February 1999

Feb 4th:

THE Hereford Times says that Hereford United director of football Graham Turner is hoping to make at least one signing before Tuesday's Nationwide Conference home game against Woking after an offer by the Independent Supporters Association to help fund the wages of a new player.

Turner and the other board members met HUISA representatives after last Saturday's match with Stevenage - a home defeat which left the Bulls in the bottom half of the table after a draw and six defeats in their last seven games.

HUISA chairman Richard Tomkins said: "We told the board that we would make available a cash sum, in instalments, from now until the end of the season to help Graham bring in a player who will have an impact on improving results.

"We obviously can't dictate the sort of player that is brought in, but, ideally, he would be a higher-graded player who would increase interest and so put, for example, 100 on the attendances. In this way he would help to pay his own wages, too.

"I feel the situation is now very similar to that in our last season in the Football League," added Mr Tomkins. "The writing is on the wall."

Turner welcomed the offer and said: "We are delighted by HUISA's offer. It is a positive gesture and very much appreciated as both financial and moral support.

"I have been in contact with several league managers and, although everybody is looking for experienced players, I am hopeful of signing one, or possibly two, before the Woking match."

He gave a frank explanation for selling Mark Druce to Kidderminster Harriers for £10,000 last week.

"We had recently been presented with bills for £9,000 which had to be settled and, although supporters will say 'where has all the money gone', these debts are largely from previous years," he said.

"We have taken in over £300,000 with the sale of nine players, with an outlay of just £20,000 for Neil Grayson. Without that money we, in all probability, would no longer have a club."

United, who are without a fixture on Saturday, will be aiming to end their dismal run when they entertain Woking on Tuesday.

Turner said: "We could do with a lot of support on Tuesday to help lift the players' confidence, as well as club finances."

Defender Kevin Collins, signed on a non-contract basis from Hednesford last October, has been released.

Feb 6th:

KEVIN Collins is ready to hang up his boots after parting company with Hereford United according to the Sports Argus.

Collins has been released by the Bulls just two months after finally signing forms following a protracted move from Hednesford Town.

And the left-back suggested the end was nigh for a career which began 16 years ago with Boldmere St Michaels.

"Hereford United and Graham Turner have been solid gold, but maybe it's time to hang up my boots," said Collins.

"I'm not deperately looking for another club, to be honest, and Graham probably helped make my mind up for me.

"You can't go on for ever and I always said that if I couldn't play at Conference level I wouldn't play."

Turner and 34-year-old Collins agreed the move to Hereford had not worked out and, with the Bulls' cash worries continuing, Collins' was one wage too many.

Collins, who played his last game for Hereford at Dover a fortnight ago, says he understands the decision. In fact, he has been indebted to the club for extending his career at the top tier after Hednesford freed him earlier in the season.

Collins spent seven years with the Pitmen, mostly as captain, and had had a Keys Park testimonial in November, but he also was a member of Stourbridge's Southern League Midland Division champions in 1991. He also won an FA Trophy winner's medal with Kidderminster in 1987.

"I've known Graham since he signed me for Shrewsbury from Boldmere in 1984 and I sincerely wish him and Hereford all the best," he added.

"He gave me the chance to play in the Conference again and, like him, I'm disappointed it hasn't worked out.

"They have been great to me; they are an honest bunch of players and I hope they can start climbing the table."

Feb 6th:

GRAHAM Turner will be using his powers of persuasion over the next 48 hours to try to end Hereford United's search for a goalscorer.

The Bulls boss has got the all-clear from three League clubs to speak to young strikers about loan moves.

Now he plans to talk to the trio with the hope of signing at least one in time for Tuesday's scheduled clash with Woking at Edgar Street.

Turner has had more irons in the fire than a 15th century blacksmith but he has found it difficult to persuade players to drop out of the League, even for the chance to play first-team football in the "Fourth Division".

"There almost seems to be some sort of stigma coming out of the League to play in the Conference," said Turner. "I find that disappointing.

"When you look at the situation there isn't that much difference in standard between the Third Division and the Conference. But players seem happier to wait in the reserves hoping to stay with another League side."

Turner has made a striker his top priority for the past month, with the Bulls' lack of firepower sending them sliding down the table.

They have netted just three goals in the last seven Conference games in plunging from fifth position, well poised for a title assault just before Christmas, to mid-table anonymity in 12th.

