Nov 2000

November 1st:

Bulls's boss Graham Turner will be on BBC Radio 5 Live on Thursday night as one of the panellists on 'Any Sporting Questions', which is being held in the Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. The show will start at 7.30pm and will be hosted by John Inverdale. The station can be received on 909 and 693 kHz AM, on Sky Digital channel 915 and also on the internet via the BBC's website.

TODAY marks the first birthday of HU-FC.co.uk, in its many forms, and I would like to thank everyone who has given me support during this first year. I am delighted with the 10,500 hits already received and hope to do as well next year! Thanks to you all and I hope to improve the site with yet more features so watch this space...!

Nov 2nd:

GRAHAM Turner has told the Hereford Times that the Bulls must focus on the league after last Saturday's FA Cup disappointment.

He said : "It was a bitter disappointment. I don't think that they were any better or worse than us, but it became almost farcical with the amount of surface water on the pitch.

"We've just got to get on with the season. We're still reasonably placed in the league."

Meanwhile, the Auto Windscreen Shield first round draw is scheduled to take place this Saturday. After the last ten days, I wouldn't be too sure, however!

Hereford United physiotherapist Simon Thompson has left the club after a further injury. He handed in his resignation after an achilles tendon injury kept him out for nearly a year, which he picked up against Leicester City last December.

Nov 3rd:

UNITED boss Graham Turner is looking for his side to give a good performance, and is particularly happy about having Gavin Williams back in the team. The Welsh striker missed the FA Cup match at Woking through suspension, but should start tomorrow against Scarborough.

"Without a doubt we missed him last week. He has been playing very well and holding the ball well up front", said Turner.

On the Yeovil vs Rushden match at Nene Park, Turner said that a victory for either side would be bad news. "We have to make sure we start to close the gap on those two. The ideal result at Rushden would probably be a draw."

"It was disappointing but that is over and done with now and we have a tough one coming up at Scarborough tomorrow. They have got some good players in their side. I am just looking for a good performance. We are capable of going to Scarborough and getting a win if we perform like we have in some of our other away trips."

There will be a pitch inspection at 7.45am on Saturday to see if the Scarborough vs Hereford United game can go ahead. News will be posted on the site as soon as it is released. Sources say that the pitch will be playable, and others say it is not! Apparently, it will take ages to get to Scarborough tomorrow so give yourself plenty of time.

Nov 4th:

ACCORDING to Scarborough FC, today's match is on and the sun is shining. The pitch is soft but should be playable, but further rain may hamper conditions.

HEREFORD United chief Graham Turner has told his players to forget all about the FA Cup defeat at Woking and be prepared for another tough battle at Scarborough this afternoon.

'There's still a lot to play for this season. 'We are determined to put things right that went wrong last week,' said Turner.

Third-placed Hereford are 11 points adrift of leaders Yeovil Town, who clash with second-placed Rushden & Diamonds at Nene Park, where Turner is hoping both clubs will drop points.

Returning to the Hereford attack will be leading marksman Gavin Williams, who has served out a one-match suspension. Also back to full fitness is striker Steve Piearce, who came on as a substitute at Woking.

Piearce has been troubled by a string of injuries since arriving at Edgar Street 15 months ago and has been restricted to just nine Conference appearances.

Also returning to the squad is Jimmy Quiggin, who was cup-tied for the Woking game, but the Bulls will be without Paul Parry and Andy Moran due to injuries.

After making a quarter of a million pounds from last years FA Cup run, Graham Turner has been counting the cost of elimination in the fourth qualifying round at Woking.

Graham Turner said: "It is obviously a bitter blow to us financially. Last year's run offset a lot of our running costs for the season, and an early exit makes life difficult. The financial position is still precarious -- it is hard going keeping a club of this size running. But we will still battle on and there is still a lot to look forward to this season."

However, entry to the Auto Windscreen Shield will help to ease the blow, as they compete with second and third division teams.

"There is some consolation in being involved in this competition, and we need to make a bit of progress", said Turner. The draw was due to have been made today.

SCARBOROUGH 2 - 4 HEREFORD UNITED

After the disappointment of defeat last week, Hereford reacted in the best way possible - by winning away at Scarborough. The Yorkshire side were also eliminated against Leigh RMI last Saturday, but couldn't break down Hereford as they took the game to their hosts. With the fixture in doubt due to flooding and a possible waterlogged pitch, it was announced on the morning of the game that it would go ahead, and the United team will be glad that it did!

The Bulls made one change to the side that were defeated at Woking, with Kerry Giddings replaced by Gavin Williams, who was sorely missed through suspension last Saturday. Scarborough announced the sale of Chris Tate on Friday to Leyton Orient to help solve their crippling debts, and named former Hereford man Gareth Stoker in midfield. Their whole squad is now for sale to raise vital funds as they are £2 million in the red. Scarborough have just entered into a CVA, the same type of arrangement that kept Hereford United alive just two years ago.

