Feb 2000

Feb 2nd:

THE Hereford United Supporters Site Player Of The Year Winner is Ian Wright. He polled 43% of the votes, and beat nearest rivals Mark Taylor (13%) and Gavin Williams (11%). Here are the results:


1.) Ian Wright - 20 - 43%
2.) Gavin Williams - 5 - 11%
3.) Robin Elmes 2 - 4%
4.) Paul Fewings 4 - 9%
5.) Tony James - 3 - 6%
6.) Mark Jones - 1 - 2%
7.) Andrew Quy - 0 - 0%
8.) Paul Parry - 4 - 9%
9.) Mark Taylor - 6 - 13%
10.) Other - 2 - 4%

Feb 3rd:

HEREFORD United will have Matt Clarke and club captain and Site Player Of The Year Ian Wright back for the away match at Northwich Victoria on Saturday. Northwich lost 6-0 in their last match to Rushden and lost 3-0 at Edgar Street in their last meeting with the Bulls but will be eager to pick up at least a point at the Drill Field on Saturday.

Feb 5th:

NORTHWICH Victoria 0 - 0 Hereford United

Hereford travelled to Northwich knowing that they had a hard task on their hands. Despite losing 6-0 to Rushden last week, Northwich had not lost at home in the league this season and United had to play well to stop that run. The first half was pretty uneventful, with Hereford being caught offside three times but having two shots on target to Northwich's three. Hereford made a substitution just into the second half as Elmes was replaced by Leroy May.

Two solid defensive performances could again be seen in the second period and neither goalkeeper had much work to do throughout the ninety minutes. With seventeen minutes left Hereford created the best chance of the game. Paul Sturgess spung the offside trap and passed a through b\all to Leroy May. Malcolm Rigby, the Northwich keeper, made a perfect tackle to clear the ball when one on one. Northwich striker Holt played well and Fewings had a good header late on, Rigby spilled the shot but it was cleared by the defenders. Referee M Atkinson made only one booking, on 78 minutes, for a foul by Leroy May. This was simply the most unentertaining and boring match Hereford United have participated in all season.

Attendance = 1,104

Man of the match - Malcolm Rigby (Northwich Victoria)

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Sturgess, Snape, Wright, White, Rodgerson, Taylor, Elmes, Williams, Parry

Sub(s) who came on - May, Fewings

Feb 6th:

REPORTS close to Halesowen Town have said that Hereford United are negotiating terms with Halesowen Town goalkeeper Danny McDonnell. He is reported to have been offered £600 a week and will join former Halesowen players Robin Elmes, Steve Piearce and John Snape at Edgar Street. More details to be posted as they come available.

Feb 7th:

FURTHER information has been revealed about the link with Halesowen's Danny McDonnell. He is regarded as one of the top goalies in the Dr. Marthens Premier League. He is out of contract at the end of the season and will be available on a free transfer but Halesowen may look to cash in on him whilst they still can. The wage of £600 a week was hugely inflated, but a deal could be likely due to Hereford's goalkeeping crisis this season.

Feb 9th:

MIDFIELDER Gavin Williams and defender Tony James have signed new two year contracts with Hereford United after a meeting with Graham Turner. Both players are highly rated and subsequent transfers could land a good amount of money to the club. Paul Parry may also sign a new deal later today.

Feb 10th:

TONY James will be out with an ankle injury and will miss the weekend trip to Doncaster Rovers. Better news, however, has been announced. Wonder winger Paul Parry has signed a new two-year contract.

Feb 12th:

HEREFORD United have secured the services of starlets Paul Parry, Gavin Williams and Tony James until 2002.

But manager Graham Turner admitted: "We will be lucky to hold onto them that long!"

Their current contracts were all up in the summer, but Turner was delighted to nip any speculation in the bud by getting the trio - all 20 or under - to sign two year extended deals.

He revealed scouts from pro clubs have been tracking the fortunes of midfielders Parry and Williams and defender James, who all sprang to prominence in the Bulls' storming FA Cup exploits.

While Hereford would have been entitled to any move if they had left in the summer - all three are too young to come under the Bosman Ruling - it does avoid any need to go to a tribunal if a pro clubs does make a move for them.

"A number of clubs have asked to be kept informed of how the lads are doing but we have had no bids yet," said Turner.

