May and June 1998

May 2nd:

GRAHAM Turner intends to guide cash-strapped Hereford United's revival by retaining a full-time squad reports the Sports Argus.

Turner says he can now see light at the end of the tunnel darkened by their financial problems.

The Bulls football director, who will become the main shareholder at Edgar Street when their rescue package is confirmed, believes the threat to the club's immediate survival is now close to being lifted.

And he will sit down with the players next week to outline his plans to restore the club to the Football League.

Though the £500,000 from developers Chelverton and Bristol Stadiums has yet to be transferred, Turner is optimistic all that the necessary legal arrangements in place.

"We've got a future at the moment," he said.

"It looks as if everything will be stabilised and we will be ok."

The £1M will be used to pay off all their creditors, and Turner accepts the financial pressure will remain. He explained that around £100,000 of Football League money, to which they were entitled last season after being relegated, will no longer be in the kitty.

The club will need to be run on a tight budget, but he intends to keep the majority of players as full-timers.

"I would like to think we can perhaps work with 18 players in the squad for next season," he said. "At times this season we've been down to 15 professionals because of long-term injuries to David Norton and James McCue and the departure of Neil Grayson.

"Maybe one or two players coming into the club will be part-time but the vast majority will be fulime.

"I haven't spoken to the players about next season yet but I would like to think we can keep the bulk of the squad in tact for next season."

But the final figures for Hereford's budget will need the all clear from the two firms behind the survival plan, added Turner.

"Chelverton and Bristol Stadiums want to see the club run in a viable manner," he said. "Football is a different environment to most businesses and the majority of football clubs lose money.

"The budget we will have is going to be very tight, there's no doubt about that, but sometimes you have to speculate.

"If we have got the squad to push into the top three or four, we will get the attendances and that will bring the money into the club. So the aim has got to be to get us into that position to challenge for a place in the Third Division."

Bulls player-coach Keith Downing said the end of the financial nightmare would be a huge relief to the players.

And he believes the best way to regain their League place is with fulime players as much as possible.

"Having full-time players is an advantage fitness wise and in terms of training and I think the way we've ended the season has shown that," said Downing.

"I think a lot of the squad would like to stay. The spirit at the club is good but the bottom line will be what the club can offer."

WOKING 3 Hereford United 1 (report by Peter Povall)

After travelling some 165 miles to see the last game of the season and possibly the last game ever for Hereford United, unless the CVA money is forthcoming soon, I really expected a better performance than was given.

With an excellent turnout by the travelling Bull's and the London contingent looking on, play started at a furious pace. In just the second minute a mistake by Ian Rodgerson allowed a Woking striker through but thankfully his shot was well wide.

The returning goal kick also presented United with the start of a quick series of passes finally reaching John Brough who was clear on goal with only the keeper to beat but his half-volley was directed straight at the keeper when it would have been easier to score.

Within a minute though, Woking sent the ball back down the pitch and Darren Hay drew and beat the defence on the left side and then finished cleanly with a low drive into the corner from a narrow angle. The Woking fans understandably went mental.

Within the next 10 minutes Hereford tried to apply some pressure and gained two corners but neither came to anything as the first was cleared easily and the second was sent well within the reach of the keeper.

The play again set off back towards our goal with the defence struggling to keep up but the ball was forced out for a corner. With that cleared and another Woking attack on the way the defence was breached leaving Andy Quy hung out to dry... he decided to come of his line and brought down the rapidly approaching striker inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot instantly and the home fans were called for the red card. Surprisingly though, Quy was allowed to stay and only received a caution. The penalty save was all that mattered though. The shot was hit powerfully towards the left post and Quy moved to full stretch to push the ball away for a corner.

Then the play changed ends again as United gained a corner which found Chris Hargreaves at the back post. His header was directed down but he misjudged it and it bounced back up to the keepers open arms.

Hereford were eventually rewarded with an equaliser on 44 minutes, but only after both Brian McGorry and Tony Agana sent shots wide. The goal came from United's corner just befpre the break when Agana rose above a scramble in the box and slotted the ball away into the corner.

About 30 seconds later though the United voices were silenced as Woking screamed down the pitch and again some poor defence from the left side allowed for an excellent cross which met Steve West who's perfect header left Quy without a chance.

The second half was, to be honest, depressing. Woking opened up the attack early and were applying extreme pressure from the whistle. Andy Quy was again called upon to make an excellent save within 3 minutes and then Woking were allowed two more shots on goal before any efficient clearance was made.