Turner has not been helped by having to sell front-runners Mark Druce and Gavin Mahon to try to balance the books, and also having to rule out Paul Fewings for the past three months.

Fewings, who moved to Edgar Street in the summer from Hull City, is due to have a further scan on his hamstring injury. But Turner fears more bad news.

"It could reveal that the muscle has been torn away from the bone and if that's the case Paul would need an operation," explained Turner. "We've really missed Paul - he was just starting to look the part when he got hurt."

But Hereford are optimistic that midfielder John Snape might escape the threat of back surgery. The former Halesowen Town man had an injection to sort out a problem with a bulging disc and the treatment seems to have been working. Snape, though, faces another couple of weeks on the sidelines.

Goals from Gavin Williams and Richard Leadbeater gave Hereford reserves a 2-1 advantage over visitors Cheltenham in the first leg of the Doxhill Presidents' Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Feb 9th:

THE new stadium design has been released today.

This design shows the footprint of the proposed new stadium that the architects have designed.

The club would appreciate your feedback in this matter.

GRAHAM Turner has signed Steve Cowe from Swindon "On Loan".

The young striker, aged 24, has made a number of first team appearances for Swindon this season as well as 18 last season with two goals to his credit.

He has been struggling a little this season at Swindon, but Turner believes that the change of scene will bring him into form and help to bolster United's challenge this season.

Steve Cowe has also served 5 years at Aston Villa and has commanded transfer fees in the region of £125,000 so far in his career.

Feb 12th:

SARAH Eglin of the BBC has been pursueing the fans of Hereford United around the country over the last few months while making a television programme about the club and it's followers.

The fruits of Sarah's work will be unleashed upon the public on 25th February 1999 at 7.30pm, BBC2.

The programme will be shown in the East and West Midlands but I'm sure the fans video recorders will ensure that the programme is seen by a far wider audience.

Entitled "Rising When We Fall", Sarah has used the club moto to good effect and we all hope that the club can supply and live up to the standard it has set itself.

Thanks to Sarah our current plight should also be highlighted a little further around the country.

Feb 13th:

HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner completed the signing of on-loan Steve Cowe but promised the hunt will continue for fresh faces reports the Sports Argus.

Turner's behind-the-scenes work finally brought some deserved reward when one-time Villa striker Cowe, now 24, agreed to join this week for a one-month spell from Division One outfit Swindon Town.

But the Bulls chief is still chasing another possible two deals to pep up the Edgar Street squad after a seven-game sequence without a win.

"I'm hoping to get another player in in the next few days and we are still looking at other possibilities," said Turner.

A striker has been a priority for the goal-shy Bulls and Gloucester-born Cowe's efforts in training with his new team-mates has brought a buzz of anticipation.

The pint-sized striker spent three years as a pro at Villa before joining Swindon for £100,000 in March 1996.

"He has looked nice and bright in training," said Turner.

"He is a sharp front-runner who will play off Richard Leadbeater and we hope that combination will be able to produce the goals we've been lacking."

Meanwhile, Hereford will renew a few old acquaintances when they line up against championship-chasing Cheltenham Town in next Saturday's Edgar Street clash.

Four former Hereford players will be in the Robins ranks, including Neil Grayson and Richard Walker, whose sales to Whaddon Road twice rescued the Bulls' cash flow crises.

Dave Norton and John Brough also switched to Cheltenham last summer on free transfers.

But Turner has the utmost respect for Cheltenham and anticipates a cracker.

"The fact that they have four former Hereford players in the side will add a bit of extra spice," he added.

"But I've seen Cheltenham play and they are a good side, well-organised, with a great desire."

Feb 13th:

FARNBOROUGH 0 Hereford 4 (report by Peter Povall)

With just two minutes on the clock against a new-look Farnborough Town, defender Ian Wright headed home Tony James's left-wing cross to open the scoring.

With the home side rattled, the Bulls might have had another two within the next ten minutes, but new boy Steve Cowe and Paul Parry found Borough keeper Tony Henrikson in fine form.

Borough then hit back and began to stroke the ball around quite nicely without really creating much in the way of goal scoring opportunities.

All their possession came to nothing and on 34 minutes it was 2-0 when former Wolves winger Robbie Dennison fired a 20-yard shot through a crowded box giving Henrikson no chance.

Farnnborough came out fighting in the second half but the Bulls remained in control and on 55 minutes Tony James made it three - latching on to a mistake by Henrikson to tap home into an empty net.