"But I think they have got every chance of making a name for themselves at a higher level.

"I'm pleased we have settled the issue of contracts now. They have signed with the proviso that if a club comes in with the right offer we wouldn't stand in their way. I think that's only a matter of time."

Steve Piearce faced up to more injury frustration and confessed: It's been a nightmare season.

The Hereford United striker has been limited to just half a dozen games since his summer move from Halesowen Town.

And he fears the season will be all but over before he can start proving his worth to the Bulls.

Piearce saw a specialist this week over the painful back problem which has kept him sidelined. He is due to return to Oswestry again next week for a CT scan to check if there is any damage to his vertebrae.

"The specialist said there was obviously a problem there but he could explain what it was," said Piearce. "I've got to have another scan and hopefully that will find out what is wrong.

"I've never had a problem with my back before and I need to get to the bottom of it."

Piearce has tried to return to training a couple of weeks ago but the problem flared up again and now he is just trying to keep some level of fitness on an exercise bike and by swimming.

"I'm just so fed up with it all," he said. "It's just so frustrating.

"I'm a terrible spectator - I just want to get back playing again."

Feb 12th:

DONCASTER Rovers 2 - 2 Hereford United

After the epic encounter earlier in the season at Edgar Street, in which United emerged victorious 5-3, a game half as good would keep the crowd happy at Belle Vue. The first half, however, did not go as planned for Graham Turner's men. It wasn't long after the start that Doncaster Rovers took the lead, through McIntyre in just the fourth minute. He struck a curling shot into the roof of the net from just outside the box following a good free kick routine involving Atkins and Penney. Before that Hereford could, and should have taken the lead. Ian Rodgerson's shot was blocked by Barnyard after an awful mix-up in the Rover's defence. A few minutes after the goal, both May and Williams had chances to equalise in the half which Hereford battled well in. Hereford skipper Ian Wright had an excellent game in defence and he also went close to scoring with seven minutes of the half left, but his header was saved from a Paul Sturgess free-kick. Two Rovers players were booked in the first half by referee Mr M. Maynard, Penney on 40 minutes for a foul and Barnyard seconds later, again for a foul. United also received two cautions : Leroy May on fourty three minutes for a foul, and again John Snape (foul) on the stroke of half time. Despite the bookings, there were numerous chances, with both sides leaving the field at the break with goal attempts at 3-3. Hereford, however, were yet to be awarded a corner kick.

The second half brought a fresh look, but this was not to be seen until later in the period. McIntyre was book on the hour but the introduction of substitute Paul Fewings brought an extra dimension to Hereford United. They looked dynamic, and it took only four minutes for the Bulls to level the score, thanks to a goal from the substitute. His overhead kick after good work by White left goalkeeper Andy Warrington with no chance. Doncaster then pulled a goal back through striker Dino Maamria, but Hereford were not about to lie down and die. Young star Paul Parry was introduced to play and Leroy May came up with the winner with nine minutes left. It was Parry's cross which presented May with the header. A good performance by the Bulls resulted in a vital point after a poor run in recent weeks.

Attendance = 2,767

Man of the match - Ian Wright

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Sturgess, Snape, Wright, White, Rodgerson, Taylor, May, Williams, James

Sub(s) who came on - Parry, Fewings

Feb 15th:

HEREFORD United are now just three points behind Morecambe in the National Fair Play League. Mark Wright's Southport are currently lying in 3rd.

Feb 16th:

HEREFORD United are now 50/1 to win this season's Conference League. The favourites are current runners-up Rushden & Diamonds, with Kidderminster Harriers second.

GRAHAM Turner is pleased with Hereford youngsters who have signed new two year contracts. "They (James, Parry and Williams) are good, quality players who have the chance of developing their careers to the highest level," declared Hereford United's director of football, "We're pleased to have signed the three on extended contracts, but we've also taken account of the fact that clubs are keeping a close eye on their progress."

Further talks - There are to be more meetings over the next few weeks in order to discuss the possible redevelopment of Hereford's city centre, the area around the cattle market and the football stadium.

