June 1st:
MANY thanks to everyone who has visited the site in the last six months as visitor numbers have now hit 30,000. Over sixteen and a half thousand people logged onto HU-FC.co.uk for the period January 1st - May 31st, with the 30,000th visitor logging on at about half past three this afternoon.
GRAHAM Turner told the Evening News that he is delighted with his two new signings, Scott Voice from Bilston Town, who signed a two-year deal, and defender/midfielder Scott Goodwin, aged 22, from Hednesford for a year.
"Thirty six goals last season was enough to make a number of clubs sit up and several clubs were interested but he has elected to come to us," said Turner. He's ambitious and we are optimistic he can do well."
Voice told of his time in the Wolves youth team with Steve Piearce, another striker on Hereford's books. "One season we scored more than 60 goals between us and won two cups and finished well in the league," he said.
Meanwhile, Graham Turner has told the Nationwide website (www.football.nationwide.co.uk) of his hopes for Voice in an exclusive interview. "Scott Voice is one player we have high hopes for and we will be looking for him to score around 20 goals," commented Turner. "To score 46 goals at any level is excellent but we'll have to see how he copes at a higher grade.
"Scott Goodwin was at Coventry for four years and although he had a bad time in being relegated with Hednesford last season joining Hereford gives him the chance to be full-time and we've given him a one-year contract. He is a defensive left-sided player. I am looking to bring in two more players with a central defender and a central midfielder the priority but we have also given new contracts to a number of our players. Ian Wright, Matt Clarke, Matt Baker, James Quiggin, John Snape and John Shirley have all signed new deals."
Turner also revealed that his players would be training throughout the summer - a tactic he employed last year.
"I started the idea for the first time last year," commented Turner. "I give the players 10 different dates for a schedule and they choose seven of those dates so it doesn't interfere with their holidays. The players are okay with it and there are usually six or seven at a session while we work on our fitness which means that we can approach ball work much sooner before a new season."
The lack of cash for transfers has affected the club but said expectations are still high within the county. He added: "We have to accept that as we are a selling club it is part and parcel of life here but supporters still demand success. It isn't always appreciated what a feat it is just to keep on a level financial footing. I have a very hard working full-time secretary in Joan Fennessy but all the effort put in doesn't count at times.
"We have often found that as a club we can't afford to pay a player the same full-time wage that he can earn part-time elsewhere. We have to work within a budget and I know that we cannot compete with many clubs in the Nationwide Conference. While the restraints can lead to an element of bonding within a club you have to pay for quality.
"That is what Rushden & Diamonds have done and when Kidderminster were promoted they gambled and spent around £500,000. But we are optimistic and the season ticket sales are on a level with last year. It is hard work and my personal life has suffered but without all the effort and hard work there would be no club."
June 2nd:
Two of the leading candidates in the Hereford area standing for election have backed Hereford United in two areas - the first to gain a second promotion place to the Football League and the second to keep Hereford United alive.
Current MP Paul Keetch, Liberal Democrats, has already backed plans in the House of Commons for a second promotion place, and he said: "The current situation clearly disadvantages clubs like Hereford United in the Conference League to the advantage of other clubs in the Football League. After a couple of years of lobbying we now have the support of Sports Minister Kate Hoey and the Football Association for an increase in promotion places. I hope that the Football League will agree to these changes in time for next season. I know that Graham Turner at Hereford United supports the changes we are proposing - it would after all help United's chances of getting back into the League."
Meanwhile, Conservative candidate Virginia Taylor has told HU-FC.co.uk that the football club must stay in the centre of the city. She said: "The redevelopment of Edgar Street may help with the finances, but on the whole, I feel it would be better to keep the club in the centre of town in order to keep Hereford alive."
The club has a role in keeping young people in the county, as Taylor says: "I am fully in support of leisure and sports facilities for Herefordshire - and Hereford United Football Club remaining solvent and viable - otherwise our young people will have even less reason to stay."
In 1997, Paul Keetch won the Hereford seat with 48% of the vote, an a majority of over 6,500, whilst Virginia Taylor takes over as Tory candidate Colin Shepherd, who was ousted last time.
June 3rd:
LABOUR election candidate David Hallam has said that Hereford United should stay in the city centre, and he will do all he can to bring league football back.
Hallam told HU-FC.co.uk webmaster Terry Goodwin: "I have spoken to my colleague Councillor Chris Chappell on this who tells me that he has spoken to the supporters clubs and directors on a number of occasions. The view of the Labour Group on Herefordshire Council is that the club should stay where it is. They are not aware of any plans to move the club at present.
"I will obviously do what I can to help the Bulls regain league status short of actually playing!"
Should Mr. Hallam be elected, he would like to discuss the future of the club as it is close to him. His son showed his support of the Bulls by wearing a Hereford United scarf on the election leaflet!
June 4th:
SCOTT Voice, Graham Turner's latest signing, is thankful that the Hereford boss has put faith in him with a chance to prove himself in the Conference, and hopes to repay him with some goals.
Voice said: "I feel I can score goals at any level and I am glad to have been given the opportunity to prove myself. I'm more of a target man but I try to get my fair share of goals."