From the off, both sides went on the attack and both looked up for the game. The pitch looked in fairly good condition considering the amount of rain in the past ten days and the game was easily playable.

The opening goal came on four minutes, when a Gavin Williams run was knocked back to Rodgerson, who then delivered a superb cross for Robin Elmes to head home from ten yards. Defenders Romain Faure and Denny Ingram were at fault when they failed to clear from Rodgerson.

Scarborough though came back and forced Cooksey into action on several occasions, but he saved well from Stoker, Pounder and Brodie. The most impressive save, though, came from a Diallo effort. The striker hit a shot destined for goal from just four yards, but somehow Cooksey tipped it behind. The deservedly equalised, however, came on seventeen minutes when Sherif Diallo was left with space galore, and beat Cooksey easily from six yards after good work from Stoker and Pounder.

Just seven minutes later, United regained the lead through Gavin Williams. A good ball from Ian Wright was met by Williams as the Scarborough defence had attempted to play him offside. From an acute angle he beat the advancing goalkeeper. The home sides defence had continually attempted to play the Bulls offside, but this time it didn't quite go according to plan!

Scarborough searched for an equaliser but Scott Cooksey was on top form to keep out attempts from Simon Betts, Steve Brodie and Sherif Diallo. Two minutes before the break, however, an Ellender long ball was met by Betts, who headed down to Pounder. The striker then drove into the right hand corner to level the scores at the break.

After the interval, both sides looked likely to score with Scarborough having the best of the early chances. Striker David Pounder created two good efforts before Hereford regained the lead, the best coming from the edge of the box which Cooksey somehow saved.

Sixteen minutes into the half, United took the advantage when a long ball from Tony James allowed Gavin Williams to make a fourty yard run before receiving the ball and hitting it low into the bottom corner. On his run, he passed two defenders and was unmarked, revealing the torrid time the Scarborough defence were having. Goalkeeper Andrew Wood came out towards Williams, but the Welshman knocked the ball past Wood to give Hereford the lead for the third time.

The game was sealed just four minutes later when a sublime pass from Ian Rodgerson was brought down by McIndoe to hit a superb, left-footed low ball past the goalkeeper in front of just 891, one of the lowest league crowds of the season at the McCain stadium. Gareth Stoker was at fault in the Boro defence on that occasion.

Five minutes later, Williams could have taken United's tally to five but Wood saved from twenty yards. It must have acted as a wake-up call, as the home side fought back and started creating chances. Diallo somehow shot wide with fifteen minutes to go, a free kick also went close and Scarborough looked lively. However, all attacks were broken down by a resiliant Hereford defence.

In the last minute, Gavin Williams had a free kick tipped over the bar. Hereford, though, will be pleased to have won this game and keep the pressure on Rushden and Yeovil. Scott Cooksey played superbly, but Scarborough can take heart that they have the attacking potential to go far, even if their defence isn't of the highest grade.

The referee, Mr Atkins of Bradford, made one booking. Jones of Scarborough on sixty seven minutes for a foul.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Elmes, Williams
Substitutions - Giddings (77)

Man of the Match - Scott Cooksey

Nov 5th:

SCARBOROUGH boss Neil Thompson worked out why his defence were playing badly. He said: "It seems that everyone in the team is leaving it to everyone else and we are being punished for it."

Their man of the match was striker David Pounder, and Thompson gave his views on the man: "He was terrific. He's got bags of ability and a good touch on the ball."

Graham Turner was pleased with his side's performance. "We were sloppy defensively at times but there was some sharp finishing in front of goal," he said. "It was certainly a tough game to watch."

Nov 6th:

GRAHAM Turner believes that promotion back to the Football League is still possible, despite trailing Yeovil by eleven points. New challenges have been set for the players, and he feels Yeovil's unbeaten home run will end soon.

"Yeovil have made a tremendous start winning all their home games but sooner or later that will come to an end."

Rushden are also up with Yeovil at the top but Turner is apprehensive about their chances. "We know how strong they are but I wonder whether they can stay the course this year any better than they have done in the past so we have to keep plugging away and close the gap," said Turner.

"There is a lot of determination amongst the players at Edgar Street," he commented.

SIMON Thompson who quit the Bulls last week through a reccuring achilles tendon injury, has been talking about his situation. He has had two operations on his leg but on each occasion he has been unable to recover.

"When I started off as the physio my ambition was to be the Hereford physio," he said. "So at least I can say I achieved that but now my principle aim is to get myself fit again."

There are currently two other physios at United - players Ian Rodgerson and Phil Robinson

Nov 8th:

LAST night Hereford United fans aired their views on the future of the club in a forum at Legends, and it was attended by representatives from both Chelverton Properties and the BS Group, as well as Graham Turner, the United chairman and director of football.