Four minutes later it was 4-0 - Paul Parry ramming home Steve Cowe's cross at the far post.

With the game all but won, the Bulls were now in cruise control with Borough disillusioned and well beaten.

The home side did create a couple of half chances mid-way through the half, but nothing to trouble Hereford keeper Andy Quy, who was having a quiet afternoon.

But it was Hereford, after a dismal run, who came up trumps to take the points with new signing Steve Cowe having an impressive debut and a hand in one of the goals.

Feb 15th:

THIS is a summary of the Fans Forum. Peter Povall produced these bullet points from very hurried notes.

The forum was attended by Graham Turner, Joan Fennessey, George Hyde and Mike Hancocks. The floor was occupied by well over 100 fans who were keen to hear what the board members had to say.

George Hyde started off by saying that he was impressed by the level of support at the forum and that it is encouraging to see us continue our fight.

He went on to say that he has received "verbal" confirmation from the BS Group that the repayment of the £1,000,000, plus interest, which is due at the end of May 1999 is no longer required by that date. A confirmed revised date for repayment has not yet been made. It has also been confirmed that as from the end of May 1999 the interest due on the capital loan will be frozen at whatever level it has reached. This is estimated at £100,000 and would have been expected to increase by approximately £50,000 per annum.

With regard to expenses being incurred by the club at the moment. It has become clear tonight that the club current has "two" court actions being taken against it. The first action has been brought by John Leighton. He is claiming £50,000 for unfair dismissal.

The second claim is being brought by a woman, claiming £10,000, who walking into scaffolding which was erected following the damage caused to the supporters club. We understand that the club was insured against such claims. However, when the action was originally received by the club, the club solicitor did nothing to action against the claim and also failed to advise the insurance company. Under the terms of the insurance, as the possible claim was not advised within two years, they are no longer prepared to deal with any claim. It has been suggested that the club may be able to claim against the solicitor under his professional indemnity insurance. The club advised that they would be looking into this...

The monthly running costs of the club have decreased dramatically. Currently the accounts up to May 1998 are being audited. Debts totalling some £15,000 have been written off as the prospects of collection are nil. Any further problems being handed to the club are being handled and sorted as they arise.

With regard to a change of ground - There is a very remote chance of the council allowing for a change of use to be granted against Edgar Street before 2002. Therefore there is no chance of BS Group being able to collect against it.

The debts that are contained within the CVA are those that were invoiced before the date of the CVA being accepted. Any invoices that were received after that date will not be included in the CVA. Preferential creditors, such as VAT, are not included.

A recent VAT investigation has also revealed a discrepency. It would seem that no VAT was paid on the tickets sold by Darlington following the Play-Off match a few years ago. This debt is almost £10,000 and cannot be included in the CVA.

The bank account is currently stable. The biggest problem for finances at the moment is the loss of performance which has resulted in the drop in attendances.

Mark Ryan stated that he was authorised by Paul Keetch MEP to ask why Paul had not been included in any talks between the council and the club. Graham Turner advised that Paul had not yet been asked to attend as the club and the council had not reached a stage at which he would be able to assist. He also advised that he would be asked to assist as soon as it was possible for him to be included.

When asked where the £1,000,000 loan had gone. The previous debts held by the club were hugh. The bank overdraft has been reduced from £250,000 to £90,000. The £500,000 from Chelverton was taken straight into the CVA.

The club are also hiding previous trading figures by accepting multiple years money for sponsorship and spending it all in the first year. This makes the figures look better for the first year, but becomes harder to explain in the following years as the income falls.

The arrival of the new Nationwide sponsorship money is awaited. No confirmed date has been given. We understand that the club are still awaiting money from the GM Conference for sponsorship.

If a new ground goes ahead then the intention is to own and hold the freehold of the site. The proposed site names are being with-held as public disclosure could lead to increases in the price as competition may become a factor.

Just before the interval in the meeting HUISA announced a Press Statement. Please see the item in the news section.

For the second half, player issues were to be discussed. The panel was joined by Ian Rodgerson and Chris Lane.

When asked where is the motivation in the team, Graham Turner replied that the motivation should come from being a professional. It's not enough to shout at the players in the dressing room. Motivation also comes from success. The lack of motivation really started after the Kettering game. It should also be considered that the current squad contains a lot of young team members. They still have a little to learn about self-motivation. Keith Downing was confirmed as the most motivated man on the field.