A minute later and Woking were back and claiming a corner. This one was a perfect set piece. The corner floated all the way over the pack then met with Steve West as me sprinted up to fire his second home.

Minutes later and Woking scrap the bar with a long range shot that could easily have been their fourth. They were never destined to score four though as then the forth did hit the net it was disallowed for being offside.

What can I say, I missed most of the second half as I discussed the future of the club with another supporter who's family leads the pack in fundraising for the club. The future doesn't look too bright at the moment. But, saying that, being an eternal optimist, if the CVA can finally be sorted out along with the running of the club then perhaps we can build something which will contend seriously next season.

HEREFORD UNITED (4-4-2): Quy; Rodgerson, Fishlock, Warner, (Williams 78), Walker; Matthewson, Hargreaves, McGorry, Agana; Brough, Mahon. Subs not used: Parry, Durham.

May 4th:

"It's a sad end to a sad season. We held them for the first 35 minutes, but after that, we faded away," Graham Turner told the press after yesterday's defeat at Woking.

May 6th:

A FANS Forum was held this evening. Below is a report from HUISA on the event.

This was an extremely well attended HUISA function with the Carlsberg Suite packed to almost its capacity of 150. Graham Turner answered a series of questions relating to the club.

Chelverton & CVA - £120,000 was in on the 6th May, with the remaining amount put back until Barclays Bank formalised an undertaking not to 'freeze' the bank account immediately on receipt. There remains significant doubt as to exactly how much the creditors are owed under the CVA as the clubs figures still don't match the claims that Hickling, the Supervisor, is receiving!

GT stated that Chelverton want nothing to do with any of the previous regime at the club. Hence their insistence on GT removing any influence Hill, Fry & Co may have exerted by purchasing their shares in the club. GT went on "The clubs very existence is of paramount importance to Chelverton."

Chelverton and BS may be using Edgar Street as a lever to gain the Cattle Market site.

Shareholding - As at the 6th May, GT had 7 days to get Robin Fry's share purchase concluded and 14 days to complete the acquisition of Peter Hill's.

A.G.M. - The AGM was long overdue. It had been promised for March by David Vaughan but Kidsons Impey, the clubs accountants, refused to complete the audited accounts until they received their money as part of the CVA. GT believed that shareholders must have at least 21 days notice of the AGM. GT has 4 prospective board members in the background. They will have to be nominated for election to the board come the AGM. It sounds like Vaughan and Simmons still wish to remain on the board and GT requested shareholder help in preventing that scenario as he wants his own board. His new board members are unlikely to put in funds or guarantees for at least 12 months, but will provide some much needed expertise in a wide range of areas.

GT is keen to promote a fresh start - a new beginning. He intends to revisit the local business community as he feels that Fry, Hill and Co have lost a tremendous amount of goodwill in years past. Supporters will also have to play a role.

Steering Committee - GT remains sceptical about a supporters representative on the board and prefers a committee to provide him with a cross-section of views. He hopes to obtain a committee comprising of 2 board members, 6-8 HUISA members, 2 VP's etc, in the hope of returning the club to it's community roots.

Goodwill, enthusiasm and lots of hard work are ahead. Indeed, a lick of paint is needed at Edgar Street and HUISA volunteers will be there to lend a hand!

Players - GT's gut feeling is that around 10 of the present staff may stay. he has written offers to Andy Quy, Gavin Mahon and Jamie Pitman as under the Bosman ruling the club can seek compensation if they go.

May 7th:

A MIDLAND accountant who financed a luxury lifestyle by swindling nearly £700,000 out of a trusting elderly widow was jailed for nine years yesterday.

Father-of-three John Duggan (51) pretended to invest Mrs Anne Hamer's money, but used it to pay for his country home, racehorses and life as a director of Hereford United FC.

The widow, who trusted Duggan as a family friend, only found out about the deception in her dying days.

Duggan, former finance director with the club, persuaded Mrs Hamer to sign cheques over to him and forged her signature to obtain nearly £200,000.

In all he withdrew £688,000 from her bank and building society accounts and when she died, aged 87, only £10,000 of her fortune was left.

Judge Christopher Morton told Duggan: "The crimes are all the worse because Mrs Hamer relied totally on your integrity.

"She was in her late eighties with both her husband and son dead. Not only did she trust you, she was dependent on you."

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard that Duggan lived the high life in his luxury country home, complete with swimming pool, at Gladestry, near Hay-on-Wye.

He had a string of trotting race horses once valued at £225,000 which he had to sell for £30,000 when he was made bankrupt.