"He's six foot two, gets a fair number of goals with his head but also strikes the ball well," said Turner. "He will give us a bit of size and physical presence up front."
Meanwhile, Scott Goodwin, a left-sided defender and midfielder who signed from Hednesford Town, impressed Turner with his enthusiasm. "He had four years with Coventry who spoke very highly of him for his ability and enthusiasm," said Turner. "He wants to climb back up the footballing ladder and has signed a full-time one-year contract.
"I liked his attitude in games even when Hednesford were on the way down. I think he will prove to be a good signing."
SURREY Sports, the betting shop, have Hereford as joint sixth favourites for next season's Nationwide Conference title at 10/1 with Dagenham & Redbridge. Yeovil are favourites at 7/2, with the rank outsiders being Northwich Victoria and Stalybridge Celtic at 66/1.
Yeovil Town 7/2
Stevenage Borough 5/1
Doncaster Rovers 6/1
Scarborough 7/1
Barnet 8/1
Dagenham & Redbridge 10/1
Hereford United 10/1
Chester City 14/1
Boston United 16/1
Southport 16/1
Leigh RMI 20/1
Farnborough Town 20/1
Telford United 20/1
Woking 20/1
Morecombe 20/1
Margate 25/1
Dover Athletic 33/1
Forest Green Rovers 40/1
Nuneaton Borough 40/1
Hayes 66/1
Northwich Victoria 66/1
Stalybridge Celtic 66/1
June 5th:
GRAHAM Turner's side have won two awards in the Conference Awards round-up, announced at the League AGM on Saturday.
Via their press-release, Hereford United were confirmed as winners of the fair-play award for the 2000/01 season. The official website (www.herefordunited.co.uk) have revealed that a prize of £3,000 will accompany the accolade.
Meanwhile, Hereford United also picked up the Conference 'Performance of the Month' award for the April/May period, despite only picking up two wins and losing three times during that period. However, they beat table-topping Rushden and runners-up Yeovil Town, but lost against Woking, Dover and Boston.
June 6th:
THE Conference League Cup, known under many guises, is to be scrapped according to Yeovil Town site 'Ciderspace'. The announcement was made at Saturday's Conference AGM held in Chester and the Nationwide Variety Club Trophy will no longer be contested.
For many teams the competitions was seen as an irrelevance and weakened teams were fielded, displayed by Yeovil Town in the semi-finals where they crahsed 5-0 to Kingstonian, who had already been relegated. Hereford United lost 1-0 in their second round match to Kettering last year after receiving a bye through the first round, and just 604 bothered to turn up at Edgar Street for the game!
The league fixture list will be released in early July, and the Conference along with the FA Cup and FA Trophy will be the only competitions contested in by Hereford next season. Perhaps it is time for the Football League to allow all Conference sides in the LDV Vans Trophy, just to add a bit more spice to a competition regarded almost as poorly as the Variety Trophy to the Conference.
June 7th:
THE Hereford Times has revealed that Hereford United made a profit for the 1999/2000 season, the first time since 1994. The success was mainly due to the FA Cup run which took Hereford to the third round, holding Leicester to a replay, and the profit was at £70,254 after a loss of £162,074 in 1999.
Other than the two years in which transfer payments for Darren Peacock and Phil Stant were received, moving the club into the black to the tune of £96,836 in 1994 and £96,362 in 1990, this is the biggest annual profit ever made by the club, and follows five consecutive losses ranging from that £162,074 to a massive £318,372 in 1995.
Gate revenue increased from £179,930 to £383,272, mainly due to the cup run, and advertising and broadcasting income was up from £23,335 to £177,158. Whilst the club shop made more money, wages and salaries increased by around 10 per cent, from £437,125 to £480,324.
During the year, the club's bank overdraft, which is secured by a £25,000 guarantee from former club director Fred Rutherford, was reduced by almost half, from £105,131 to £55,595, but the balance sheet still shows the club are £1,261,291 in the red. The accounts will be considered by shareholders at their annual meeting in the Legends Bar at Edgar Street at 6pm on June 28th.
June 8th:
A Fans Forum with Councillor Terry James has been arranged for 26th July at 8pm, on the request of Cllr. James. The event is due to be hosted in Legends and everyone is welcome.
The Hereford United friendly match against a HUISA XI will be held on Moinday, 13th August with a 7pm kick off.
The annual painting weekend is scheduled for 30th June and 1st July, and the club have said that people wishing to camp in tents overnight are welcome to do so. Just contact the club on 01432 or to help out, just turn up and help as much as you can.
HUISA Away Travel will be run again next season but at least 20 supporters will be required to travel for a bus to go, as HUISA are in no position to lose money on the scheme. The prices on the coaches are amongst the best in the Conference.
The Hereford United Open Day is due to be held on 29th July. Everyone is welcome and if you have any ideas for events, please contact HUISA at PO Box 1999, Hereford, HR2 7WA or call a committee member.