One supporter from the floor said that he didn't look forward to going to the matches anymore but went anyway. He felt that he and the other 1,500 die-hard fans deserved to see 100% effort from everyone on the field. He could understand a lost match as long as the effort had been made.

A total of 9 players have been sold in the last two and a half years at a value of around £300,000.

The club are scouting in the local area. In fact, one player who was found locally is expected to debut in the reserves shortly.

There was a priority to sign a main striker and target man. Richard Leadbeater has been having problems recently which is partly due to the loss of another bigger striker who could draw some of the attention away from him. Agana and Grayson were good at that and it showed in Leadbeaters game. Following the match at Farnborough, it was clear that Steve Cowe should be a useful asset and brought a better game out of Leadbeater.

Ian Rodgerson was asked if he still cared about the club. He said that he was committed to the club and as a local lad wanted the very best for them.

When asked about the Forest Green match Graham Turner stated that he thought they were the worst team in the Conference based on the first half. During the second half though and after the loss of Ian Wright, they were allowed back into the game as United sat back on their single goal lead. This will always prove to be a stumbling block.

On the sale of players. Last week the financial situation was stable until the Woking match was postponed. This threw the whole system out of sync and meant that the players couldn't be paid. Therefore, the £1,400 matchday float was banked along with a small loan from the Wyevern pool. The players were therefore able to be paid on-time.

It came to light that unless Cheltenham had bought Grayson and Walker at the time they did, it is unlikely that the club would have survived to today.

During the close season, only 5 players who are under contract will have to be paid. All other players contracts expire on the first week in May. The club will survive the close season with the sale of season tickets and sponsorship.

It is possible that the budget will have to be cut further next season.

Graham Turner would still be happy to speak to any investers that would like to invest in the club. The current directors are not prepared to invest in the club. However, they have confirmed that they do not receive anything from the club. They pay all of their own expenses and even pay to get into the matches.

The meeting then closed hurriedly and early as Mark Ryan and various other supporters from the floor got involved in a slagging match between themselves. A sad end to an otherwise interesting meeting.

Feb 15th:

HEREFORD United football supporters announced today that they plan to contest the Herefordshire council elections in May, 2000.

Hereford United Independent Supporters Association (HUISA) has 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.

Contacts:

Kevin Wargen (01432) 359389
Richard Tomkins, HUISA Chairman (01222) 770400

HUISA, PO BOX 1999, HEREFORD, HR2 7WA

Feb 16th:

Southport 0 Hereford United 0 (report from the Hereford Times)

In a match dominated by a strong, cold wind, scoring chances were few and far between, but the Bulls contrived to miss two of the best which would have given them another victory to follow their four-goal success at Farnborough on Saturday.

Southport, with the wind behind them, did almost all the attacking in the first half. But they could make little progress against a solid defence in which skipper Ian Wright led by example and Tony James was outstanding.

Hereford's first chance came after 34 minutes. Southport goalkeeper Billy Stewart and defender Andy Farley collided heavily in trying to clear a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area. It cannoned away to Richard Leadbeater, who, with the empty goal in front of him, fired well off target.

Hereford made more impressions as an attacking force after the interval but they squandered another excellent chance in the 53rd minute. Leadbeater put over a centre which was collected by the unmarked Mark Taylor, but Stewart came off his line quickly and Taylor could do no more than stab the ball inches wide from close range.

Southport included newcomer Ian Arnold, newly signed from Kidderminster, and we went close to snatching victory in the closing stages. But Andy Quy produced the save of the night, flinging himself to his right, to turn the ball away for a corner.

There was still time for the impressive James to come to his side's rescue with a saving tackle deep inside his own area to prevent Lee Elam cashing in on a through pass from David Gamble.

Feb 18th:

HEREFORD United supporters battling for their club's future are to take their fight into the political arena by contesting county council elections.

Bulls fans want to uphold a deal negotiated by the club's previous management to build a new stadium and redevelop the present Edgar Street ground for which Herefordshire County Council owns the freehold.

Supporters' chairman Mr Richard Tomkins said: "We have identified the wards where councillors will support us. But we intend to contest the others on a platform of Hereford United and other local issues."

GRAHAM Turner hopes on-loan Chris Roberts can help fill the void in Hereford United's attack after the exit of Richard Leadbeater.

Former Wolves striker Leadbeater, who joined the Bulls in the summer, has joined Conference rivals Stevenage Borough.

But Turner yesterday snapped up 19-year-old Welsh youth international Roberts from Cardiff City for a month's spell.