Duggan claimed Mrs Hamer, of Hay-on-Wye, agreed to give him money in an attempt to keep him solvent.

The court heard that since her death £188,000 taken from her building society account had been refunded by the Alliance & Leicester.

The jury found Duggan guilty of six charges of deception.

May 9th:

GRAHAM Turner revealed his relief and trepidation after confirming: Hereford have a future.

The cash crisis which had put the Conference club on the brink of folding was finally resolved on Wednesday when the £1 million from saviours Chelverton and Bristol Stadiums to pay off creditors finally came through.

The next step will be for director of football Turner to take over as the main shareholder in the next seven days.

But the former Wolves, Villa and Shrewsbury boss insisted: Now the hard work starts.

The new cash will provide a breathing space for the Bulls, and part of their longer term plan will be a develop a new ground and depart Edgar Street.

Turner said: "Without the £500,000 from Chelverton and BS we would not have survived. There is a future for Hereford United."

He added: "It's a tremendous relief that the club's survival, certainly in the short term, is assured.

"But my problems are just beginning in terms of having to reorganise things, making sure the club is run right and to get a board of directors to support me and the club."

Turner knows cut-backs might have to made, but he will also have to balance that with building a squad to challenge for promotion.

He has started talks with players and new deals have been offered so far to Andy Quy, Gavin Mahon and Jamie Pitmen

May 11th:

HEREFORD United (1939) Limited and its subsidiaries' accounts for the year ending May 31, 1998, show the club lost £194,450 reports the Hereford Times. This compared with a loss of £262,844 the previous year but the overall deficit rose to £1,179,741.

The report states that in the autumn of 1997 the company did not have funds to meet its current liabilities. After additional funding to a maximum of £500,000 from Formsole (BS Group and Chelverton Properties Ltd, who in May 1998 advanced an interest-free loan to United up to a maximum of £500,000, repayable on May 19, 2003), a creditors' voluntary arrangement was approved. Approximately £575,000 of the creditors' amounts of £1,266,849 falling due in 1998, of which £550,000 is the BS Group loan, are included in the CVA.

The BS Group £500,000 loan, carrying interest of 3½ per cent over Barclays Bank base rate, was due to be repaid on May 31, 1999.

During the year under review United also had to pay the BS Group £50,000 in loan interest. But last month the BS Group agreed not to call in the loan in May and has agreed to freeze the interest payments after the end of the current financial year.
Although wages and salaries were cut from £728,841 to £552,728, relegation from the Football League meant that league basic awards and sponsorship payments fell from £226,336 to £113,358. Gate revenue was £317,850 compared with £372,186 the previous year.

There was a saving of £28,551 on producing, printing and designing the club programme but its sales revenue was reduced by £12,656.

All the company's directors who held office in 1997/98 resigned in June last year.

May 14th:

HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner has told senior professionals Tony Agana and Trevor Matthewson that the Vauxhall Conference club cannot afford to keep them next season. Turner said: "There is no way we can get to the sort of wage levels they have been earning."

May 16th:

HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner has arranged two pre-season matches against First Division opposition.

The Bulls will entertain West Bromwich Albion on Saturday July 18, before newly-promoted Bristol City visit Edgar Street on Tuesday July 28.

Meanwhile United have targeted Halesowen Town duo John Snape and Stuart Evans as newcomers in what will be a close season of change.

Director of football Graham Turner confirmed the Bulls had spoken to both out-oontract players.

"We have made them both offers and they are thinking them offer. We would hope to have a decision by next week," added Turner.

"They have both done well. Evans is big, strong and quick, while Snape is a great competitor. Both would be good signings."

Midfielder Snape has been the driving force in Halesowen's Dr Martens Premier title challenges in the last few years, and Turner wants that wilo-win in midfield.

The Bulls boss also knows central defender Evans, having had him as a YT and then first year professional in his time as Wolves boss before Evans moved into non-League with Gresley Rovers.

But Halesowen are desperate to retain both players.

General manager Colin Brookes said: "We will do everything we can to keep them. You couldn't wish for two better professionals."

With all the Edgar Street squad at the end of their contracts, cash-strapped Turner expects to lose several players under the Bosman ruling.

The financial restrictions following the long-awaited rescue package has already meant Turner has been unable to offer Trevor Matthewson and Tony Agana new deals.

"I couldn't offer them the same sort of contracts they were on last season," explained Turner. "Our finances are very tight.

"But both parties will keep their options open.

May 23rd:

JOHN Snape today revealed how he had to let his head rule his heart and join Hereford United.

