August 1998

August 1st:

HEREFORD United have continued a major revamp of their squad by snapping up Richard Leadbeater and Mark Taylor reports the Sports Argus.

Leadbeater's decision to opt for the Bulls rather than a League club after being handed a free transfer by Wolves could prove to be a real coup.

The 21-year-old bagged seven goals in 12 appearances on loan at Edgar Street last season.

"We're looking quite good at the moment, apart from putting the ball in the back of the net," said director of football Graham Turner, reflecting on two narrow defeats to Stoke and Bristol City.

"For instance against Bristol City, for the first 15-20 minutes we played very well and created chances which we failed to take.

"Richard is a proven goalscorer at this level and we are delighted to add him to the squad."

Turner has faced a mammoth rebuilding job.

The Bosman Ruling has cost Hereford the services of five first teamers from last season, lost to free transfers, while Tony Agana and Trevor Matthewson were released, but the arrival of Leadbeater and Taylor takes the new faces to seven.

The experience of 32-year-old ex-Shrewsbury and Walsall man Taylor, has been training at Edgar Street during pre-season, will be important.

Turner, having been confronted with the boardroom changes after his take-over of the Bulls, has cut the wage bill by a third to ensure the club is run as viable business but he has still been able to recruit players with League backgrounds.

Mark Druce, signed from Rotherham, and Paul Fewings, from Hull City, will provide attacking options, while Ian Wright - a centre-back rather than his England namesake - was also at Hull.

Though Hereford have seen the departures of former captain Brian McGorry (Torquay) and Chris Hargreaves (Plymouth) plus Jamie Pitman and Murray Fishlock to Conference rivals Yeovil Town and John Brough to Cheltenham, Turner is full of optimism.

"I think we've got a stronger squad," he insisted. "Though we have had a big cut-back on wages and we've only got six players left we've got nice blend of youth and experience,"

August 8th:

THE new chairman of Hereford United is unlikely to sack the man in charge of team affairs, but the manager will happily say farewell to the chairman according to the Sports Argus.

Graham Turner insisted he would happily lose his title as Hereford's newly-elected chairman of Hereford - provided the right successor came along.

Having spearheaded the fight to save the Bulls from extinction by becoming the leading share-holder, director of football Turner was elected chairman of the new company at their first board meeting on Tuesday.

The seven-man board included a new face in Mike Hancock, who like Villa supremo Doug Ellis is a major shareholder in Aston Manor Brewery and who has a passion for football.

Former Wolves, Villa and Shrewsbury boss Turner revealed he is still talking to three other possible board members.

"I've said all along that if someone wanted to come into the club and was prepared to put up the money, I would be happy to relinquish that role of chairman," said Turner. "But it would have to be the right offer from the right person and for the good of Hereford United."

Turner sees his chairman's role as temporary, and after his hard-working involvement in sorting out the finances to ensure Hereford continued, it will mean little change to his day-to-day business.

The priority overall is to steer Hereford - who lost their Football League status 18 months ago - back into the Third Division.

And despite having to slash the wages budget by one-third and the loss of the likes of Trevor Matthewson, Tony Agana and Chris Hargreaves, Turner is "Bullish" about their prospects for a campaign which kicks off at new boys Kingstonian next Saturday.

"We've had to cut the wages and that has meant bringing a younger element, who are hungry for success," explained Turner. "It's the senior, experienced players that earn more money so some of them have had to go.

"We have been able to bring in experienced players like Mark Taylor, Ian Wright and Ian Rodgerson, Richard Walker have stayed. With them plus young players like Chris Lane, Paul Fewings, Tony James, Richard Leadbeater plus Andy Quy and Gavin Mahon, I'm pleased with the quality of the squad I've got."

IN: John Snape (Halesowen Town), Mark Taylor (Shrewsbury), Gavin Williams (Barnsley), Richard Leadbeater (Wolves), Matthew Cross (Barnsley), Tony James (Albion), Stuart Evans (Halesowen Town), Mark Druce (Rotherham), Ian Wright (Hull), Paul Fewings (Hull ), Chris Lane (Everton).

