easton turned out for Dagenham and Redbridge against a Spurs XI in midweek at left back.

The Daggers have today seen regular left back Scott Griffiths depart for Peterborough on loan with a view to a permanent move in January.

The 32 year-old Barking born Easton filled the defensive berth regularly during his time at Wycombe under the managership of John Gorman.

Update: Easton is reported by the Kent News this evening to have signed for Ebbsfleet and may play for them in their FA Cup game against Bromley tomorrow. (What's 15 miles amongst friends - Ex)


Trewick pre-Bradford

Hereford United manager John Trewick has said that he beleives his squad have been more consistant lately and the results are that much better.

“We have hit a good level of consistency lately and the results have reflected that," Trewick told the Worcester News.

“If we can put in a similar level of performance against Bradford, we will have a decent result.

“I am pleased we have put this run together but it’s the old cliche — we have got to take one game at a time, give them our full attention and, if we do that, we will be OK.

“If we can hit those levels, then nine times out of 10 the result will look after itself.”

Trewick is well-aware that the Valley Parade is a big stadium with an average attendance of 11,426.

“The trouble is the stadium is so big it’s not going to look full.

“They sell a lot of season tickets at discount prices in the summer to get a decent-sized crowd.

“I think the big crowds can only help to be a motivating factor and I am hoping that’s the case with us.”

As regards injuries Craig Jones is still out with a back injury whilst there are slight doubts over Marc Pugh, Darren Jones and Darren Dennehy. However Craig King and Gavin McCullum should have recovered from bad colds.

Trewick also commented on the deal which will see youngster King stay at Edgar Street until the end of the season

“We wanted to do that and spoke to Nigel Pearson, the manager at Leicester.

“Fortunately, he felt it was a good idea for the lad as well and Craig is delighted to be staying.”


Southam Departs

The Official site is today reporting that midfielder Glen Southam has left the Club by mutual consent.

Southam joined the Bulls this summer after several seasons at Dagenham and Redbridge. He made just 6 League appearances for Hereford United, plus three more in Cup matches.

Bulls News reported that Southam was free to leave Edgar Street last Saturday.


McCall Hasn't Seen Bulls Play

Bradford boss Stuart McCall hasn't seen the Bulls play this season, but he thinks his side will will if they improve on last week's loss.

Speaking to the Telegraph and Argus he said: "I don't know too much about them. I've not managed to see them play and we haven't got the DVD we sent for because of the post slowing down. They have had some good results of late and are not conceding many goals, so they've tightened that area up.

"But I'm confident in our lads if we can just raise it from last week. We've had a good week's training and the mentality has been looking forward to this game ever since the Dagenham defeat. Without putting too much pressure on, we know we need a win - and hopefully if we put in another performance like we have been doing at home, that will come."

Striker Michael Boulding is rated as extremely doubtful for tomorrow's match with a virus, while fellow forward Peter Thorne is definitely out leaving rookie James Hanson leading the attack. The 6ft 3in striker has scored four times in twelve games this season after coming from Unibond side Guiseley, with his no-nonsense crash bang style proving effective. He has committed more fouls than any of the Bulls he will face, but is yet to be booked. He is confident of getting three points on Saturday:

"We've got three of the next four at home and if we put the same effort in as we did against Crewe, then we'll be all right. After Hereford, it's Macclesfield away and we've got to be confident of getting two wins which will push us back up into the play-off hunt."

Meanwhile, the Bulls squad has already departed for Bradford with an overnight stop expected in West Yorkshire. The weather in Bradford on Saturday is predicted to be fairly continuous light rain.


News Round Up

Ex-Bull Richard Jackson has signed a short term deal at Darlington. He is one of four new signings this week for the bottom club with Wolves' teenage midfielder David Davis and French trialist Mo Diop joining Aston Villa striker James Collins at the club. Torquay have failed in a bid to lure former loan striker, and ex-Bulls trialist, Chris Zebroski back to Plainmoor. He is out of contention at Wycombe after their poor start to the season but has decided to stay there to fight for his place.

Burton midfielder Jimmy Phillips will miss a month of the season with a knee injury. The club had originally feared it would require surgery that would rule him out for most of the season. Notts County have allegedly been turned down by Roberto Mancini for their manager's job, with the favourite claimed to be former Sven Goran Ericsson assistant Hans Backe.

Chester owner Stephen Vaughan says the Football League and Conference owe his club more than they owe footballing creditors. Payments from the two bodies have been suspended while the club fail to settle bills leaving the club - Vaughan says - unable to settle it's creditors. In a press interview the forthright Vaughan challenged the authorities to enforce their deadline.

Ebbsfleet's owners and board are discussing selling the club as the MyFootballClub model is failing. They predict a £130,000 loss for the current season even after slashing their wage bill by 60% in the summer, and will run out of money before the end of the season. The 30,000 membership of the MyFC site has dropped to under 10,000. Crewe have offered keeper Bertrand Bossu a contract until the start of January despite him conceding five goals in his trial match against Birmingham reserves.

Northampton have signed former Swindon central defender Pat Kanyuka on a three month contract. The 22 year old 6ft4in man has played 38 senior games for the Robins and QPR. Port Vale have cancelled the contract of young midfielder Luke Chapman by mutual consent despite having a threadbare squad due to a virus outbreak.

Dagenham have loaned left back Scott Griffiths to Peterboro until January ahead of a permanent move. He follows Grimsby's right back Ryan Bennett to London Road on similar terms.


Thursday, October 22, 2009

Bulls good value for win at Bradford City

Hereford United have been on a reasonable run of form recently and whilst they are yet to record their first away win of their League Two season, it's only time before that will happen.

It will be four weeks on Saturday since the Bulls were last defeated. Since then wins over leaders Bournemouth and Chesterfield, and draws at home against Dagenham and Redbridge and away at Rotherham have boosted the confidence of John Trewick's squad. So a price of 7/2 against a win for the Bulls may be good value.

Bradford have lost two and drawn three of their last five matches. They lost their last home game against Crewe and drew the previous one with Notts County.

Latest Odds from Skybet:

Bradford 4/5 Draw 5/2 Hereford 7/2


Sweet Caroline, Football and the Fun Bus

Sweet Caroline, the Neil Diamond song, has been re-issued this week on iTunes following a esipsode of Glee, an American 'genre-defying new musical comedy series'.

The song has been around for decades (it was first released in September 1969) and was originally made famous in the UK by Radio Caroline.

However in recent years the song has been used by various football and other sporting clubs as well as supporters groups firstly in the US and later in the UK.

This from Wikipedia:

The song is usually sung by supporters of English football team Arsenal and Northern Ireland fans where it is heard at Windsor Park before the match, at half time and after the final whistle is blown.

“Sweet Caroline” is the official club song at Brunton Park, home of Carlisle United FC of Football League One, where it is played as the players make their entrance; it is a fan favourite in Cumbria and was chosen by fan vote. In the past two seasons it has also been often used at Hereford United away matches, which is always started by a group of fans known as the ‘Fun Bus’.

In the 2005/2006 English Football season “Sweet Caroline” was adopted by the players of Reading Football Club. For many fans of Reading FC it evokes memories of the record breaking season of 05/06 when Reading scored 106 points to walk away with the Coca Cola Championship title.


Blanchett Loan Confirmed by Posh

Peterborough United have confirmed that defender Daniel Blanchett will stay with Hereford United for a second month.

They report that the deal is until the end of November.