The combative midfielder ended a six seasons stay with Dr Martens Premier Halesowen Town to join Graham Turner's Bulls.

Snape, a crowd favourite and the Yeltz skipper, admitted it had been one of the toughest decisions in his football career. But the lure of playing in the Vauxhall Conference had proved irresistible.

"I'm 29 now and I want the chance to play at the highest level," said Snape.

"I've loved my time at Halesowen and I would have loved to have led them into the Conference. To leave them is a big wrench.

"But if I had said `no' to Hereford I might never have have the chance again.

"I had offers to go before but I let my heart rule my head. This time, I had to think I might never have the chance again."

Earlier in his Yeltz career, Snape had turned down a move to Hednesford while Bromsgrove, then in the Conference, had also been keen on him.

The Pitmen decision had been particularly ironic.

"Hednesford came in for me but I stayed loyal to John Morris, who was the manager at the time. John was going through a torrid time," recalled Snape.

"But two days later he was sacked!"

One-time Albion apprentice Snape, who joined Halesowen from Stourbridge, had been out of contract at the Grove, and like team-mate Stuart Evans, joins the Bulls on a free transfer.

Burton Albion and Worcester City had also been keen to recruit him but the it was the level of football, rather than any monetary deals, which persuaded him Hereford was the right club.

"This is a new beginning for me. I'm starting afresh and I've got to prove myself on a different stage," said Snape, who will remain part-time.

"Mr Turner wants to take the club back into the League and if I could help Hereford achieve that, it would be brilliant."

Snape's arrival is one of four new recruits confirmed by director of football Turner.

As well as Yeltz team-mate Evans - who was with Turner as a YT at Wolves - Hereford have snapped up youngsters Matthew Cross and Tony James.

Left-back Cross had been a YT at Barnsley, while James, a central defender, was a first year pro at Albion. Both had impressed in reserve games for the Bulls.

But midfielder Rob Warner, keeper Andy DeBont and youngster Ryan Durham are set to exit after not being offered new deals.

May 29th:

HEREFORD United have had their licence to run a school of excellence revoked by the FA's technical committee. Manager Graham Turner said: "It's another kick in the teeth for us and I have written to the FA's technical director Howard Wilkinson expressing our disappointment. Our school was very well run and no one could criticise it. It is also a bitter disappointment for the coaches and youngsters in the area."

The FA, however, have granted a licence to the Hereford FA to run a school at Leominster.

June 11th:

PETER Hill has confirmed he is to stand down as chairman of Hereford United.

Hill, who has been on the Hereford board for 25 years, will retire at the annual meeting on June 29. He was a director when Hereford gained Football League status in 1972, took over as chairman in 1976 and has been the largest shareholder ever since.

June 29th:

FOLLOWING a sensational AGM of Hereford United FC on the evening of 29th June, all current directors stood down and were replaced by Graham Turner and 3 new directors reports HUISA. The shares transfer from Hill to Turner was made by a legally binding document to be timed at the close of the AGM.

HUISA broke the news to the county the following morning at 8.50am when our chairman, Richard Tomkins, was interviewed live on BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester in Trevor Owens' breakfast programme.

A very well attended AGM comprising of over 50 shareholders was conducted at times in a 'heated' atmosphere, concentrating on the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement made with the BS Group. The accounts covered the period to the end of May 1997, during which time the JVA was made. The meeting was chaired by David Vaughan in the absence of Peter Hill who was on 'holiday' again. Hill's failure to attend the meeting was met with derision and a series of complaints from the floor of the meeting. This left shareholders in no doubt that Hill was hiding away from his critics and was leaving the rump of his board behind to answer for his actions. Vaughan was therefore subjected to a catalogue of questions relating to the operation of the Football Club and the manner in which former managing director Robin Fry had appeared to have been paid off following the receipt of the original BS Group loan. A fierce debate ensued surrounding the conduct of the directors over the handling of the 'gift' of the Edgar Street lease to the BS Group. During this questioning David Vaughan and Jane Simmons confirmed that they were 'retiring' from the board. Confirmation was also received that Keith Benjamin had resigned from his 'role' as Associate Director the previous November.

Analysis of the accounts revealed that Robin Fry's company was paid £34,412 for consultancy fees' for the year ended 31st May 1997. and that an Edinburgh based consultants (Intervec) were also paid £30,000 for consultancy fees' connected to the proposed relocation of HUFC. The accounts also confirmed HUISA's fears that the leases on Edgar Street expire on 10 August 2015 and 12 August 2057 but that the original BS Group loan of £500,000 plus accrued interest remains repayable on 31 May 1999. The second loan of £500,000 is interest free, repayable on 19th May 2003. Despite all of the objections before the meeting closed Vaughan even had the temerity to state that he was 'satisfied' with his own personal record as a director of Hereford United FC and that of the rest of the Board!