Membership to HUISA is expected to be £5 for next season, so any existing members will have received renewal forms. If you wish to become a member, write to HUISA with your name, address, postcode, date of birth, contact telephone numbers and email address with a cheque payable to 'HUISA'.
An Autumn Draw is due to be held with tickets being sold at the Open Day, and prizes include golf clubs, a hi-fi system, a season ticket and much more. Anyone wanting to sell tickets, buy tickets or donate a prize should contact HUISA at the address above.
Tickets for a raffled Dwight Yorke Manchester United shirt will be available before and during the Manchester United friendly match, with the draw taking place at half-time.
On 10th August, Richard Hemmings has organised a Golf Day. To participate, contact Richard via HUISA. Meanwhile, the Tribute Bands night is to be held on 14th July at 7pm. Tributes include Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams and ABBA, and tickets are available from the club office (call 01432 276666).
THE Football Conference was formed in 1979 by the Football League to streamline progression of clubs from the pyramid into the League. It is, therefore, already 'part of the Football League family'. In 1986 automatic promotion for the Conference's champion club was introduced. Now, 15 years later, the next move is long overdue. The existing system doesn't work - it is time to open the door wider.
The Problem - Let the Conference join the party!
Fifteen years on from the award of one promotion place the time is now right for change. The Nationwide Conference is no longer the poor relation with:
Mostly League approved grounds.
All clubs with full time administration.
Around half clubs with full time playing staff.
All clubs are well run and financially stable.
The Conference is already part of the close football family.
The Proposal - Why change?
The incentive for semi-professional teams to make it into the big time is as great as it was back in 1986, the drama is no less gripping. Yet when you look at the structure of the Football League, is there any other division where only one team goes up? The present system simply doesn't work. In the last four years each of the relegated clubs - Doncaster Rovers, Hereford United, Chester City and Scarborough - have been unable to get back into the Football League. The well documented success of Conference clubs in the FA Cup every season and the growing profile of the Nationwide Conference provides every argument for making it into the new 'Fourth Division'. With more teams promoted into the Football League, it will have a spiral effect throughout the Pyramid System of Non-League football. The goal will be greater, the standards will grow and football itself will be the overall winner. Football as an open competitive sport will become reality with opportunities for growth from grass roots right up to the Premiership.
The Solution - Don't close that parachute open the door wider
When teams lose their Football League status, they face the prospect of serious financial hardship. The safety parachute of Football League funds lasts for only one-year, then they are on their own. The need to increase the parachute payments is a must - in the same way as those clubs leaving the Premiership enjoy two years of support when joining the Football League. In the absence of any contribution from the League, the Conference is working hard to locate funds to improve the payments made to the relegated clubs, in order that they may stabilise their financial position over a longer period. This coupled with an increase in the number of teams promoted to two would give clubs a greater chance of reclaiming financial stability and provide a better opportunity to regroup and return to the League. Both Nationwide Conference clubs and League teams will benefit from this policy.
So Why Vote Yes? - Because your support is essential
Additional promotional places provide a better opportunity for relegated League clubs to make a speedier return to the Football League. Increasing the one year 'parachute payment' made to relegated clubs to two years provides improved chances of financial stability to relegated League clubs. There is a bottleneck in the Conference restricting progression and denying well supported teams the chance of improvement, which is against the principles of free competition.
No - A No Vote Will:
Condemn yet another Football League club to just one year of parachute payments.
Restrict clubs from returning to the Football League.
Deny good, well supported clubs the chance of competing at a higher level.
At the Football League AGM, Conference chief executive John Moules was putting the case for a yes vote for the extra promotion place to all 72 of the league chairmen. The outcome looks certain to be very close. A League spokesman said: “This is definitely the biggest item on the agenda and it's a very difficult one to call. For the vote to be carried it needs at least 50% all the chairmen to vote yes, but at least half the 24 first division chairmen must be included in that figure.”
Moules said: “We know what we want is right and fair. We just hope the League votes for the greater good of football in this country.”
Meanwhile, Boston United will apply to join the the Central Conference reserve league on Monday in Worcester. The league, which involves Burton Albion, Hednesford Town, Hereford United, Kidderminster Harriers, Nuneaton Borough, Redditch United, Tamworth, Telford United and Worcester City, will mean a long away trip for the Bulls reserve team should they be accepted.
THE Liberal Democrats held their Hereford parlimentary constituency by under a thousand votes as Paul Keetch fought off Conservative opposition Virginia Taylor in the count. The result has helped the Liberal Democrats to one of their best ever campaigns and they have secured 51 seats, but turnout fell below 60% for the first time since 1918.
In Hereford, Paul Keetch received 18,244 votes with Virginia Taylor gaining 17,276, with Labour's David Hallam in third place with 6,739. Both the Green party (David Gillett) and UK Independence Party (Clive Easton) received just over 1,100 votes. The result means a swing of 5.24% to the Conservatives and a Keetch majority of 968.
Paul Keetch has already pledged his support to the plight of the football club, having been seen at some recent home matches and also backed the fight to gain a second promotion place to the Football League.
June 9th:
HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner has told the Evening News that the progress of the younger members of the squad is essential next season, as they hope to go onto bigger and better things.