The first part of the meeting was filled with questions aimed towards the two property developers, who basically want to make some money but has the same aim as the club - to move forward. However, unless there is significant progress by May 2003, the repayment date for the loans, the money will be called in and the club may well find it hard to pay the £1,000,000. The local council don't seem to be helping with the property developers and the club which is making the redevelopment a slow and painful process. Whether the club will stay at Edgar Street is not known.

Turnout was low, and after a half-time interval, Graham Turner remained to answer questions about the club. He hinted that several players may well be leaving at the end of the season, and that the club will go for promotion. Turner said that he can't see Yeovil lasting the pace, and that Rushden weren't up to the job. His tip was Southport for promotion.

THE FA have announced that the club will receive a written letter reminding them of their conduct after they were reported for a mass brawl at the Kingstonian match. Graham Turner said that United have not received a fine.

On the Windscreens Shield front, Graham Turner announced that a new sponsor and the first round draw will take place on Saturday, 11th November. The trophy, officially called the Football League Shield, will have a new name soon and the draw is live on Soccer AM (Sky Sports 2) at 10.30am.

The FA Youth Cup match which was called off last night (Tuesday) has been rearranged for Tuesday, 14th November. Kick off at Edgar Street is at 7.30pm and everyone is welcome to come along and support the youngsters.

Nov 10th:

ACCORDING to the Evening News, the draw for the first round of the Football League Shield (formerly known as the Auto Windscreen Shield) will take place tomorrow (Saturday) at 10.30am on Sky Sports 2. The delay in the draw has been due to a new sponsor has to be found, but whether it has will be announced tomorrow.

HEREFORD boss Graham Turner is welcoming the return of Paul Sturgess despite not playing this season. "Our last three reserve matches have been postponed so he has not had a lot of match practice, but he should be ready." said Turner.

"He is an experienced full-back who knows what the game is about."

Forest Green Rovers will be a strong challenge for United tomorrow, and Graham Turner acknowledges that the Gloucestershire side have a superb set of players. "They have probably the most experienced squad in the entire Conference. They have a lot of players with a considerable amount of Football League experience."

A win is vital, and he said: "It is time we put our home record right. We need to keep that gap close with the top two. Yeovil are still going extremely well at the top, but some time they are going to have a sticky patch and it is up to us to take advantage of it."

Nov 11th:

HEREFORD UNITED 3 - 1 FOREST GREEN ROVERS

After two consecutive 4-2 league victories, Hereford were eager to extend their winning run to three matches and were given a very good chance as they took on lowly Forest Green Rovers at Edgar Street.

Hereford United had to do without Paul Parry, who was injured with an ankle injury, and Paul Sturgess started at leftback for the first time this season. He replaced Matt Clarke who was suspended after receiving five yellow cards. Andrew Moran, Craig Hanson and Jimmy Quinn also missed out. Forest Green fielded former United defender David Norton, but missed Billy Clark and Wayne Hatswell through suspension. Striker Adrian Foster had a knee injury, but former England international Tony Daley started in midfield.

From the kick off, Forest Green went on the attack making Scott Cooksey save from Stuart Slater, Tony Daley and Jason Drysdale in the opening period. Also, the away side had three early corners which prevented Hereford from breaking free and they created very little early on. Usually, the Bulls start well but today the away side took the game to United and this caused a few difficulties.

United took the lead on the half hour when Chris Lane hit a superb thirty yard pass to Gavin Williams, and the top scorer at Edgar Street hit a drive past Steve Perrin in the Forest Green goal. His effort, from just inside the box, came after he has passed several defenders on his run to collect the through ball.

Attacking play prevailed from both sides but neither could add to their tallies before the half time whistle. During the interval, groundstaff attempted to drain wet areas from the pitch which has built up throughout the first half. The rain worsened throughout the second period, and it was a while before either side could create notable efforts.

Twenty minutes after the break, a Paul Sturgess cross was met by Robin Elmes who hit the second goal from eight yards. It was a deserved second goal as United were in command, but had failed to add to their first half goal from Gavin Williams.

The introduction of Frankie Bennett upfront gave the away side extra life and they started to come back into the game after the Hereford goal. They pressurised and eventually got what their travelling fans had deserved - a goal.

With twelve minutes remaining, Forest Green pulled themselves back into the game when substitute Frankie Bennett chipped the advancing Scott Cooksey from ten yards. It was the result of a mix-up in the Hereford defence, who had let the former Southampton striker through on goal.

In the final minute, Ian Hedges hit an own goal past Perrin to secure victory for the home side. A Gavin Williams shot was cleared badly by Perrin, and the ball hit Hedges before bouncing back into the net. It was a goal which gave United a comfortable cushion which made the added minutes much easier for the home side as they could play down the clock without too much pressure.