Bulls in the Conference - Paul Fewings is =7th top scorer in the Conference with eleven goals, and Hereford are =2nd with Dover Athletic at scoring a home league goal (39 minutes, 1 minute behind Rushden & Diamonds). However, their away league goals tally is not as good. It takes Hereford 98 minutes to score away from home, the third worst in the league. Overall that places them =6th (56 minutes). Their defensive record is also pretty bad. At home they concede a goal every 58 minutes (5th worst), but away is 65 minutes (9th best). Overall, they are =11th (62 minutes), showing that they concede almost as often as they score!

Feb 17th:

EASTER Egg-stravaganza - Great stuff coming up at Easter for Hereford United fans. On Saturday April 1st, there's the Emlyn Hughes Celebrity Team v Hereford Select match, and a disco and buffet at the Green Dragon Hotel. That includes the Grand Draw & Auction from 8pm with stars from Eastenders, Emmerdale, Brookside and Grange Hill plus ex professional players including Emlyn Hughes. Also former Hereford United stars will attend. On Sunday 2nd April there is another Celebrity Match at Edgar Street (kick-off 11am). Tickets (Sat & Sun all inclusive) £20. Tickets for the match only - Adults £4 Child/OAP £2. Full information is available from the clubb office on 01432276666.

Don't forget the 24 hours sponsored Football Marathon on the 13th/14th May at Edgar Street. More information aslo available from the club office in a few weeks time.

Dover news - Hereford are hoping to gain three points when they take on high flying Dover Athletic this weekend. Dover lost 4-0 to Rushden last Saturday, but Paul Sturgess could be doubtful for the game as he felt unwell last week. Steve Piearce and James Wall are still out, but otherwise Turner has a full squad to pick from.

Funding found - Funding for the redevelopment scheme in the centre of Hereford, including a new stand at Edgar Street, has been found. £100 million has been pledged by Advantage West Midlands, a regional development company.

Council leader Terry James has welcomed the news and has also talked about his own view for the future of the area.

His plan is for both the football ground and the cattle market to stay where they are but 'completely revamped'.

According to the Hereford Times:

Hereford United would benefits from a refurbished or even rebuilt stadium, leading city sports clubs would have social/administration space and access to a specialist physiotherapy unit.

A multiplex is mooted for Lower Merton Meadow and a hotel/conference centre/offices for Blackfriars Street.

Garrick House would make way for a retail mall while units at the Cattle Market would make way for a purpose-built farmers/produce mart.

Feb 19th:

SIMON Wormull, the influential Dover Athletic midfielder,is likely to miss today's match at Edgar Street. He was stretchered off during Dover's 4-0 defeat to Rushden and Diamonds last weekend and has damaged his achilles tendon.

Feb 19th:

HEREFORD United expect to have further talks with council leaders over plans to redevelop the area around their Edgar Street home.

Manager and chairman Graham Turner has already met the council leader to consider the proposed revamp.

The major re-development aims to incorporate football, cinema, hotel, car park and other leisure facilities in the town.

"We had an amicable meeting," said Turner.

"We have an open mind on the proposals. It is definitely an exciting project if it comes to fruition.

"Council Leader Terry James's ideas are if nothing else very ambitious and on the face of it could be a tremendous boost to the city.

"However they are very much in their infancy without us having any knowledge at all of the outcome for the club."

HEREFORD United 2 - 0 Dover Athletic

High flying Dover Athletic were put to shame by a determined Hereford side who are now undefeated in the League since December 18th when they lost to Scarborough. The Whites were seeking revenge for their 2-0 away defeat in September and duly found it thanks to their fruitful strikeforce of Leroy May and Paul Fewings.

It became apparent early on that Hereford were to have the best of the play - as early as the first minute shots were being fired towards Paul Hyde's goal. It took a while for Hereford to enter their stride and they eventually scored with six minutes of the first half remaining. From a corner, the ball was scambled around the box and eventually turned in by Paul Fewings. However, the referee judged that there was a push by a Bulls player in the box meaning the goal was disallowed. This was confirmed by the female assistant on the Len Weston side of the ground.

Dover had very little of the play in the first half but it was deep into injury time until Hereford broke the deadlock. Leroy May turned provider as PauL fewings got onto the end of his pass to make it 1-0. Graham Turner must have been delighted with his sides first half performance, and on-loan goalkeeper Scott Cooksey hadn't had to make a save in a dire first half from a Dover point of view.