John Shirley is one such member of the side who can progress. Just nineteen, he came through the Edgar Street ranks, and Turner said: "He has played in the first team although he didn't have the best of starts last season. It was only in the final two months that he came back into the side where he played in midfield or at right back. John's got a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and a fair degree of skill and pace. It's a big year for him and a number of other players as they are only on one-year contracts and need to prove themselves."
Paul Parry, Gavin Williams and Tony James are also expected to impress Graham Turner. "I think they could all play at a significantly higher level and play league football comfortably," he said. "They have all got the experience but now is the time to push on and stake a claim for league football and hopefully with Hereford United."
Meanwhile, Matt Gardiner, who was released by Hereford last month has rumoured to have joined Worcester City whilst Kerry Giddings is now at Halesowen Town. However, these are only rumours and are not confirmed. Also, former United 'keeper Andy Quy, now at Halesowen, has been told to prove his fitness to Yeltz' boss Brendan Phillips before being retained for next season.
THE fight for an increase in the number of promotion places from the Conference to the Football League has been rejected at the Football League AGM today. Money seems to have been the stumbling block, with League clubs worried about the television revenue they would lose if relegated to the Conference.
Football League chief executive David Burns said: "I share the concerns of the clubs that these proposals did not fully address the financial effects of losing league status.
"We have asked the Conference and the Football Association to present a financial proposal that will reassure our clubs and allow them to take a step they are genuinely keen to take.
"The board of the Football League remains committed to working with the Conference and other interested parties as part of a wider review of promotion and finance within the Football League.
"We are confident that this will ultimately lead to a successful resolution of this issue."
June 10th:
FELLOW independent Hereford United website HerefordUnited.net have revealed that Mark Blandford, the online betting multi-millionaire, has no plans to invest in the club.
"I can confirm that I have no holding in Hereford United and no current plans to acquire such a holding," Mr. Blandford told James Cockroft of HerefordUnited.net.
"The club are heavily in debt as a result of previous ownership and a substantial cash injection is required thus not making an attractive investment proposition."
He went on to say that the rumours probably emerged as he is a life-long fan and also was a visitor in the director's box on occasions last season.
Meanwhile, former United striker Kerry Giddings has joined Halesowen Town, it was confirmed today. The Dr. Martens Western Division side vitally required a striker and manager Brendan Phillips said: "Giddings was unlucky with Hereford. He's strong and powerful."
THE Nationwide Conference have reacted to the Football League's dismissal of a second promotion place to Division Three through the media over the past twenty four hours. For next season at least, just one team will be promoted from the Conference as the financial package for relegated clubs was unsatisfactory, according to the Football League.
John Moules, chief executive of the Conference, said: "We are bitterly disappointed by the news that the Football League has voted to delay a decision on whether the bottleneck between the Conference and the Football League should be opened wider.
"We've regularly been told both verbally and in writing by the Football League that they support the change from one to two clubs and that the only sticking point was purely financial. With the help of the FA we have provided the funds to ensure that the two teams joining the Conference from the League would not be financially disadvantaged. We're at a loss to understand what we have to do to get a yes to this change.
"It seems unreasonable that the Football League clubs should profit from this arrangement when we have worked so hard to raise what we considered to be sufficient funding. Is this really in the interest of the national game?
"It's certainly something we will be discussing with the Football League, the Football Association and the Government before making any decisions at our EGM. I'm sure that I won't be alone in feeling that this is a sad day for our national sport."
Meanwhile Conference director Phil Wallace, the chairman of Stevenage Borough, also expressed his disappointment, saying: "We are devastated to be honest. We don't know what we have got to do to get them to say yes," said Wallace.
My personal view which is echoed around non-league football is that the Football league have yet again capitalised on their position and showed that they feel they are a cut above the rest, when the majority of teams promoted to the league prove themselves to be good acquisitions. Wycombe Wanderers's FA Cup run and current position in Division Two has proved that non-league teams are more than capable of holding their own, as do subsequent promotions by Macclesfield Town and also the progress of the likes of Kidderminster Harriers and Cheltenham Town.
The final few months of the season are usually meaningless to a handful of clubs, and a play-off would have helped to improve crowds and income. As well as improving the integration between the Conference and the Football League, it would also give sides such as Chester, Hereford and other relegated teams a much better chance of going back up.
As one football site said, under a fair system, Rushden & Diamonds would probably be close to Division One now whilst the likes of Torquay and Carlisle would be in the Conference, or have improved greatly and have gone back up. Sense will prevail but only with the support of the world of football. Please continue to support the Fair Play scheme, their website can be found at www.fair-play.org.uk.
THE much improved set of accounts recently revealed by Hereford United will be considered by shareholders at their Annual General Meeting on June 28th in the Legends Bar at 6pm.
In the year to May 31st, 2000, the club made a profit of £70,254 compared with a loss of £162,074 in the previous year. Much of this profit came from the successful FA Cup run which included a visit from Leicester City. Improved receipts from advertising, broadcasting, programme sales and the club shop all helped. Total wages and salaries increased by 10%, hidden within the figures is a 35% increase in directors emoluments. However, there was a downwards adjustment in the company motor vehicle schedule which may explain the increase in director's pay (better pay, no car!).