The referee, Mr G Brittain of Doncaster, had very little to do as the match was played in good spirit without any cards for Hereford, and just two for Forest Green. Both Kilgour and substitute Lightbody were cautioned for fouls on nineteen and eighty one minutes respectively.

Paul Sturgess played his first match of the season and looked fit and ready. The former Brighton defender had recovered from a knee operation, and he was superb and fitted in superbly as Matt Clarke was out. Other notable performances include John Snape, who was fighting for everything, and Gavin Williams, who deserved his man-of-the-match award.

The win keeps Hereford in touch with Yeovil and Rushden. Yeovil's match with Dagenham was postponed, and Rushden went down to a 3-2 defeat at Doncaster Rovers. Meanwhile Forest Green Rovers have dropped closer to the relegation zone as Northwich moved above them, beating bottom side Kettering Town at Rockingham Road by the odd goal in five.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Sturgess, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Elmes, Williams
Substitutions - None

Man of the Match - Gavin Williams

HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner is not looking forward to his free weekend next Saturday due to Hereford's elimination from the FA Cup. The first round is to be played next weekend, but United will not feature and had hoped to play a Conference match instead. Other teams had rescheduled, leaving Hereford to move forward the home match against Doncaster Rovers which is due to be played on March 3rd 2001.

Turner said: "Doncaster refused and we tried to get the Conference to intervene, knowing the fixture congestion that can occur at the back end of the season. But in the end both Doncaster and the Conference refused to sanction it. We are very disappointed, but I am sure there will be something to do."

However, the players may be brought in for additional training as the Bulls' next match is in two weeks time, when they take on Boston United at Edgar Street.

Regarding today's match, Graham Turner reflected on the result to the press. "With Rushden losing to Doncaster it was a vital win for us. We are now doing very well with 10 goals in our last three Conference matches."

However, Forest Green boss Frank Gregan was disappointed by his defeat. "We're just struggling to score goals at the moment with Foster unfit and Meechan gone to Plymouth. They've got 13 for me between them this season and we just haven't replaced them," said Gregan.

Meanwhile, the Football League Shield (formerly known as the Auto Windscreen Shield and the Associate Members Cup) first round draw has been put back for yet another week due to sponsorship problems. The competition has been labelled a shambles by some supporters.

In a recent debate in the press about a second promotion place from the Conference, a spokeswoman from Hereford United was asked about her view.

"We would be delighted with the change," she said. "At the moment the system means that if one club is too far ahead by Christmas then the season is effectively over for the rest of us. Even a play-off, like the League's system, would be good as it would involve up to half a dozen clubs and the Conference would be set to run up until the final day of the season."

Negotiations are continuing and an announcement is expected soon.

Nov 13th:

ACCORDING to online bookmakers www.firststake.com, Hereford United are still third favourites for the title.

Yeovil Town 4/7

Rushden and Diamonds 2/1
Hereford United 9/1
Southport 11/1
Doncaster Rovers 12/1
Chester City 18/1

Nov 14th:

THE Hereford United shop, www.Bulls-Shop.com will be open on Wednesday 29th November in the Maylords Orchard Shopping Centre, Hereford, from 8am to 9pm. The club shop will sell merchandise and much more, and draw tickets will be on sale. Players will visit throughout the day.

The club shop at the stadium is open on Mondays and Fridays 10am-2pm, Wednesday 10am-4pm and before matches on matchdays.

Nov 15th:

THE Hereford United Youth Team crashed out of the FA Youth Cup, losing 5-1 against Newport County at Edgar Street.

According to the Bristol Rovers.co.uk website, the Football League have announced they are close the agreeing a sponsor for the Football Leage Shield. Former sponsor Auto Windscreens pulled out after discovering that the sponsorship fee had increased.

The Conference teams have formally been accepted and as a result, eight teams from Division Two will be given a bye to the second round. The teams will be split into north and south sections, and the Conference teams involved are : South - Dover Athletic, Hereford United, Rushden & Diamonds and Yeovil Town; North - Morecambe, Scarborough, Chester City and Doncaster Rovers.

All first round matches will be one leg affairs with 24 winners going through to the second round to be joined by the eight sides given a bye. There will then be 16 round two ties to be followed by a knock-out tournament until the area finals. The winners of the two finals will play each other at a major stadium.

The draw for the first round is on Sky Sports Two on Saturday morning in Soccer AM, and the matches will take place on the week commencing Monday 4th December.

According to Graham Turner, the chances that Jimmy Quinn will play for Hereford United again are 'very slim'. Quinn, a former Northern Ireland international, has signed for Highworth Town, who play their football in the Premier Division of the Cherry Red Records Hellenic League. He was allowed to do so as he is with United on non-contract forms, allowing him to play for any team below the Conference.