Whatever Bill Williams said at half time made no difference as Hereford continued to attack the Dover goal in numbers. The inevitable second goal came eight minutes into the half as Hyde dropped a shot from Leroy May only for Fewings to knock in. Dover came back and went close three times, but on each occasion Scott Cooksey was on hand to make superb saves. With five minutes to go he failed to catch a Dover chance but captain Ian Wright was on hand to clear off the line.

How it was only 2-0 I'll never know. Hereford had twenty goal-attempts, ten of which were on target, but they will take heart from another clean sheet, despite some desperate defending at times. Three Dover players, Morrison, Strouts and Shearer were booked for fouls and all Bulls fans will be upbeat about a great performance and a good win against on of the top sides in the Conference.

After the match, goalie Scott Cooksey told a local radio reporter that he is enjoying his time and Hereford and wouldn't mind making the move permanent. He still has 18 months left to run on his contract at Shrewsbury but if the managers can strike a deal he may well become a full-time fixture at Edgar Street.

Attendance = 2,003

Man of the match - Paul Fewings

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Snape, Wright, White, Rodgerson, Taylor, May, Fewings, Parry

Sub(s) who came on - Williams

Feb 20th:

STEVE Piearce has baffled medical specialists with his mystery back problem. The injury has kept him out of the side for most of the season and it is looking likely that he will not play for the Bulls' again this campaign. Graham Turner wrote in the programme notes for the Dover Athletic match that he had attended various hospitals and had stayed at Lilleshal, the FA's rehabilitation headquarters. He is currently unable to train or play for the team.

WANTED - 20 people for 'Fun' Penalty Shoot Out

FIRST ROUND - 29th April (vs Welling)
FINAL - 6th May (vs Sutton)

To be held before the match and at half-time. Try your skills against the reserve goalkeeper.
Winner gets - a trophy, two seats on the team bus and tickets to an away match.

All you have to do is get £75 Sponsorship

To register call 01432 90205 or 01432 359389

Feb 22nd:

AFTER their 2-0 win over Dover on Saturday, Hereford became the only Conference team yet to lose a league match in the year 2000. The run is now six matches into the new millennium, and doesn't include Hereford's 1-1 draw with Kidderminster on December 27th. In fact, Hereford's last league defeat came when they were hammered 3-0 by Scarborough on December 18th, but they have since lost cup matches to both Leicester City and Billericay Town.

Feb 23rd:

AT the Fans Forum on 15th February HUISA announced that we are going to contest the Hereford Council elections in May 2000. This news was received as something of a sensation by all those present, whether supporters or the representatives of the media. We had deliberately waited until the Fans Forum to go public on this, to gain maximum impact. Our press release summarised the background:

We have taken this action in response to an apparent lack of interest in United's cause by the majority of current councillors. The future of Hereford United FC has been in the balance since relegation from The Football League in 1997. The previous board of directors negotiated a deal which will lead to the sale of Edgar Street for redevelopment and a move to a new ground. The search for and the building of a new ground is vital to the club's survival.

Local councillors have been approached to support this cause. Only some have shown any interest in the revived county's senior football club. Over the past three months HUISA has been assessing the positions of Herefordshire councillors. We have identified the wards where councillors will support our aims. We intend to contest other wards on a platform of Hereford United and a series of local issues.

This is a decision which has not been taken lightly. The committee has done its homework concerning the rules and regulations governing the election and the prospects for HUISA candidates in each of the county's 30 wards.

We have not publicly revealed our full plans because what would give away too much to the opposition parties. Bear in mind that the regular political parties are experienced electioneers and shrewd with it. However, the opposition reckoned with HUISA's own political 'mastermind' Kevin Wargen, a former Hereford councillor himself!

The main political parties are drawing up their plans and have begun looking for their candidates. HUISA already has a number of candidates lined up. Nonetheless, the more candidates who want to get involved the better.

If any HUISA member wishes to stand, or to assist during the run up to the election, please contact Kevin Wargen, Richard Tomkins or any other committee member.

STOP PRESS...HUISA HAS BEEN INUNDATED WITH PHONE CALLS AND LETTER OF SUPPORT FOLLOWING OUR PRESS RELEASE...HUISA WILL FIGHT FOR OUR CLUB...STOP PRESS

Feb 24th:

THE club have announced that two new directors have joined the boardroom at Edgar Street. The first is Grenville Smith, a retired policeman, and the other is Steve Bayliss as the supporters representitive. There are now eight people on the board. Smith worked in the police for thirty years and retired last year. He is a lifelong fan of the club, and also takes up safety duties at Edgar Street. Bayliss is a committee member of HUISA and was elected by a liason committee. He will represent supporters. Graham Turner was pleased with both new members and hopes they will play an important role in the future.