The actual accounts are not very detailed as the club has chosen to take advantage of exemptions available in the Companies Act for small concerns, but at least this keeps down accountant costs. It is believed that the club will be fined for late submission of these accounts.
The directors, between them, have just over 30% of the shares, HUISA is believed to own around 7%, most of which were purchased from Mike Hancocks, a former director, in 1999 at about £1.75 per share. On the basis of these accounts, the value of the shares is minimal as the club's deficit is stated as £1,261,291 but there may be some future hope value should redevelopment take place at Edgar Street assuming the club can continue within its credit limits until that time.
In fairness to the directors, they have used the profit to reduce the club's overall borrowing by £70,000. The club, however, remains virtually insolvent; its total assets less current liabilities being just over £21,000. Only the loans by the development companies are allowing Hereford United to trade but these so-called loans could, in theory, be called in at any time.
In practice, this is unlikely to happen as the developers would not want to alienate the city council who have the power to give planning permission on this site. If no planning permission is forthcoming, the developers could ask for their money back and United, being unable to pay them, would cease to exist. The developers appear to have been quite clever in taking over the lease of the Edgar Street ground from the club and inserting a clause that states that there is no right of assignment (of the leases) back to Hereford United FC in the event of repayment of the loan advance. So, if a new backer did come forward with, for example, £1,000,000 to clear the loans, the developers will still be able to keep the lease on the ground. This would surely put off most potential investors.
Why this agreement over the lease of the ground was agreed is debatable? If the lease could be assigned to a third party, surely it would have made more sense to assign it to a person/group connected with Hereford United. In this way, the football ground would have been protected and even if the club had gone bust, it could have reformed in another guise almost instantly, and in a much stronger financial position. As it is, although football continues in the city, the directors are most unlikely to put any money into the club given the agreements made in 1997 and 1998. The future of the club appears to lie with the council. If they approve plans for the redevelopment of the whole area, including the cattle market (which really is a waste of space where it is!), the club may survive provided the council insist on a new ground on the present site, but how strong Hereford United finances will be by then is unknown.
The directors originally agreed in 1997 a deal that would share the proceeds of any agreed sale of the land in Edgar Street, 75% to the club and 25% to (at that time), the BS Group PLC. However, in 1998 a new agreement was made with Formsole Ltd. (which is owned 50% by the BS Group PLC. and 50% by Chelverton Properties Ltd.) and the proceeds, should a sale be made, split 50% to Hereford United and 50% to Formsole. Formsole is now know as Edgar Street Properties Ltd. It appears that in 1997, Hereford United needed £500,000 to continue, but by 1998 they required £1,000,000. The directors at that time really have a lot to answer for, how any club could have been so badly run beggars belief, but that is the position that Hereford United finds itself in today. When Graham Turner says there is no money for players, he is correct! He and his current directors are to be congratulated on keeping the club in business. Supporters who want to see new players at Edgar Street must accept that they have either be youngsters looking to improve or more established players who come on free transfers, and terms offered to players cannot be that good as the money is simply not there. Stripping out the director's pay, the average salary for players and administrative staff is little more than £10,000 per annum, but this may be down to the employment of some part-time staff.
It is a hard balancing act that Turner has to follow. If the club has a good run, up go the gate receipts and the money taken will cover most expenses. But as happened this spring, if gates drop below a certain level, loses are inevitable. Last season's sales of Chris Lane and Michael McIndoe brought in £37,500, but as the average gate fell by about five hundred people for the ten or so games towards the end of the season, the takings would have decreased by about the same amount as the transfers brought in.
It is believed that the current trading year ending May 31st, 2001 will show a loss as there was no FA Cup run and gate receipts are down. However, this loss should not be as bad as those recorded in earlier years. Let's hope that a better league showing and a useful cup run can be achieved in the coming season. Hereford United haven't got any more money to lose!
June 11th:
THE FA have said that they will continue to support the two-up, two-down proposals despite it being rejected by the Football League on Saturday.
The FA Head of Communications, Paul Newman, said: “The F.A. has been very supportive towards the Conference with respect to the proposals discussed on Saturday.
“We support the plans put forward by the Conference to protect the interests of Football League clubs dropping down to the Conference way beyond the current parachute arrangements.
“Following Saturday’s decision The F.A. will have further discussions with the Football League and Conference in the coming weeks to try to find a way forward.”
Meanwhile, Lincoln City chief executive Jerry Lonsdale has said that he is not surprised that the vote failed. He told Lincoln's website: "It became a case of the turkey voting for Christmas. We were expected to sanction something that could effectively bankrupt the Club."
June 12th:
AFTER announcing an Extraordinary General Meeting at Nene Park on Thursday, the Conference have announced that the Football League have, in principle, agreed to the proposal of a second promotion place.
Chief executive of the Conference, John Moules, said: "We have heard the response from the League to our presentation. And we are pleased that they have confirmed in principle that two-up, two-down should become a reality.