Therefore, Quinn can play for both Highworth and Hereford, but Graham Turner is doubtful about his future. "The chances of him playing for us again are very slim," he said. Quinn is currently out with tendonitis.

After refusing to play United on round one day of the FA Cup, Doncaster Rovers have agreed to move their match to round two day. The Hereford vs Doncaster match at Edgar Street will now take place on Saturday, December 9th instead of March 3rd.

Nov 16th:

AFTER the recent fans forum, the Nationwide Football Website have announced that the club must repay their £1.3 million loan to Chelverton plc and the Bristol Stadium group by May 2003, the agreed date.

When United were demoted to the Conference in 1997, the former chairman Peter Hill and his directors negotiated loans in return for the lease on the Edgar Street stadium, and the developers have been looking at options for relocation or redevelopment of the club. However, other developers have approached the freeholders Herefordshire Council with the view to redeveloping the Edgar Street area and HUISA chairman Kevin Wargen was gobsmacked when he heard the news. "When we heard the representatives of the companies would expect efforts to be made to repay the loans back by the deadline our jaws dropped. It looks as though the only way of survival is for the football club to get back into the league."

Nov 17th:

THE competition formerly known as the Auto Windscreens Shield has found a new sponsor - LDV Vans. The competition will now be known as the LDV Vans Trophy and the first round draw will take place tomorrow, several weeks late. Also confirmed is that eight Conference sides will participate - Hereford United, replacements for Kingstonian who were forced to pull out as they failed to meet ground criteria, will join Doncaster Rovers, Rushden & Diamonds, Yeovil Town, Scarborough, Chester City, Dover Athletic and Morecambe in the draw. Sides finishing within the top eight of last season's Division Two that were nt promoted, and the teams that were relegated from Division One, will be given a bye from the first round. All other teams rom Division Two and Three will be in the first round draw, which is to be held tomorrow (Saturday) morning during the Soccer AM programme on Sky Sports One. It is scheduled to take place at 10am with Noel Gallacher, Tim Lovejoy, Helen Chamberlain and Mani of Primal Scream.

Nov 18th:

HEREFORD United supporters are still drooling over Rob Elmes' goal against Forest Green Rovers last Saturday.

Sutton Coldfield schoolteacher Elmes rose to head home a Paul Sturgess cross which put Hereford ahead in their 3-1 win.

And the goal brought acclaim from both camps with Rovers boss Frank Gregan claiming: 'Elmes header was as good as anything you will see in the Conference. It was a great finish.'

It took Elmes total to six this season - not bad for a player who moved to Hereford as part of the deal which brought Steve Piearce from Halesowen Town.

Only Gavin Williams has scored more goals for Hereford this season, taking his tally to eight during the game against Rovers.

The 20 year old still continues to attract the attentions of Football League scouts.

Hereford United have been draw at home to Conference League leaders Yeovil Town in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy (Southern Section)

SOUTHERN SECTION DRAW

Cambridge United vs Colchester United
Brentford vs Oxford United
Barnet vs Rushden & Diamonds
Hereford United vs Yeovil Town
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Cardiff City
Southend United vs Cheltenham Town
AFC Bournemouth vs Dover Athletic
Torquay United vs Bristol Rovers
Peterborough United vs Luton Town
Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol City
Wycombe Wanderers vs Exeter City
Millwall vs Northampton Town

All other teams received byes.

The Hereford game will take play on Tuesday, 5th December.

Nov 19th:

HEREFORD United defender Paul Sturgess is pleased to be back in the white shirt after a knee injury which kept him out until last weekend. He played at left-back in place of the suspended Matt Clarke and played well, but there's a battle on for the place in the team now!

"It has been very frustrating. It is the wrong time to be sitting up there in the stand - when they are doing well is when you want to be playing," he said.

"The aim was to try and get fit and play as many reserve games as I can, but because of the weather I have played only two reserve games spread over a month and a half. But in all fairness the gaffer (Graham Turner) has worked us hard. I have been working at certain aspects and some physical work and it is paying off."

Despite missing the opening third of the campaign, he believes United can still make a title challenge. "Everybody is saying how Rushden have got off to a good start and all of a sudden they have blown a gasket and come unstuck several times. We have certainly drawn too many games at home, but we have now won three in a row in the league - two of them at home - and are scoring goals. As far as the title is concerned, we are taking every game as it comes, try and win as many as we can and hopefully we can close the gap."

Hereford are an ambitious club, and Sturgess has the same fight and dream as his team mates. "It is a good club to play for and they have got ambitions. We want to be in the Football League but that is every team's ambition. We have a good squad down here and have some very good young players. Gavin Williams this season is playing very well, scoring goals and linking up well with Rob Elmes, but we also have a few older heads who play their part."