Matches are vital to promotion hopes - This weekend, Hereford United must play two matches which could make-or-break their season. On Saturday they travel to Church Road to take on Hayes, who beat United 2-0 at Edgar Street last October. On Monday Evening, the Bulls' take on Stevenage Borough and will seek revenge for a 2-1 defeat in September. Interestingly, these are the only two teams to have left Edgar Street with three points this season. Quy, James and Wall are all fit, leaving a full squad with only Steve Piearce out through a long-term back injury.

Turner must decide - Graham Turner has until after the game against Hayes on Saturday to decide whether to extend the loan periods of Tom White and Scott Cooksey. Hereford are unbeaten since they have joined but with regular defender Tony James and 'keeper Andrew Quy back it is unclear whether they will stay for another month. Scott Cooksey has conceded two goals and kept three clean sheets in his four games since his move from Shrewsbury Town. Bristol Rovers' Tom White has also played in those four matches.

New player-coach? - Stoke City's Phil Robinson could join Hereford United as player-coach in the near future. He has played for nine league clubs including Wolves and Notts County, but any move is only at the tentative stage at present.

Dixie to return on April 2nd - In the Celebrity XI vs United Select XI, Dixie McNeil has agreed to return to Edgar Street. Also on the Hereford side will be Dudley Tyler, Steve Emery, Tommy Hughes, Stewart Phillips and Tony Byrne.

Feb 26th:

GRAHAM Turner has extended the loans of Scott Cooksey and Tom White for another month.

Feb 26th:

CAPTAIN Ian Wright will urge his Hereford United team-mates to end the season in style - and set down a marker as the team to beat for next season reports the Birmingham Post.

Realistically, the Bulls have dropped too many points to catch top two Rushden & Diamonds and Kidderminster Harriers.

But no-nonsense defender Wright insists Hereford have the quality to match the best. What they need in consistency.

Last week's win over title hopefuls Dover proved the former, but, more significantly, it extended their unbeaten run to seven matches - the best in the Conference.

"I think we are one of the better teams in the Conference and we have proved that against the top teams," said Wright.

"We drew twice with Kidderminster over Christmas and New Year and could have won both games, and we beat Rushden 4-0 at our place.

"In the early part of the season, we didn't have the consistency but we seem to be getting that now.

"Hopefully, next year if we can keep the squad together we will have a good team to challenge."

Wright still recalls the highs of the FA Cup exploits with Leicester City in December, but he is equally pleased that Hereford have been able to keep their season ticking over.

Now he suggests they should be targeting a top three finish to really prove the Bulls are on the way back.

He feels the on-loan arrivals of Scott Cooksey and Tom White - a former team-mate of Wright's at Bristol Rovers -have made a difference. They were due to play their last games of the initial month spell from Shrewsbury and Bristol respectively in today's match at Hayes.

Feb 26th:

HAYES 0 - 0 Hereford United

Hereford United will be disappointed that they didn't come back from Hednesford with three points, but will also be glad that their unbeaten run is now stretched to eight league games. Hayes hadn't drawn at home all season and this match proved to be a hard-fought affair. The Bulls were without hardman John Snape in midfield but Hayes recalled Mark Boyce to the team.

In the opening period, the defences played well and it took ten minutes until the crowd of 849 saw a shot on goal. It came thanks to Gavin Williams as he crossed in a good ball from the left, and goalkeeper Paul Gothard managed to tip it over for a corner. The first Hayes chance came ten minutes later as Terry Brown's men built-up a good move but midfielder Ryan Spencer hit wide from the edge of the box, and Lee Charles hit a shot over the bar from around twenty metres.

Paul Fewings should have put United 1-0 soon after, but he knocked the ball the wrong side of the post from a corner. Leroy May had a good chance, but a hint of offside meant the goalie smothered the ball to keep the game goalless. The second half continued to bring Hereford the best of the possession, but their inability to score cost them the vital goal. Hayes couldn't get a good string of passes together and neither side looked capable of scoring.