OUT: Brian McGorry (Torquay), Chris Hargreaves (Plymouth), John Brough (Cheltenham), Ryan Durham, Andy De Bont (Stourbridge), Jamie Pitman (Yeovil), Murray Fishlock (Yeovil), Tony Agana, Trevor Matthewson (Ilkeston), Rob Warner (Tamworth).

August 8th

WORCESTER 1 Hereford 1 (report by Peter Povall)

The Bulls didn't field their strongest squad for this match and appear to be resting the first team squad, wherever possible, in preperation for the new season's start on Saturday.

This gave Worcester City a promising start to the match and they made most of the running, with contiued pressure on the United defence and a couple of healthly attempts on goal.

United kept them at bay though and produced a couple of entertaining runs of their own. Unfortunately, the majority of these runs where ended prematurely when the final touch in the corners, before the cross, was poor.

The deadlock broke in the 38th minute when Richard Leadbeater sent a through ball to Garry Cook. He chased the ball straight down the centre of the field with a defender in hot pursuit and Worcesters keeper closing him down. Garry Cook remained calm and lobbed the keeper beautifully from just outside the box. Much to the delight of the visiting fans.

The songs were short-lived though as Worcester equalised within 2 minutes after Andy quy failed to reach a ball, for which he came, and Sam Bowen was given an easy chance to finish.

I have to confess though, that I actually missed to see the equaliser as I was busy watching a very attractive young WPC and was wondering the about the best way to get myself arrested. I'm still wondering now...

The second half produced average football for much of time with moments of promise. I am really looking forward to the new season and the trip to Kingstonian on Saturday...see you all there... 

"I was disappointed with the way we played especially in the first half" said manager Graham Turner.


August 12th:

HEREFORD United are providing the stage for Chris Boden to prove his career is far from finished.

The former Villa and Derby midfielder recently left Shrewsbury because of a knee injury.

Bur director of football Graham Turner was able to include the 24-year-old in Monday's friendly at Oldbury United.

Turner was encouraged by the performance of Wolverhampton-born Boden, who has become the Bulls' 11th summer signing, but it will be a month before he is fit enough for first team selection.

Ian Rodgerson will be Hereford's new club captain this season.

The 32-year-old former Blues fullback - who made 40 appearances for the Bulls last season, is one of only six players to remain at Edgar Street from last season's squad.

But he believes the mix of new and old will mean Hereford kick off in good heart.

"We're optimistic about the new campaign," said Rodgerson.

"We've got lots of experience in the squad but also plenty of youth.

"It's important that we get off to a good start."

Rodgerson started his playing career with Pegasus Juniors before establishing himself in the League with Hereford, playing with the Bulls for four seasons, and then going onto Cardiff City and Sunderland.

August 14th:

CHIEF scout Ron Jukes has become a director of Hereford United, along with the club's long-serving secretary Joan Fennessy.

The appointments follow manager Graham Turner taking over as principal shareholder of the Vauxhall Conference Club and a new board being set up.

Jukes was Turner's chief scout at Shrewsbury and Wolves.

August 15th:

DAVE Norton will resurrect his career at Cheltenham Town, with manager Steve Cotterill insisting he can be three players in one.

The former Hereford United captain had announced his retirement in March because of a pelvic injury, but a summer operation appears to have cured the problem.

The 33-year-old, who follows John Brough from Hereford to Whaddon Road, has now signed with the Robins.

Cotterill admits the one-time Villa man will need time to regain full match fitness but his ability to slot into several roles will be a real plus in a small squad.

"There's been no problem with the pelvic problems but he just needs games under his belt," added Cotterill. "I'm sure he will get better.

"His versatility is an added bonus. He can play anywhere on the right side, he can play centre-half and he can sweep, and he can play in midfield."

KINGSTONIAN 2 Hereford United 0 (report by Peter Povall)

United started their latest Conference Title challenge with a fairly poor performance. Turner fielded one of our strongest squads but they just didn't seem to want to win the match.

Kingstonian, on the other hand, intended to win this match, at whatever cost.