On last year's FA Cup, Sturgess told the Evening News of his disappointment after coming so close to beating Premiership team Leicester City. "Last year they were possibly my best games for the club and I didn't even feature in the competition this year, which is a bit disappointing, but we still have a good chance in the Trophy and in the Shield. But ultimately the players want to win the league - we all want to be in the Football League."

Bulls' midfielder Paul Parry is to see a specialist regarding his reccuring ankle problem. Should the consultation prove satisfactory, Parry should be back in the team within two weeks, but if further treatment is required, the period out could be much longer.

Jimmy Quinn has left the club and has joined Hellenic League side Highworth Town

Nov 20th:

THE HUISA Rock/Pop and sports auction will take place this Sunday, 26th November, at Legends Bar. Viewing of lots starts at 12.15pm with the auction commencing at 1.15pm prompt.

Catalogues are available from the HUISA Committee for £1. Write to HUISA (Catalogue), PO BOX 1999, Hereford, HR2 7WA and enclose a large stamped addressed envelope. All goods much be paid for by cash or cheque, and with over eighty lots to be sold there will be something for everyone. Please come along and support Hereford United FC.

THE independent Hereford United websites of 'HU-FC.co.uk' and 'You Whites' have announced that they are to merge to make one site, and the official merger will take place on the evening of November 20th, 2000. The new site, called HU-FC.co.uk, will provide fans with their first stop for news, information and comment on Hereford United. Both HU-FC.co.uk and You Whites webmasters Terry Goodwin and Tim Ward will continue to improve the site with much more information. Without such a merger, the sites wouldn't be able to improve due to time constraints on both webmasters.

HU-FC.co.uk webmaster Terry Goodwin explains the change; "The merger of the two sites will not only improve the service to visitors, but make it easier to source information on the club. Instead of visiting two websites, fans now only have to visit one."

However, rumours that the sites are in competition with the official site were brushed aside by Goodwin. "There's no point competing with the official site as they will always be the ones with the most hits. We have to provide something different to make fans come back again and again. If fans want general information, they can get it from the official site - the new website will provide a fans perspective on events through the new sections being launched. After all, the club is called Hereford United and there is no reason why the sites cannot be 'united' online - there is no need for a competitive situation."

You Whites webmaster Tim Ward is delighted that the sites are merging. "I am joining forces with Terry Goodwin for the better of the fans info and PR of the club. It is in the best interests of HUFC Fans 'ON THE NET'. We both feel our sites offer different things and would be best on one big site than competing with each other on smaller sites."

Both the www.HU-FC.co.uk and www.youwhites.co.uk addresses will continue to work, as will the www.hu-fc.com and www.hu-fc.net addresses. However, the .com and .net addresses carry advertising so it is recommended that a .co.uk domain is used.

The site is to continue to expand and improve for several months to come so it is recommended that everyone continues to log onto the site.

Nov 21st:

THE club have announced that scouts from Aston Villa and other top clubs have been attending United matches to view the young stars of the team. Whilst no player has been singled out, rumour has it that Michael McIndoe and Gavin Williams are their main targets - but the scouts are revealing nothing.

Nov 23rd:

FORMER Hereford striker Paul Fewings will return to Edgar Street on Saturday as his new team Boston United take on the Bulls in a league match. Reflecting on his past, Fewings remembers happy times in the area. He said: "I always got on well with most people at Hereford. Hopefully I will get a reasonable reception. Last season I was joint top scorer there with 13 goals, but things didn't work out between the manager (Graham Turner) and myself. It was a difficult decision to leave. But I have never had any doubts about the potential at Boston."

With the club lying twelth in the league, Boston will want to improve but Fewings commented: "We have already proved in results against the likes of Yeovil and Rushden that we can compete with the best. Hopefully there will be more to come at Hereford on Saturday."

THE annual Vice Presidents Club Race Night will held this Saturday in the VP Club Lounge, and everyone is welcome. Entry is free, and a free buffet is on offer, and all monies raised go straight to the club. All the fun starts at 7.30pm.

Nov 24th:

FORMER United full-back John Layton has passed away after a long illness aged 75. Layton played for the club between 1946 and 1964 and made a club record 549 appearances.

Team-mate Roy Williams who played 357 times during his spell at Edgar Street, said: "John was never a star but he always put 100% effort in to every game."

Layton's son, John junior, played over 200 matches for United and was boss in the early nineties. He currently works for the Herefordshire Football Association.

UNITED Director of Football Graham Turner is ready to get back to the action after a recent two week break, after elimination from the FA Cup meant a blank weekend.

Turner said: "It is always worrying when things are going well, you don't really want a break, and we have won our last three matches in the league. But we have done all right in training so it doesn't appear to have done us any harm at all.

"We have won three in a row and scored 11 goals in the process, and I would hope we can continue in that vein."