"There are three questions that our club chairmen will seek further clarification on, in looking to progress the matter to a conclusion. The first is which season is the League intending to implement the proposal?
"Secondly, as our proposal is not acceptable, could the Football League make a proposal which they would find acceptable?
"Finally, if the League's proposal requires further funding and a larger contribution is not available from the FA, could the League be specific about where the extra finance will come from?"
FORMER Hereford United captain and Forest Green Rovers manager David Norton has said he will not be moving to Edgar Street as coach. A rumour that came out of the blue, Norton wouldn't be at all popular after leaving the club on bad terms with supporters after retiring, only to make a return with then-Conference and local rivals Cheltenham Town.
"I'm flattered to be linked with Hereford as a coach but there is no substance to the story and there has been no contact," admitted Norton. "I still have a lot of feeling for the club despite all that has happened in the past and I would be interested if I were to be approached."
Nottingham-based Norton added: "I've one or two possibilities but if nothing happens I will be happy to play in the Dr Martens League within an hour's radius of where I live. At the moment I've been chilling and haven't really chased anything but I'll start training in the next week or so."
June 14th:
TODAY'S EGM of the Conference chairman decided on a new method to decide promotion to the Football League - a playoff between the top five teams.
As of next season the top team in the Conference will automatically progress into the play-off final with the second, third, fourth and fifth placed teams meeting in semi-finals and a final to determine the remaining place. The Conference season will end early on 27 April to accommodate the extra games.
Conference chief executive John Moules said: "Having suffered the disappointment of the Football League AGM what we came here to do was to look at something positive. I think we've done that, not just for the Conference but for football in general at this level.
"We had a number of options and I believe we have taken a revolutionary step. It will not only make good television viewing but it places the Conference at the forefront of new ideas."
The Conference have also responded to the move to only promote one team to the Football League by changing their ruling on clubs coming up to the Conference. After 2001/2, the Conference will only accept the champions of the three feeder leagues, not the runners-up (as can happen at the moment if the champions do not meet other criteria). From the season after, the Conference will only relegate the same number of clubs as are promoted to the Football League (currently one) with a corresponding change to the number of teams that can come up from the feeders.
Meanwhile, as predicted a few days ago, Matt Gardiner has signed for Dr. Martens Premier League side Worcester City on a free transfer. City manager John Barton told the Evening News: "He is one of those defenders who knows his first role is to defend and that is what we are looking for to add to what we have already got in defensive positions. At Hereford he had a decent start to the Conference season, but suffered an injury and did not establish himself for one reason or another."
HEREFORD chairman Graham Turner has told of his anger at the Football League's rejection of a second promotion place from the Conference, especially after seemingly gaining much support for the campaign.
"We had a very strong case and were promised support on a broad front," said Turner. "Obviously further negotiations will get nowhere and the only way forward is for Conference supporters to target the Football Association, who run football in England, and the Minister for Sport. If they are constantly badgered we might get somewhere.
The reason given by the Football League for not opening up the second spot was that there were insufficient finances to fund another team dropping to the Conference. Turner responded: "This is just a delaying tactic and the Third Division clubs have the best of both worlds. They have a potential four-up four-down arrangement themselves but will only allow one team to be promoted to the Football League."
Meanwhile, Hereford United director Grenville Smith has received an MBE, along with his fellow Jailbreak organiser Ron Davies, from Prince Charles. The Jailbreak campaign raised over a million pounds for local charities and Smith, formerly a detective constable with West Mercia Police, was delighted with the award.
June 16th:
JUST days after Hereford United director Grenville Smith received his MBE, the Queen's birthday list has thrown up an award for a United legend.
John Charles, who played and managed Hereford United between 1968 and 1971, will receive a CBE from the Queen for services to football. Dubbed "the best centre-half in the world, as well as the best centre-forward", he was capped 38 times for Wales, scoring fifteen goals.
Prior to playing for Hereford, Charles had successful spells with Leeds United, Cardiff City and Italian side Juventus, to whom he was transferred for a British record of £65,000.
Remembered as "Il Buono Gigante" - the Gentle Giant, Charles was never booked or sent off in his career. Born in 1931 in Cwmdu, near Swansea, south Wales, Charles had joined Leeds United as an amateur by the time he was fifteen.
"It's wonderful, but it came as a complete shock," said Charles. "I mean, I've been finished a long time now. It's unbelievable. I've no idea why I've got it now."
Charles' recognition comes after two years in which he has battled against cancer. "I'm all right now," he said. "I don't have to go to the hospital any more."
Meanwhile, BBC commentator John Motson, the `Voice of Football', will receive an OBE for his services over the past thirty years. He burst into the viewers' consciousness on Match of the Day while describing Hereford's epic FA Cup victory over Newcastle back in 1972, and since has commentated on seven World Cup tournaments and over 1,600 games. He became famous for his sheepskin coat, a mind full of trivial facts and lines such as the "The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club" which is how he described Wimbledon's shock victory over Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.
"I am very lucky to have worked with a host of talented and dedicated television professionals and this is their award as much as mine," he said.