They started at a frightening pace and were rewarded quickly with a goal in the 10th minute by Leworthy from a very dodgy corner. The execution of the goal was excellent, and I will not take that away from Kingstonian. However, the decision that gave them the opportunity was definitely a problem. The ball was played deep into the Hereford end and Richard Walker rose to clear with his head, but on finding he was no being pressured, allowed the ball to pass over him and out for a goal kick. The assistant referee who was stood not more than five yards away gave the correct decision. The referee, who was stood at least 40 yards away then over-ruled the decision and gave the corner.

But enough moaning, this decision cannot be considered the cause of the Bulls performance. United did fight back and just two minutes later an excellent strike was parried away by the King's keeper with the ball falling to a waiting defender for clearence.

But the King's assault continued, forcing United to defend deep into their own half for much of the match. Quy making an excellent save in the 22nd minute, and further attempts at the United net being driven wide.

John Snape almost brought the score level with a shot, but it drifted wide of the post.

The reply was devastating, The goal kick allowed an attack down the left-wing. Chris Lane did his best to control the attack but was out-numbered and the through ball resulted in an excellent cross to the far post which Francis finished perfectly.

Another attempt by United to stem the flow of Kingstonian gave Mark Taylor an outside chance which he hit over the bar.

The second half was a little better from United's point of view. They picked their game up and looked far more interested but it was still too little to late.

Gavin Mahon had his first chance of the game from just outside the area but his low shot was intercepted before it posed any real threat. The next chance for United came from an excellent corner which sailed to the back post where Ian Wright rose to drive it into the net. The keepers instinct save with his legs gave United another corner, but this was cleared easily.

The next attempt was brought to a quick end when Paul Fewings, god know why, brought down a perfectly good cross with his hand, leaving Kingstonian a free-kick to clear. He did try to make amends a few minutes later but this cross was saved before reaching the back post.

Minutes later again and United had another chance. Gavin Mahon hit a powerful curling shot which beat the Kingstonian keeper but curled a little too far and grazed the wrong side of the post.

United's best chance of the game was still to come though. In the closing 10 minutes a through ball to Paul Fewings gave him both space and time, inside the area, to set himself up and drive the ball home. However, he snatched at the chance and fired the ball well over the bar and into the adjacent athletics ground.

Without a doubt, this was a poor performance from United and I can only pray that we walk away with 3 points after the Leek Town match on Tuesday night, but based on todays performance by Leek we could be in for a hiding...

August 18th:

HEREFORD 1 Leek 0 (report by Peter Povall)

Hereford produced a battling performance tonight to claim their first points in the Conference this season. They were not given an easy ride by Leek who enjoyed long spells on the ball and made some excellent attacks on the United goal.

The match started quickly with Hereford pushing forward, their first chance coming after just seven minutes when John Snape fired just wide of the post. Moments later, Ian Rodgerson hit another shot through the same air-space.

Leek came back fighting. A through ball from the resulting goal kick allowed them time on the ball, but the shot was well wide of the post.

The play moved freely, with end to end battles taking place one after another. One minute Richard Walker and Gavin Williams combined well to produce an excellent chance, the next, the ball was being cleared from the Hereford line.

The deadlock finally broke when Ian Wright opened his account with a high, looping header from a Gavin Williams free-kick.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Williams and Walker again combine well to defend the United goal from a considered attack. The cleared ball returned almost immediately though, and Ian Wright was forced into giving away a corner.

Leek were again denied any real chance on goal and Chris Lane made a sterling effort in the corner to collect and clear another possible cross.

The second half started with an incident, by way of a hand ball which should have given Hereford a penalty, but the referee was unable to see through the line of three players and a goal kick was given.

This was brought straight back by Chris Lane who was playing some classic football on the touch-lines to tourment the Leek defence.

The play again starts going from end to end as Andy Quy was forced to punch clear. John Snape then hit a shot, again just wide of the post from an neat little pass by Gavin Mahon. Leek again retaliated forcing Quy to make the outstanding save of the match after a free cross gave Leek their best chance with a powerful header. The save tipped the ball over the bar and the corner was easily cleared from the front post.