Paul Fewings will return to Edgar Street after leaving at the end of last season with Boston, and Turner said: "It will be tricky. They have a very strong side with a lot of experienced players, and they paid £25,000 for Ken Charlery who is a proven goalscorer at league level. Things like that indicate that we are in for a hard game."

Jimmy Quinn is wanted by Hayes, and it is expected he will leave Edgar Street very soon.

Nov 25th:

HEREFORD UNITED 1 - 1 BOSTON UNITED

Boston, newly promoted to the Conference, were expected to do best out of the three new sides but lay in twelth place on Saturday morning, behind both Dagenham and Leigh RMI. Hereford, scorer eleven goals in their last three games including three in their last match against Forest Green, were third and just one point ahead of Southport.

Paul Parry and John Shirley were still missing from the Hereford squad. Central defender Tony James missed out through injury so James Wall started his first match of the season alongside Ian Wright. Ian Rodgerson made the match after suffering a knock in training and lined up on the right side of midfield. Paul Sturgess retained his place at left-back with Matt Clarke having to settle for a place on the bench.

Boston welcomed back three players after suspension. Jim Dick and Colin Hoyle were named in the starting line-up, but Paul Watson not featuring after failing a fitness test with a toe injury. The away side fielded Paul Fewings up-front, who was Hereford's top scorer last season. Boston manager Steve Evans was serving a touchline ban and so was unable to dictate proceedings from pitchside.

From the start, Hereford took the game to Boston and in the opening minute, Michael McIndoe tested goalkeeper Paul Bastock from thirty yards but Bastock saved the strong effort. Bastock, formerly of Kettering Town and Sabah in Malaysia, has spent nine seasons at Boston but didn't impress this afternoon.

Rob Elmes, who lined up alongside fellow striker Gavin Williams, put Bastock back inot the action on five minutes when he hit a good shot on target. Attacking towards the Meadow End, Gavin Williams hit a superb cross into the box and Michael McIndoe hit the ball wide of the post without calling Bastock into action.

The away side showed their attacking potential soon after as Andy Turner, formerly of Tottenham and Wolves and on-loan from Rotherham, knocked a good cross to Boston striker Ken Charlery but his header was saved by Cooksey. Charlery moved from Barnet earlier in the season after successful spells at Stockport County and Peterborough United.

Cooksey was called to make another save on the half-hour mark when Andy Turner hit a cross from the Boston left and Cooksey was forced to push the ball over. Chris Lane showed his attacking potential yet again as he hit a screaming thrity five yard effort goalwards, but Bastock was capable of keeping it out, tipping it over the bar. Ian Wright headed the resulting corner wide of the post.

After the half-time interval, Boston took the lead after Hereford pressure had failed to result in a goal. Scott Cooksey tipped a Gary Mills shot away for a corner on fifty eight minutes, and the Mills corner allowed centre back Lee Howarth, formerly of Barnet and Mansfield amongst many others, to hit the ball past Cooksey from close range.

The goal put life back into the game, and Hereford started attacking once again with more life. Gavin Williams left the arena after suffering a strain, and was replaced by Steve Piearce, and Ian Rodgerson, who hadn't looked fit for most of the game, was taken off for Matt Clarke. Rodgerson only made the match after a late fitness test, so was not fully fit.

Thirteen minutes later, they levelled the scored after a long throw in from Paul Sturgess, who hadn't had the best of games, picked out Elmes. The former Halesowen striker found his old team mate at the Grove, Matt Clarke, who scored from six yards out. A goalmouth scramble by Boston attempted to clear the ball, but they failed as the Bulls equalised.

With both sides attacking, it was Hereford United who looked like snatching all three points as Steve Piearce twice missed close range chances, both which crept wide of the post when one-on-one with Bastock.

Mark Rawle entered the fray as Paul Fewings was taken off. Fewings was ineffective for much of the afternoon and towards the end looked as if he may have been sent off as he made several challenges which the referee missed. He was booked just three minutes before being brought off, for a foul. Mills was also cautioned five minutes from the end for time wasting.

The referee, Mr. S. Hapgood of Swindon, was not at his best this afternoon and missed many fouls and pushes. His assistants, Mr Sareinson and Mr Hendley, were not completely blameless as both made decisions which confused the game further. Michael McIndoe played well for United with a sturdy performance, and was again awarded the man-of-the-match despite being booked in the third minute for a foul.

Hereford drop a place in the table as Southport beat Dagenham 1-0 and go above United, still with a game in hand. Hereford lie in fourth and are still eight points behind leaders Yeovil Town who drew 2-2 at Scarborough, the home side equalising late on through a Betts penalty. Meanwhile, Boston United's point moves them up by one place to eleventh after Telford United match against Doncaster was postponed.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Sturgess, Robinson, Wright, Wall, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Elmes, Williams
Substitutions - Piearce, Clarke

Man of the Match - Michael McIndoe

UNITED defender Chris Lane could become the first ever England international to play at Hereford at the same time as speculation has said he will soon be called up to the international team.