THE Cardiff City friendly match at Edgar Street has been brought forward from 21st July to 18th July, according to the visitors. No reason has been given for the change but it is thought that City required more time to prepare for their tour of Ireland.
Meanwhile, Boston United have been accepted into the Sygnus Central Conference for next season at the league's Annual General Meeting on Monday. However, Worcestershire side Redditch United were refused entry to the reserve league.
June 17th:
NEIL Thompson, manager of former Football League club Scarborough, has given his support to the new play-off system which will decide the Conference next season. Many fans felt that the introduction was unfair on the the team finishing top, but Thompson told BBC Radio York that everyone knows the rules.
"It's an innovative response and keeps interest in the season going longer," he said. "The only downside is if you finish as champions, but then we all know the rules before we start."
Meanwhile, yesterday's Evening News featured Graham Turner's disappointment at failing to gain a second promotion place.
"We have been begging at the rich man's table for quite some time and not even getting any crumbs," he said. "They just give us a pat on the head and tell us to go away and come back with some more plans. I doubt whether we will see any change in my lifetime, we need a massive change of tack and we need a more aggressive campaign."
Turner made a plea to the FA for help to resolve the situation. "They are supposed to look after grassroots football, well let's see them do it," he said. "We are obviously devastated by the news. A lot of work has gone into it and we were confident it would go through. It is time to get the supporters involved. As chairmen we come and go but supporters are committed for a lifetime. We need to get supporters throughout the Conference to unite. It is plainly obvious that the clubs and chairmen negotiating committee will not bring about more promotion places."
DESPITE confirming that he wasn't going to invest in Hereford United earlier this month, Mark Blandford's company Sportingbet.com have increased in popularity over the past twelve months, according to the Money section of Saturday's Daily Telegraph.
The article read:
GAMBLING is one of the few areas where the internet has immediately proved a money-spinner.
Mark Blandford, the punter who founded Sportingbet.com, was quick to spot the opportunity - particularly as he offered tax-free wagers over the web. Setting up in Alderney, the Channel Island tax haven, Sportingbet has been quick off the blocks.
Turnover soared from £27.4m to £324.7m last year, with the number of customers rocketing by 78,668 to 90,065, helped by two big acquisitions serving punters in North America and Asia. Only 24pc are active customers who have placed a bet in the past three months.
Punters from 104 countries wager in 24 currencies on just about every major sport. At 124p, the company, listed on the Alternative Investment Market, is valued at almost £170m.
Any bookie can rapidly grow turnover by offering generous odds, as Coral Eurobet proved when it lost £12m on Euro 2000. Get the risk management wrong, and the big Far East syndicates will do serious damage.
So far, Mr Blandford has avoided any hiccups - even if Japan is proving a struggle. Last year's betting margin rose from 3.1pc to 5.6pc, while, in line with the turnover growth, admin costs are down from 14.9pc to 5.2pc of sales.
There are regulatory threats. If America relaxes laws on internet betting, which Sportingbet circumvents by channelling bets through Alderney, it will face tougher competition from the Americans.
The United Kingdom's abolition of betting tax also looks worrying, eroding Sportingbet's offshore tax advantage. However, less than 10pc of its bets come from British punters.
House broker Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein reckons last year's underlying £2.1m operating losses will become £6m operating profits this year, while it will also make £3m pre-tax. That becomes £15m in 2003. Risky, but worth a flutter.
June 21st:
RON Jukes, the Hereford United chief scout, has told the Hereford Times that no further signings have yet been made after adding Scott Goodwin and Scott Voice to the squad.
"Several young players have been watched and assessed and they have been invited to join us for pre-season training and matches," he said. "If they measure up and are enthusiastic and ambitious about playing at a higher level, some action will be taken."
Meanwhile, Yorkshire Television want to know where you were on the day of that FA Cup tie in 1972 for a programme titled '100 Greatest Sporting Moments'. They particularly want to hear of those with unusual stories of the Newcastle game; those that climbed onto trees and roofs, and those that invaded the pitch. For more details, contact Yorkshire TV's Emily Louth on 0113 222 8565 or email emily.louth@granadamedia.com.
June 23rd:
TWO youngsters who have been invited to pre-season training will be hoping to secure contracts with Hereford United.
Leon Jackson, a 21-year old student from Bilston Town was asked by Hereford United scout Ron Jukes to spend pre-season at Edgar Street.
"He's anxious to play in the Conference and I suggested he has a pre-season with us," said Jukes. "We shall be talking to him with a view to offering him a contract or not, depending on how he does. He is a useful player, who is very strong and scores a fair amount of goals. He has already had offers from a number of other Conference clubs."
Jamie Mills from Swindon Town has also been offered to join for pre-season and Jukes said: "He had a very impressive game against Tamworth and we have told him there may be a contract depending on how he does in pre-season. He plays down the right side and is very versatile. He's fit and very keen and did well against Tamworth."
The first friendly match is at home against Cardiff City on 18th July, kick off 7.30pm.
June 25th:
THE GOALRUSH COMPETITION is due to be officially launched at the Hereford United Open Day on Sunday 29th July. The date for the GOALRUSH club draw is yet to be announced.