Garry Cook then started an excellent run down the centre of the field, finally releasing the ball through to Richard Leadbeater who hit a very powerful shot into the side netting in front of the home crowd.

Leadbeater almost came up with the goods with a second chance thanks to a well-timed pass through a tangle of legs. Leadbeaters outstretched foot just couldn't make the angle though.

United continued their pressure giving Garry Cook a chance, which he tried to lob over the keeper but misjudged it slightly, with the ball just clearing the bar.

Quy was again pressured as Leek threw everything they had into the last few minutes. He was again required to make a save from a well placed shot.

The team showed a marked improvement over that of the weekend and Chris Lane earned himself a clear man-of-the-match award in my opinion. Garry Cook also ran his heart out as ever and will be looking for a place in the first team.

August 22nd:

GRAHAM Turner has warned it will another half a dozen games before he can deliver his verdict on new-look Hereford United.

The Bulls introduced six debut-makers in last week's opening game of the Conference season - only Kettering, Doncaster and Stevenage had more new faces.

Though Kingstonian sent them to a 2-0 defeat, Turner's new boys rattled up their first points with a workmanlike home success over Leek on Tuesday.

It's a mixed start, but director of football Turner has no doubts the team will improve as they get to know each other.

"It's difficult when you've got more than half the team thrown together," he admitted.

"We had six players making their debuts. There's room for improvement as a team and individually as they get to know each other.

"Perhaps it will take half a dozen games before everything gets settled."

It was one of the new-boys, Ian Wright, who made the headlines with the first half winner over Leek with a powerful header from a set-piece move.

Unlike his England and West Ham name-sake, the Bulls' Mr Wright - recruited from Hull City - is a central defender but his presence in the opposition penalty box could bolster the goals-for column as well.

"It's always a bonus when you've got a centre-half who can also score goals as well as stopping them," added Turner.

HEREFORD United 2 Dover 0 (report by Peter Povall)

United claimed some revenge on Dover today with a cracking victory at Edgar Street. Gavin Williams producing two excellent finishes to claim the points.

United were all over Dover from the off. The first attempt, by Ian Wright, being headed wide of goal from an early corner.

Even with a surprising number of minor offences being committed, the referee allowed the game to flow, giving the players an opportunity to warm themselves up without constant interuptions.

Mahon gave United a further chance of the lead when a well timed one-two with Ian Rodgerson produced a shot which turned just wide.

Moments later and Garry Cook fired wide again, from a Mark Taylor corner. The United pressure mounting all the time, with an opening goal just begging to come.

Within the space of the next six minutes, United produced four great chances. The first from Gavin Mahon who collected the ball on the right of the area, dummied the advancing defender and then shot from a narrow angle with the keeper saving.

Another chance fell to Richard Leadbeater who drilled a shot from about 15 yards out following a stramble in the box. The shot rounded a defender but struck the post sending the ball straight back into play.

The best chance came when Garry Cook played an excellent through ball for Ian Rodgerson to strike hard at the target. Again the keeper kept the ball out.

The deadlock finally broke in the 30th minute when Garry Cook sent a cross past the far post, which Gavin Williams struck first time to hammer the Bulls into the lead.

The quality of play was excellent with some moments of sheer brilliance as United's strike force combined well and gave them another couple of opportunities to extend their lead.

The second half started differently. Dover came out with the first strike and forced a corner from United. This was cleared by Andy Quy, but the assault continued for the next few minutes, without Dover breaking through United's back four.

The quality and percentage of play then went back to United who had three efforts thwarted within as many minutes.

Dover were given their last chance in the closing minutes as they gained a corner, but this was poorly taken and easily cleared.

The icing on the cake came during injury time. Following Cook driving a shot over the bar, the ball was played back in the fied. Cook again received it and made an outstanding run down the left. Finishing off with another short cross to Williams who was again outside the back post. Williams collected and hit the ball in one fluid movement and gave the Bulls the margin they needed to close the match.

Another improved performance as a whole. Garry Cook is improving leaps and bounds and must surely be man of the match for me. 