Strong and pacy, Roberts, who comes highly recommended by City boss Frank Burrows, made his League breakthrough last season, scored three goals.

Leadbeater has switched to Stevenage in a £20,000 deal, with Hereford also entitled to 25 per cent of any sell-on.

But Turner, Hereford's director of football and owner, admits he would not have sold Leadbeater if their financial situation had not been so precarious.

In the last three months, Turner has had to sell Gavin Mahon, Richard Walker, Mark Druce and now Leadbeater, though he hopes some of the cash for Leadbeater might be used to fund new contracts for some of the first-team squad.

"If we can get one or two things sorted out for next season with the cash then the sale of Richard can turn out to be a good thing," admitted Turner.

"I would have liked to have kept him, but we need money to pay for the day-to-day bills that come in. This cash will stabilise the situation for the rest of the season and into the close season."

While Leadbeater has not reproduced the goal form which brought him eight goals in 12 loan appearances last season, Turner has no doubts the 21-year-old will prove a hit.

"I'm sure that come 18 months' time Richard will get back into the League," he added.

Meanwhile, Hereford were left to rue the injury nightmare which scuppered their hopes of reaching the Endsleigh Trophy semi-finals.

Having led 2-0 at half-time against Morecambe in Tuesday's tie, the Bulls lost Mark Taylor, Gavin Williams and Garry Cook before slipping to a 2-3 defeat.

Feb 20th:

HEREFORD United 0 Cheltenham 2 (report by Peter Povall)

This match was billed as one of the biggest this season as Cheltenham with four ex-United players visited Edgar Street.

The kick-off was delayed as complaints were made by Graham Turner regarding the fact that Cheltenham were not wearing their change kit and there was a possiblity of a kit clash.

After the resolution of this problem, the match got underway to a crowd of almost 3,500.

The match started at a quick pace with United making most of the early running as they pushed forward looking for an early goal. On back pass gave them their first chance as the keeper struggled to control it but cleared before Richard Leadbeater could reach him.

Moments later and United found a gap down the right wing which allowed Mark Taylor to send in a lofted ball. The wind could have played a part in it drifting just over the bar.

United gained a further chance within the first 10 minutes as Taylor played a corner to the back post. Ian Wright rose to meet it, sending it just wide of the post.

Cheltenham were first to react to a quick clearance and against the run of play raced up the field and forced a blocking save from Andy Quy. The resulting scamble in the goal-mouth went in Cheltenham's favour as Freeman finished the job at hand.

United came straight back though. Within a minute of the re-start they were pushing forward on goal when an offside decision (joke) was made.

This seemed to turn the tables on United a little as they allowed Cheltenham more space and backed off them rather than getting stuck in.

The closing minutes of the first period saw a return of passion from United. They gained a corner which was taken by Taylor. He sent the ball to the back post where Wright again met it, sending it straight back along the line of the bar. If a United player could have reached it then a goal would have been certain.

Leadbeater claimed a shot when he found himself in space on the edge of the area, but the weak curl was easily collected by the waiting keeper.

The loan signing of Steve Cowe helped towards making the attacks on the Cheltenham goal. His movements in the box leaving space now and then but none of the United players read the game well enough to reach the space and the running ball.

The second period contained a lost less passion from the United squad as they defended the Meadow End goal.

Neil Grayson was allowed far to much space all to often. His effort on 60 minutes could easily have doubled their lead. The ball was played as a short cross which he turned and volleyed just wide of the post.

United were kept under pressure for most of the second period but were given the odd chance to push forward. One attempt resulted in a srambled attack on the goal line before the ball was cleared down field with the crowd thinking the equaliser was in.

Cheltenham kept on pushing forward though. Watkins came close with just 15 minutes left. The ball skidding wide again.

The closing 10 minutes saw the worst images of Edgar Street this season. Cheltenham gained a corner which David Norton came forward to take. A few of the Hereford crowd pushed into the corner of the stand and started abusing him and spitting. Considering the situation surrounding his departure from Edgar Street I can understand the verbal abuse but enough is enough.

Sod's Law, it had to happen. After Norton was booked for timewasting he played an excellent corner which Victory headed powerfully into the back of the net.

Another poor finishing performance by United gave Cheltenham the easy victory they had expected. One fan at the back of the Meadow End was understandably distressed at the complete lack of passion and pride the United team showed. The fans don't mind seeing the team lose if the players have given 100%.

