May 2000

May 6th:
Hereford United striker Steve Piearce promises that he is not mad - but he is the one who can't wait for the rigours of pre-season.

Having spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch this season, Piearce is desperate to prove his injury nightmare is firmly behind him.

The former Wolves and Doncaster pro, who returned to action as a substitute last week against Welling, joined the Bulls last summer after smashing 60 goals for Halesowen Town in two seasons.

But a back injury has meant he has barely played since October.

The 25-year-old admits he was on the point of despair as the problem failed to improve. But after feeling blue, it was the Blues - or rather Birmingham City physiotherapist Neil McDiarmid - who eased the agony.

McDiarmid spotted a torn muscle between the pelvis and spine and after rest, acupuncture, manipulation and exercises, Piearce is raring to go.

The only disappointment is that the season is over after today's finale at home to Sutton United.

'It's been great to be back involved again,' said Piearce. 'This has been the worst season I've ever had.

'There were times when I wondered whether I would play again. I couldn't do anything without any pain.

'To be honest I will be glad to see the back of this year. But the good thing is that I've had no reaction or pain since I've been back training full-time and when I've played games.

'I'm already looking forward to pre-season.'

May 6th:
Hereford United 4 - 1 Sutton United

Already relegated Sutton United visited Edgar Street in the hope to salvage one last good memory of Conference football bofore their return to the Ryman League. However, any hopes of victory were snatched away from them by Hereford United, and the headlines grabbed by Steve Piearce. The player started his first match since September, and his season has been wrecked with injury. This was a great finale to a promising season, and next season will promise much more for both Piearce and Hereford United as a whole.

Paul Sturgess and Paul Parry didn't feature in the squad, and Paul Fewings was also absent. Chris Lane returned at right-back, Matt Clarke playing centre-back with Ian Rodgerson moving to right midfield. Gavin Williams moved to left midfield as Steve Piearce partnered former Halesowen Town team-mate Robin Elmes upfront.

Hereford were by far the better side throughout, and in the first half they attempted to stamp their authority on the game. Hereford started brightly and in just the sixth minute an an Rodgerson cross was headed by Piearce onto the crossbar. Sutton were not about to waste their final Conference game for a while, as midfielder Ed Hutchinson missed by miles when one-on-one with Scott Cooksey, who didn't have much work to do for most of the afternoon.

It took thirty minutes for Piearce to open the scoring as he got onto the end of a Taylor pass, ran all of thirty-five yards and then slotted it past unlucky Sutton United goalkeeper Gareth Howells from an acute angle. The Sutton players appealed for offside but this was waived away by the referee, Mr M North from Poole.

Eighteen minutes into the second half, Sutton United equalised through Keith Rowlands, the former Farnborough player who came on at half-time, as he slipped the ball past Cooksey.

The second goal eventually came on seventy-two minutes through John Snape. The part-time midfielder sent a superb blasting drive from twenty yards past Howells, who dived but couldn't get a touch.

Hereford's third and Piearce's second of the afternoon came with just thirteen minutes left as his shot went into the far corner. Howells saved the first Piearce shot but only pushed it back to him, and the striker capitalised. Taylor rounded up a superb day with a close range effort in injury time, beating Howell's yet again! The two assistant referee's, Ms J Frampton and Ms A Raynor, didn't seem up with the play at times but the refereeing by Mr North was quite good.

This was a good result for the Bulls, even though it had no impact on either sides season. Mid-table mediocrity for Hereford, but I have a feeling that next season big things could happen. Graham Turner holds the key to several player's futures at Hereford United, but Fewings must be retained. I think Turner also regrets signing Leroy May on a two-year contract, so his future could be in doubt.

Ian Wright and Robin Elmes battle for the ball after a first half free kick.

Attendance = 1,432

Man of the match - Steve Piearce

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Clarke, Wright, Taylor, Rodgerson, Snape, Elmes, Piearce, Williams

Sub(s) who came on - none

May 9th:
Experienced midfielder John Snape has been voted Hereford United player of the year by the Independent Supporters' Association.

Snape, who is in his second year with the Conference club after joining from Halesowen Town, made 38 appearances this season.

On Saturday, he claimed his second goal of the campaign in the Bulls' 4-1 win over Sutton United.

May 12th:
Hereford United have released their joint top marksman Paul Fewings after a touch line bust-up with boss Graham Turner. Former Walsall and Shrewsbury midfielder Mark Taylor, goalkeeper Andy Quy and John Cotterill have also been released.

May 17th:
Sun Valley and Hereford United have agreed a new three year sponsorship deal said to be worth £30,000 per season.

"We're extremely grateful to Sun Valley and we have formed a very good liaison over the past few years," said manager Graham Turner.