* The GOALRUSH competition will operate on 30 nominated Saturdays throughout the football season.
* The cost of entry is just £1 per week. Minimum entry level £5.
* Entries are also available at £10, £15, £20, £25 and £30 for the whole season.
* 50% of the number of weekly entries will comprise the JACKPOT POOL, plus any ROLLED OVER unallocated prize pool from the previous week.
* The first GOALRUSH JACKPOT will be at a minimum of £200.
* Clubs will be allocated to each participant at THE GOAL RUSH DRAW - date yet to be announced.
* Only goals scored in first team Premiership, Football League, Scottish Premier, Scottish League, Conference, Dr Martens, Ryman League and Unibond League Saturday matches count. Goals scored in cup competitions are void.
* Once a club has been allocated to an entrant that team can only be changed at the end of the renewal dates at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 weeks.
* New entries can be made at any time, but will only commence from the stipulated renewal dates.
* Should renewal entries not be paid for by the renewal dates, the club will be added to those not currently allocated, and will be available to new entrants in the future renewal draws.
* Entries and payment must be received by the renewal dates.
* The JACKPOT will be paid out only when there is a single outright winner whose allocated club has scored the most goals on the nominated Saturday.
* If more than one team has scored the same number of goals ie, there is no outright winner, a consolation prize of £5 will be won by each participant who has one of those teams.
* The balance from the JACKPOT will be rolled-over into the next scheduled nominated Saturday to increase the jackpot prize fund.
* A comprehensive listing of all available clubs and the entrant to whom they have been allocated will be detailed on the GOALRUSH WEBSITE.
* Winners will be notified on or after the Sunday following the appropriate nominated matchday Saturday, in order that confirmation of the full classified results can be obtained.
* Winners will be notified by telephone, email, fax or post.
* Prize winners will be published on the website and in the programme, fanzine and on the electronic scoreboard, and will be available by post.
* GOALRUSH JACKPOT WINNER presentations will be made on the pitch at Edgar Street whenever possible.
Hope this gives you a flavour of GOALRUSH. Full rules and entry details will be available soon on a new goalrush website. If you would like to register your interest in having a go, you can currently email me at: keith.hall@lineone.net.
June 27th:
THE painting weekend which is scheduled for Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July has been shorted to just the 30th June. However, there is likely to be a further day arranged before the season kicks off and we will let you all know as soon as everything has been arranged.
In the meantime, we'd like to remind you that this is a club painting "day" and everyone is invited to come along and help out. Bring your family and friends and have a fun day decorating and supporting the club at the same time.
If you have any queries then please contact me on peter.povall@virgin.net.
Many thanks and see you all there.
June 28th:
HEREFORD United supporter wanting to play for the HUISA XI against the first team must bid for their places after Graham Turner agreed to play them. The match is scheduled for Monday, August 13, kick-off 7pm.
HUISA chairman Kevin Wargen told the Hereford Times: "Graham said that he was appreciative of HUISA's efforts in fund-raising during the season and was happy to play the game.
"People who want to play in the HUISA Xl can bid up to £40 for places, stating the playing position they would want. The squad will be made up on a first-come first-served basis. Bids should be sent to PO Box 1999, Hereford, in the next seven days."
The painting of the ground is to begin on Saturday and everyone is welcome. "We will supply the paint brushes and cleaning equipment and just ask supporters to turn up at Edgar Street before 10am this Saturday to help with cleaning up the ground," said Wargen.
Finally, the annual meeting of Hereford United Vice Presidents Club is this Monday at 7.30pm, at the club. The chairman's and treasurer's reports will be considered, and the election of the management committee for the 2001-02 season will take place.
June 29th:
PHIL Robinson could miss the start of the new season, according to Hereford United ClubCall. The line has said that a wrist injury from last season has flared up over the summer and it may stop him from playing in some of the pre-season matches.
Also, Graham Turner told ClubCall that he feels that he will keep coaching for a few years yet and is committed to improving Hereford United both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, Paul Jeffs, webmaster of the Official Website, has announced that the Cardiff City friendly originally scheduled for July 18th has been cancelled. However, he has no information as to the reason for the postponement.
June 30th:
HEREFORD United fans who have turned out to give the stadium a makeover today are ready to get answers from city councillor Terry James regarding the future of the Edgar Street site itself.
Thanks to a debt over over £1.2 million, the club needs some movement on the redevelopment of the Edgar Street area and a fans' forum on Thursday, July 26th should see James quizzed about the topic.
Next season is vital to the future of the club and manager Graham Turner said that the resignings of Ian Wright and Matt Clarke will be vital if success is to be achieved. "Clarke and Wright were two significant signings, well received by the supporters," he said. Season ticket sales are up, according to Turner, and the news has boosted HUISA secretary Penny Bayliss.
"We are quite optimistic for next season especially with Matt Clarke re-signing, who was the supporters player of the year last season," she said. "All Conference fans were very disappointed that the FA didn't allow two to go up because it would make for such exciting play offs." However, play-offs have been implemented but to include the league champions.