Feb 23rd:

Hereford United 2 Morecambe 3 (report by Peter Povall)

United have taken the exit from their last Cup Match this season after giving away a 2-0 lead tonight at Edgar Street against Morecambe.

The 12 strong band of travelling Morecambe fans must have been delighted to see United cave yet again and gift them through to the semi-finals of the Endsleigh Challenge Trophy.

United had started the much better side. The first 45 minutes were dominated by the black and white shirts as Morecambe we outclassed by Mark Taylor in midfield. The 4-4-2 formation gave good width to the match as United continually broke through the Morecambe defences.

United's break came after 17 minutes when Matthew Cross played a first touch ball through the defence with power. Steve Cowe merely had to direct the ball past Banks with his head.

It was then plain sailing. Morecambe's Kenny Mayers was booked for a foul a couple of minutes later after being beaten yet again.

The second goal from Garry Cook was one for the albums. Matthew Cross again supplied the ball which Cook took at the near-post. Cook then turned and dropped to the ground as he sent his shot across the goal and into the far bottom corner.

Morecambe did manage a few attempts on goal but United's back four were guarding well and only once was Andy Quy really tested.

The second half was a completely difference story. Thoughts of Newport IOW came flooding back as United seemed to sit back, as they so often do, and let Morecambe come at them.

The obvious was on its way when Robbie Dennison was booked for a late-tackle. Within a minute of the free-kick, Morecambe moved the ball down the left wing, before sending in a quick cross. Darren Lyons connected a half-volley to it speeding it past Quy.

Morecambes equaliser was just 7 minutes later. John Normam was gifted an open goal when Stuart Evans failed to clear from the edge of the 6-yard box. The ball came out sideways and fell perfectly for Norman to smash.

United did manage to buck their ideas a little towards the end as the play changed ends regularly. Neither side managed to gain the upper hand and avoid the extra-time but both teams came close a couple of times.

Extra time was still to be the domain of Morecambe. They provided the most imaginative play and derserved to win. Darren Lyons claimed his second of the match when he slotted a square ball neatly past Quy.

Robbie Dennison was perhaps the most guilty man in the dressing room tonight though. At one stage me found himself in front of an open goal, with no defenders and a ball was floated to him. His header, from inside the 6 yard box was at least 2 yards over the bar. He tried to make amends a moment later as a curling shot was tipped past the post by Banks but the first effort should have been in the net. Ian Wright would probably have broke the net with it.

I would say that we can concentrate on the league now, but I think the next biggest problem we have is to actually win the next match. Doncaster away is certainly not going to be a song and dance.

Feb 25th:

RICHARD Leadbeater has signed for Stevenage Borough. He completed the transfer deal today having agreed personal terms with them over the last few days.

He has been rumoured to have been sold for £20,000 which would aid United's current financial plight.

However, this move will also leave United hard pressed for any sort of strike force. Gavin Williams and Garry Cook are both goal scorers but not often enough.

The loan striker, Steve Cowe, from Swindon will act as a replacement for the moment but once he has been recalled United may well be lacking up front.

Feb 25th:

THE Hereford Times reports that United's home Conference fixture with Kingstonian will be played on Friday, March 26, instead of the following day, to avoid a clash with the televised England v Poland game.

Hereford United will visit Yeovil Town for a Nationwide Conference fixture on Saturday, March 13. The game should have been played on Saturday, February 6 but was postponed because Yeovil were engaged in the FA Trophy. March 13 was a vacant date for Hereford.

The paper also says that Gavin Mahon's consistant form with Third Division promotion-chasing club Brentford - he scored a goal in their 4-2 win at Rotherham on Saturday - should provide Hereford United with a welcome £15,000 within the next couple of weeks.

Mahon was transferred to Brentford for a down payment of £50,000 in November. Last month United received a further £15,000 after the midfielder had made 10 first team appearances for the Bees. Two more matches will take his total to 20, after which Hereford are due another £15,000.

By the end of the season Mahon could well have completed 30 games which will result in a final staged payment of another £10,000 to United.

Should Mahon move from Brentford for a fee exceeding £90,000, Hereford will be entitled to 20 per cent of the difference.

Feb 25th:

BBC Midlands broadcast a documentary on Hereford United narrated by Trevor Owens.

Watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5-tXee08NE&feature=youtu.be

Feb 26th:

GRAHAM Turner has secured the services of Christian Roberts from Cardiff City for a one month period.