"All credit to them - it shows a bit of faith in us."

Sun Valley's Mark Sisson also commented.

"We were very keen to keep on with the sponsorship - hopefully we're going to get Hereford out of the Conference and into the league where they belong," said Sisson.

"I think as the largest employer in the city it is important that we do as much as possible for the club."

May 20th:
Rather than looking back on his best ever season as a striker, Rob Elmes is looking forward. The simple goal for the Hereford United forward is helping the club secure a return to the Football League.

Hitting the Bulls' eye has made it a season to remember for Elmes, who finished the club's joint top scorer with Paul Fewings, netting 15 goals all told.

Not bad for a player in his first season in the Conference - at the age of 29 - and who 18 months ago was only pushed up-front to ease an injury crisis.

But Sutton-based Elmes, typically for a school teacher, is the first to admit he is still learning.

'I don't think I was seen as a goalscorer as such when I signed for Hereford,' said Elmes, who joined Hereford last summer from Halesowen Town. 'I was seen more as a target-man and a nuisance to defenders.

'The goals really have been a bonus and to finish with my highest tally of goal at any level has been great.

'But next season I feel I can go on and do better. Though I'm 30, I'm still learning. I had not played in this position until 18 months ago at Halesowen and it's a question of the more you play the better you get.'

Elmes has just pledged his future to the Bulls with a new two-year contract, and it's a sign of how highly he is regarded by manager Graham Turner that he is only one of two part-timers in the professional Hereford ranks.

But the respect is mutual. After Turner revived a club heading into oblivion, Elmes believes Hereford are now ready to sustain a Conference title challenge.

'I was more than happy to sign a new deal,' he said. 'I don't think we are that far away from being a top-three side.

'Hereford is an excellent club, well run and very professional under Mr Turner. Everything is geared up to success and to get back into the Football League.'

Hereford proved they should fear nobody after their FA Cup giant-killing exploits, plus a mid-season unbeaten run which lifted to third in the table at one point.

'I wouldn't want to swap the FA Cup for anything,' said Elmes, whose match-winner against Hartlepool earned a never-to-be-forgotten third round tie with Premiership Leicester City.

'It gave us a lot of confidence and we took that into the league form. After the Leicester replay, we went unbeaten for 13 games. We know we can get results against anybody and now we want to prove that in the Conference next season.

May 24th:
Rumours surrounding possible signings for Hereford United have continued recently, especially regarding midfielders. Former Kidderminster Harriers midfielder Paul Webb and Tamworth's Nick Colley could both be on their way to Edgar Street.

May 25th:
LIFE-LONG BULLS SUPPORTER KNOWS THE SCORE - A life-long Hereford United fan has left money to the club in his will, but for a specific purpose. An electronic scoreboard is to be purchased, and it has been promised by the club that it will be up in time for next season. The board will probably be placed at the Blackfriars End, so it will be in full view of the United fans at Meadow End and Main Stand.

TICKET PRICES RISE FOR NEXT SEASON - Prices have risen by £1 for next season's campaign, with a place on the terrace costing £8 (£4 OAP, £3 Child), and a seat being charged at £10 (OAP/Child £7). Junior Bulls Members can enter Block A at £4. Membership cards procedure is thought to still be normal, but this has not yet been confirmed. Again, if United reach the top three, prices increase by a further £1.

Football Marathon - The club have raised £3,000 from the Football Marathon held earlier this month. The event was supported by St John's Ambulance and Junior Bulls.

Season tickets - As you have seen, prices for tickets have gone up so perhaps you should consider purchasing a season ticket. Get yours before May 31st and get a discounted price but hurry, offer ends soon! So far, the club have raised £15,000 from early sales.

May 26th:

Striker Paul Fewings, released by Hereford United, could be joining Boston United, having been approached by Boston manager Steve Evans.

May 27th:

The Lambs expect to learn next week whether highly-rated Nick Colley will remain at the club. The wide right midfielder is thinking over an offer from Hereford United to go full-time in the Conference.

Hereford supremo Graham Turner returns from holiday next week and Colley, who has been one of Tamworth's most consistent performers, will have further talks.

May 28th:
MAY 22nd - 28th : We asked : Is Graham Turner the man to lead HUFC to promotion?

You said :

Yes, as chairman
17%

Yes, as manager
4%

Yes, as both
39%

No
34%

Don't know
6%

May 28th:

Oxford United have confirmed that they will travel to Edgar Street for a friendly match on August 1st. The match, which will be played on the Tuesday night, is Oxford's final away pre-season friendly of the season and they are expected to field a near full-strength side against a Hereford United side who will be keen to prove their point early in the season.