GT stated on the night that his new directors are, Sam Lodh (Solicitor, and HUISA confidante), Tristram Richmond-Sterry (Solicitor, and HUISA member) and Joan Fennessy (Club Secretary). George Hyde was invited to join the board by GT after the AGM and Ron Jukes (Club Scout) has now also joined a fortnight later.

June 30th:

GRAHAM Turner finally took control of Hereford United at the Vauxhall Conference club's annual general meeting last night.

Turner announced that the transfer of 9,900 shares from outgoing chairman Peter Hill will take effect in the next few days.

Company Secretary David Vaughan did not stand for re-election and the other two directors chairman Hill and Jane Simmons have handed in letters of resignation.

Joining Turner on the board will be club secretary Joan Fennessy and solicitors Sam Lodh and Tristram Richmond-Sterry.

Mrs Fennessy, a former civil servant, has been employed by the club for 18 years and secretary for the past five.

Meanwhile striker Paul Fewings has joined the Bulls after being released by Hull.

TALKING Bull has published an article on the AGM.

Monday 29th June 1998 was a momentous day. A day which will surely be recorded in the annals of Hereford United Football Club. At last here was an AGM where the long suffering supporters and shareholders finally got rid of the discredited Board - totally and absolutely.

The 'Peter Hill Years" have been a disaster. A fiasco where the club has been brought to its knees whilst the architects of the policy have continued with their exploitation via the 'Gentleman's Drinking Club' in the Boardroom. We've all had to endure the 'Cold War' years where information was more easily obtained from the Kremlin than Edgar Street. The SOS 'Save our Soccer' campaign of 1982 ensured the clubs immediate survival but did Peter Hill & Co learn any lessons from that shambolic era? Many local supporters and businesses lost out then - many felt forced into accepting a raw deal. Goodwill has been eroded dramatically and in some cases killed off altogether. Many, many businesses and people close to the club have been abused - then cast aside without a care - the majority never to return with further sponsorship or even to the terraces.

Eventually following concerted pressure from the 'hard core' of supporters some information was forthcoming and the total financial mis-management was revealed. However, Hill & Co continue on until debts exceed a million pounds. The 'Newman Era' and the 'Bowyer Legacy' of talent were both allowed to evaporate, the Peacock cash injection was wasted not once - but twice. Wild swings in management styles and costs are brought in and then discarded, often with calamitous results - and court cases aplenty! Despite numerous attempts to shame the Board into action and resignation with virtual unanimous 'Votes of No Confidence', the apathy and abdication of duties by the Chairman had reached new heights with the appointment of 'minder' M D Robin Fry!

This era of frustration, sadness and anger built until the massive implosion. Edgar Street is allowed to decay still further. The supporters are increasingly alienated as a result of the arson attack on the Sportsmans Bar whilst insufficiently insured. The lack of expertise in running the club shop escalates and the general marketing of the club becomes a sick joke with Pulling and then Simmons at the helm. Hill tried to prop up his position still further with the 'appointment' of a Fans' Associate Director on the board who quickly follows the Hill role model by abdicating his responsibilities. Benjy first stops liaising with the majority fans and eventually fails to represent them, almost becoming a 'Hill' clone. So, yet another opportunity is wasted and a potential channel of communication lost. Next is the ultimate nightmare of relegation from the Football League. Shareholders and supporters are not consulted regarding the 'gift' of the remaining Edgar Street asset - the lease on the ground - which is handed over to the BS Group, not for money but to obtain a £500,000 loan!

Fry resigns but won't go until he receives his 'pay off'. Last seasons deplorable scenes where even the club's own staff go for weeks without pay - and no explanation - is the final straw. Eventually comes judgement day. The AGM. The putrid, decomposed, acrid stench of Peter Hill and his fellow Board of Directors will no longer waft skywards from Edgar Street. Vive l'empereur Turner!

A brief period of exultation followed before the grim reality of the club's perilous state re-established its firm grip on the mind. Where do we go from here? We must go back to our community roots. Supporters must take some ownership, responsibility and authority of running the club through owning a significant shareholding in HUFC and boardroom representation. We as supporters must have a voice and be accountable for our own decisions.

GT are you listening?