Christian has played in the first team this season and should prove a valuable addition to the squad for the short time that he will be with them.

Turner is also hoping to extend the loan period for Steve Cowe who scored for the Bulls in their defeat at the hands of Morecambe on Tuesday Night.

Feb 27th:

HEREFORD United are the latest side to make a note of the name of Boldmere St Michaels' top scorer Neil Kitching.

The Mikes' hot-shot has bagged 17 league goals so far in his first season with them since a summer move from Highgate United.

That record has brought approaches from Sutton Town and latterly Bromsgrove Rovers and now Hereford.

Hereford want to have a look at him in action for their reserves in midweek, and Mikes manager Alan Parsons has said that would not object.

GRAHAM Turner hopes on-loan Chris Roberts can help fill the void in Hereford United's attack after the exit of Richard Leadbeater reports the Sports Argus.

Former Wolves striker Leadbeater, who joined the Bulls in the summer, has joined Conference rivals Stevenage Borough.

But Turner yesterday snapped up 19-year-old Welsh youth international Roberts from Cardiff City for a month's spell.

Strong and pacy, Roberts, who comes highly recommended by City boss Frank Burrows, made his League breakthrough last season, scored three goals.

Leadbeater has switched to Stevenage in a £20,000 deal, with Hereford also entitled to 25 per cent of any sell-on.

But Turner, Hereford's director of football and owner, admits he would not have sold Leadbeater if their financial situation had not been so precarious.

In the last three months, Turner has had to sell Gavin Mahon, Richard Walker, Mark Druce and now Leadbeater, though he hopes some of the cash for Leadbeater might be used to fund new contracts for some of the first-team squad.

"If we can get one or two things sorted out for next season with the cash then the sale of Richard can turn out to be a good thing," admitted Turner.

"I would have liked to have kept him, but we need money to pay for the day-to-day bills that come in. This cash will stabilise the situation for the rest of the season and into the close season."

While Leadbeater has not reproduced the goal form which brought him eight goals in 12 loan appearances last season, Turner has no doubts the 21-year-old will prove a hit.

"I'm sure that come 18 months' time Richard will get back into the League," he added.

DONCASTER 3 Hereford 1 (report by Peter Povall)

United, who have lost nine of their last 12 games, were never in the hunt at Belle Vue and, after being overwhelmed during a poor first half, they were lucky that the margin was not more emphatic.

Hereford welcomed back Ian Wright after illness and included Ian Rodgerson in place of the injured Keith Downing.

There was a debut for on-loan striker Christian Roberts, but the Cardiff youngster had little scope to show what he can do, although he squandered a great chance to level the scores when Paul Parry's cross left him one-on-one with goalkeeper Andy Woods a couple of minutes before the break.

But it would hardly have been a fair reflection if United had reached the break on level terms after Rovers had carved out opening after opening.

Ironically, however, there was more than a touch of misfortune, from United's point of view, about the one opportunity that they did convert after 13 minutes.

Roberts was clearly the victim of a two-footed challenge in midfield but Walsall referee Mark Cooper waved play on and Matt Caudwell slipped a pass through for Ian Duerden to open the scoring.

Only a fine tackle by Wright prevented Scott Maxfield from extending the lead after 24 minutes, and then Andy Quy was forced into acrobatic action, tipping over a powerful 30-yarder from full-back Simon Shaw.

Duerden then headed a Shaw free-kick on to the bar and over and Jamie Barnwell missed a glorious chance to mark his debut with a goal. With his first touch of the ball, he headed another Shaw free-kick over from a great position, shortly after replacing the injured Glenn Kirkwood.

United had further cause to feel aggrieved, though, when the second goal did finally arrive four minutes after the break.

Duerden and Stuart Evans chased a long ball from Steve Nicol and referee Cooper missed a discreet tap of Evans' ankle which left him floundering on the ground and the Rovers striker clean through on Quy. Evans was cautioned for his protest.

Five minutes later and the game was completely out of reach. Caudwell was brought down by Chris Lane on the edge of the penalty area and skipper Dave Penney despatched the spot-kick into the corner of the net. Lane was yellow-carded for the foul.

United reduced arrears on 65 minutes when Wright flicked on a Mark Taylor corner for Steve Cowe to open his Conference account. But even after this Rovers had the best chance to score when substitute Matt Cross cleared a Duerden effort off the line after a Caudwell pass gave the striker his hat-trick opportunity.