Gavin Williams spoke afterwards:  "I must be Dover's bogey man as my other Conference goal was at Dover last season."

August 24th:

LAST Saturday HUISA held its first AGM.

It was 'standing room only' in the Richmond Club on 22 August as HUISA held its first AGM. The meeting was covered in part by BBC Television (Midlands) who are producing a documentary programme on Hereford United supporters, which we understand is scheduled to be screened in early 1999. The above average attendance conducted a great deal of business in good and lively humour.

Our new Chairman Richard Tomkins summarised the past year. Not only had we raised £20,000 but in the background we'd removed the old board of directors too! Since our last Members Meeting on 25 April the HUISA committee had been extremely active, meeting 4 times, representatives also attended 4 Liaison meetings with GT. Supporters had done voluntary work on the pitch and painting in the ground. Two newsletters had been produced (with an (almost!) universally popular 'new look'). The Fans Forum of 6 May announced the CVA, and on 3 August introduced the new board. A coach deal had been arranged which covers both HUISA and team away travel for the season. Lobbying of influential persons, such as Paul Keetch MP and councillors has commenced. A good relationship now exists with our local police and we've benefited from better match arrangements.

We achieved a major goal during the close season with the removal of the old board. This season we now have a change of tack and the central issue is responding to the property developers. This will require a membership drive and greater publicity. Every HUISA activity this year needs media coverage. The Hereford Times appears to have started to come round at last. We must continue to keep Hereford United's name in the news. Representation within the club is an issue covered in depth within this HUISA Newsletter. Every member is hereby given an opportunity to vote on two separate proposals. Firstly, to campaign for Boardroom representation and secondly, to purchase a significant block of shares in Hereford United FC.

Please set aside some time to read the proposals outlined and register your vote. The closing date for the receipt of your voting slip is September 26 - the last Saturday of the month. Only the special voting slips enclosed with this newsletter will be accepted. You can post your vote to our HUISA PO BOX, or hand to a Committee Member in a sealed envelope on match days.

Whatever your views please remember that, above all else, we must help save Hereford United Football Club. So, cast your vote and whatever the outcome please ensure that we all remain UNITED

HEDNESFORD 3 Hereford United 1 (report by Peter Povall)

A promising start quickly saw United again sit back on an early lead, with the obvious loss of the match looming...

An inept tackle by the Hednesford defence saw United gain a penalty in the 10th minute. Mark Taylor stepped up and fired the ball into the right side of the net with the keeper, doing a great impression of a headless chicken, going the wrong way.

Then, as we saw so often last season, the team sat back on their one goal lead and lost concentration. It was just going to be a matter of time before the equaliser reared its ugly head.

It came just seconds before the break, the optimum time to make and break moral. I cannot deny that the finishing was excellent and credit where it is due, although I have no idea who scored. The equaliser was aided by United only having 10 men on the field at the time as Taylor was being treated for an injury on the touch-line.

The second half proved too much for the Bulls. They produced moments of good football but nothing really worth writing home about. Garry Cook again made himself useful all over the field with what seems to be infinite energy.

Hednesford moved in front midway through the second half with a header looping over Andy Quy and clipping the crossbar then the post before finishing in the net. Just minutes later and Hednesford made it 3 with a cracking drive from about 10 yards out from another great cross.

My apologies for this miserable report but it's late, I'm tired and depressed.

August 29th:

HEDNESFORD Town's midweek win provided another lesson in the learning curve for Hereford United youngsters.

By Hednesford's own admissions, Graham Turner's youngsters ran the show in the first half but a sloppy goal meant the sides were level at halime. Then the sending off of young defender Chris Lane tipped the balance in the hosts' favour.

Hereford included six under-21s in their ranks and player-coach Keith Downing highlighted the pluses as well as the minuses.

"The first half performance at Hednesford gave us a lot of encouragement," said Downing.

"They are one of the favourites for the title but we dominated play in the first half. That shows we can be up there ourselves.

"But there were a few negatives as well. We need to learn to kill off teams when we are on top and at the same time when we are under pressure we need to dig in and hold on."