Club captain Ian Wright was stretchered off after thirteen minutes of the second half, and will probably be out for a while. His injury is unknown at the moment. Three minutes later, Charles had a shot from ten yards, but hit over, and Dave Stevens had another good chance but Cooksey, impressive in the away goal, pushed the shot away to his right.

The illusive goal looked to have come with eight minute left. Matt Clarke was judged offside by the referee and the goal was disallowed, and then he was promptly booked for removing his shirt during the short-lived celebrations. The referee and his assistants were awful, and spoiled what could have been an entertaining afternoon of football. They were inconsistent and penalised both sides for meaningless offences when there were times when play should have been stopped but wasn't.

Scott Cooksey earned his day's pay with a stunning save three minutes into injury time. Neil Trebble's header from 10 yards appeared to be destined for the top right hand corner but Cooksey somehow clawed the ball over the bar. This rounded up a great day for the on-loan Shrewsbury 'keeper who was given the man-of-the-match award by this website. Hereford remain in 9th place, but now must win at Stevenage on Monday to have any chance of challenging for the title this season.

Attendance = 849

Man of the match - Scott Cooksey

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Clarke, Wright, White, Rodgerson, Taylor, May, Fewings, Williams

Sub(s) who came on - Sturgess, Elmes, Parry

Feb 28th:

STEVENAGE Borough 0 - 3 Hereford United

Hereford United travelled to Broadhall Way knowing any return from this match would be a good return for their travelling fans. Two changes were apparent to the side that drew with Hayes on Saturday, John Snape replaced Ian Wright and Paul Parry came into the team for Mark Taylor.

In the early periods, both sides played well but it took thirty-five minutes for either side to score. The goal came thanks to Paul Parry, who showed Graham Turner what he missed when Parry was on the bench on Saturday against Hayes. Then, two minutes later, United struck again. Ian Rodgerson got the goal to put the Bulls 2-0 up giving his side a healthy margin against a disorganised Stevenage Borough side who certainly have the talent but not enough leadership to become a great side. Despite this, they did hit the woodwork once in the first half, but went in at the break 2-0 down.

The referee, Mr K A Woolmer, made only one booking in the first half. Ian Rodgerson was booked on the half-hour mark, but it took Mr Woolmer only two minutes of the second half to use his card again. He showed the yellow card to Stevenage Borough midfielder Martin for a foul. However, the game became very boring with few chances and the frustration started to get to the players. Paul Sturgess was booked for dissent on 55 minutes, and with eleven minutes left goalscorer Parry was replaced for Williams by Graham Turner. With three minutes to go, Fewings was replaced by Elmes but Hereford had the three points wrapped up. Elmes, however, did get a late goal to add to the lead and wrapped up a good result for Hereford United. A pleasing result against a top side in the Conference, this will give extra confidence to the team for next weekends visit to Nuneaton Borough.

Attendance = 1,940

Man of the match - Paul Parry

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Clarke, White, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, May, Fewings, Sturgess

Sub(s) who came on - Elmes, Williams

Feb 28th:

NUNEATON manager Brendan Phillips watched next opponents Hereford United turn on the style to beat Stevenage 3-0 last night in Hertfordshire but is convinced his Boro boys can end the Bulls eight-match unbeaten Conference run at Manor Park on Saturday.

Graham Turner's men showed plenty of self belief and skill in the easy success at Broadhall Way and they're sure to come Nuneaton in a confident frame of mind, however, Phillips believes his side have now turned the corner following a poor run of results and ready to consolidate their top six position.

The Boro chief said: "Hereford impressed me a lot last night. They are well balanced, solid and have plenty of poise about them."

Feb 29th:

SHOULD Hereford United reach the top five of the Conference, home ticket prices will be raised by £1, the club has said.

Burton defence wall-ed up - Hereford defender James Wall has gone out on loan to Nigel Clough's side Burton Albion to stop a leaky defence.

HARTLEPOOL United fans who blame the Hereford mascot for their Cup defeat earlier this season will have mixed feelings at the news that the mascot in question - a rather large pedigree Hereford bull called Napoleon - has died after engaging in what bulls like doing best. Napoleon slipped amid all the excitement, broke a leg and had to be put down.

A Hereford supporters' association spokesman finds comfort in the manner of the unlucky mascot's demise. "It was" he says, "a hell of a way to go."