Lane, aged twenty one, may be called up to John Owen's England semi-professional team, but Lane is not worried about whether it happened. "I just have to concentrate on playing well for Hereford United, and if it happens, it happens. It is always nice to represent your country," he said.

He is playing with the likes of Gavin Williams, Tony James and Paul Parry at Edgar Street, who are being scouted by league clubs including Aston Villa. Lane has scored three goals this season and hopes his goals can push United to the top of the league.

Lane said: "It would have been nice to do well in the FA Cup but at least now we can concentrate fully on the league, and hopefully we can put one or two victories together. Our home from hasn't been that good but we've won our last two at home now and hopefully we can go on from there."

The closest any Hereford player came to featuring in the England team was when Neil Grayson was selected for the squad to face Holland three seasons ago. However, by the date of the match he had moved to Cheltenham. Ian Wright is also rumoured for a place in the side, along with Lane.

JOHN Williamson, Classic Gold's Hereford United reporter, was the guest writer in today's match programme BullsEye. He wrote about his day at Edgar Street two weeks ago when Forest Green Rovers were the visitors. Here's part of his article.

14.00-15.00

The players warm up... previews for Clubcall and Classic Gold. Forest Green warm up. Steve Miller goes to buy a pie before their goalkeeper can get to the shop. Steve Miller returns disheartened - the Forest Green reserve keeper has bought all the pies.

Various Newspaperman arrive - the immaculate Richard Prime, the sophisticated Adam Workman, and finally the hirsute Neil Crosier racing up the grandstand steps at five to three ("early today Neil")

Laurie Teague of the Hereford Times and Two Ronnies (Barker and Corbett that is, not Parrott and Jukes) fame brings up the teamsheets. This was once the preserve of the YT players, but the veteran Teague seams to move quicker than most of the stars of the future.

15.45-16.00

Most of the newspaper boys adjourn to the bar. At the radio end of the box it's all pretty hectic (but totally under control).

17.00- 17.45

Interview with Chris Lane, without the aid of an interpreter, and finish all the necessary reports. I've relayed 24 reports throughout the afternoon.

This job is so much easier when United win - thanks again lads.

Nov 29th:

THE club have announced an auction of memorabilia to take place at the Green Dragon Hotel on Sunday, December 10th, just a couple of weeks after a similar event was held by HUISA. The auction will include one hundred football and celebrity items, including donated items from several Premiership clubs.

United chairman Graham Turner said: "We've had a great response. I think there will be a lot of interest. Michael Owen's England shirt will probably be the big attraction."

Four years ago, £10,000 was raised for the club in a similar event.

Meanwhile, the Doncaster home match is definetely on after doubts due to Doncaster's inclusion of the Yorkshire Senior Cup. The game will still take place on Saturday, December 9th.

JOHN Layton, the former Hereford United stalward passed away last week. This tribute from the Hereford Times.

Layton, who was seventy-five years of age, played 549 matches for the Bulls as a part-timer and also worked in the timber trade, hence his nickname 'Timber'. He will be remembered as a strong defender who never required treatment on the pitch after injury. However, no major injuries during his career meant he played 234 matches for the Bulls. He starred at Edgar Street from 1946-48 and then from 1950 to 1964, spending two years between at Worcester City.

John Layton was born in Leintwardine, and played for Hereford Lads Club and Allensmore before joining United as a fair but tough full-back. He played all sixty-two United matches during 1952-53 as United installed floodlights and made thier first television appearance, against Athenian League side Leyton in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round. The match finished 0-0 and Leyton were defeated 2-1 in the replay as United lost after a replay to Scunthorpe in the first round proper.

Exeter and Aldershot were also eliminated over coming years and Layton was appointed youth team boss at United. His teammate who was goalkeeper from some seasons, Peter Isaac, said: "He always gave 100 per cent as a player and was a good club man. He was hard, but never dirty, and had a wonderful playing record for Hereford United. There was no edge to him and he was a great family man."

Roger Griffiths, a member of United's famous giantkillers team against Newcastle, was a schoolboy when he used to watch Layton in the United side. He said: "I first met John as a 17-year-old when I was invited to play for the reserves. John was in the team as he was coming towards the end of his outstanding career. I am very proud of the fact that I went on to play for the United for 10 years wearing the number two shirt he had donned. It was a privilege to have known him and I thank him for his kindness and guidance in those very influential early years."

John leaves his wife, Sylvia, his daughter, Janet, and his son, John, who was United player and manager. Our thoughts are with them at this time. Prior to the match on Saturday against Boston, a minute's silence was held in memory of Layton.