The Bulls have suffered a flurry of injuries which have deprived them of several experienced players.

But Downing was optimistic that they would be near full strength going into the Bank Holiday programme.

Striker Mark Druce, left waiting for his debut after a back problem, signalled his fitness with the goal in the reserves' defeat to Kidderminster in midweek.

August 29th:

WELLING 2 Hereford United 2 (report by Mike Hughes)

Hereford United should have come away from Park View Road with 3 points but the point gained had seemed unlikely as the game entered the final 15 minutes. United controlled the game for long periods but were unable to penetrate a resolute Welling defence.

In a game reminiscent of last seasons battles Welling, in their first serious attack, took the lead. A throw-in down the left fell invitingly for Mark Hynes to crash the ball into the far corner of the net past the hapless Andy Quy on 35 minutes with little resistance from the United defence. The first half ended with Garry Cook carrying an injury and Richard Leadbeater still out of sorts.
Ten minutes into the second half a corner on the right for Welling and John Farley rose unchallenged at the near post to glance in to make it 2-0. Welling were content to rely on long balls and to expose Uniteds' vulnerability at set pieces. This almost resulted in a third when Farley headed over unchallenged in front of goal. To be fair to Welling it seemed that the manager had got his tactics just right again, with too many Hereford players wanting that extra touch as if to show they were the more superior players, the final ball was all too obvious.

All of a sudden with 12 minutes remaining a neat chip from Gavin Mahon and Leadbeater was through, he calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Welling keeper Glen Knight and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Two minutes later United were level, an optimistic shot from Gavin Williams on the right fell into the path of the competent looking Mark Druce whose low shot was deflected past Knight. Ian Wright glanced a header past the upright later on but Wellling defended well to hold on. With a little more swiftness of passing United would have won at a canter.

August 31st:

HEREFORD 2 Southport 2 (report by Peter Povall)

Complacency cost United 2 Conference points today as they fought back from behind to take the lead.

An early attack by the visitors was quickly fought by United and an assault of their own started. They had two shots cleared with the first 10 minutes and maintained a reasonable amount of pressure.

Mark Taylor made an excellent run down the left wing and sent a powerful cross is. This moved through the defence and gave United their first corner. The corner was played short and passed out to Paul Fewings who hit a high drive but the ball just failed to drop before clearing the bar.

Southport retaliated. A free-kick just outside United's box gave them an excellent chance which was curled just wide of the post. Southport controlled the game for the next 10 minutes as they continued to test the United defence, seeking weaknesses. They had a further couple of shots either saved or diverted.

United made an a great chance for themselves when Gavin Williams and Gavin Mahon combined well to release Williams onto goal with the resulting shot being well saved.

But again Southport came back. A brilliant run through midfield and the defence allowed a shot with only Andy Quy left to beat, but the Quy made an instinctive save to push the ball out for a corner. The resulting set-piece play gave Southport the lead as the corner was played to the front post, flicked on, and finished with a powerful header from the unmarked Gouck.

As so often before, United were chasing the match. The pace stepped up a notch as United went in search of the equaliser. They increased their attack but also left gaps in the defence and the game jumped from end to end. The referee was also not helping matters by interupting play on a fairly regular basis when advantage plays would have been better.

Just before the break though, United's Gavin Mahon made a superb run through the Southport defence and finished with a pass into the bottom corner of the net to equalise. The perfect time to score. Right on the break.

The second half was much the same but with United seeking to extend a lead from Southport. They were denied on a number of occassions as shots were driven wild.

But with just 10 minutes to go, an excellent move by Paul Fewings released Richard Leadbeater into the box alone. His drive across the keeper into the top corner brought the crowds cheering.

It was all to soon though. As usual United sat back on their lead with 10 minutes to play and the inevitable happened. Southport were gifted an equaliser through a combination of poor defending and complete lack of concentration.

O'Reilly collected the ball from about 30 yards out when a bouncing ball came from the centre of the field and he simply lobbed the ball over Andy Quy.

As the previous two matches against Southport, this one also ended in a draw.