September 1997

Sept 2nd

On a day when Hereford fans were greeted by Leek fans singing We love you Brighton, we do…We love you Brighton, we do…at the start of the game, the Bulls could only draw. The match had a great atmosphere, with a 1,000+ crowd, virtually unknown at Harrison Park. The fans sing a lot and and the low roofs of the behind-the-goal stands give it a good resonance.

LEEK Town 2 Hereford United 2 (report by Peter Povall)

After a trip through speed trap centre this draw was something of a let-down when so much more was expected. Poor defending was again the cause as Hereford gave the better performance on the whole.

Leek opened the scoring following a comical display of defending by Hereford. Trevor Matthewson passed back to Chris Mackenzie unnecessarily, Chris Mackenzie wasn't expecting it and lost his footing trying to reach it only to push the ball onto Wayne Biggins who rushed forward to score his first for Leek with a simple tap in.

The entire first half was much the same with error upon error being made, but Graham Turner must have threatened to kill someone if things didn't improve as United came back out and showed what they were capable of.

Less than a minute into the second half a bullet like run half way down the pitch by Murray Fishlock allowed him to knock the ball onto Neil Grayson, who in turn placed the ball beautifully past the Leek keeper to keep things interesting.

Hereford maintained the pressure for most of the closing minutes until a free ball fell to a Leek defender who cleared it to pressure the United goal again. This gave a corner to Leek and another chance for glory as United were definately not at their best for defending set pieces. The corner in the 82nd minute met with header against the post and a rebound to Hugh McAuley whose powerful shot fizzed past the felled Mackenzie.

With 8 minutes to play and 4 minutes into injury time, Hereford got the result they deserved when Rob Warner sent in a sailing corner which John Brough, having been brought forward to go for broke, connected with sending the ball wide of Ray Newland and denying Leek their 3 points.

Another weak showing for the defence. Something really has to be done here or we are staying in the Conference.

Sept 5th:

HAYES 2 Hereford United 0 (report by Peter Povall)

Another poor showing by Hereford gave Hayes an easy victory. United have now gained just one point from their last three games and chances of promotion back into the League are vanishing fast.

Hayes' star player Jason Roberts caused Hereford's downfall by knocking the ball home from the edge of the area. Chris Mackenzie gave him the opportunity by coming out for the ball and failing to collect it cleanly, leaving it open to attack by Roberts. A call for a foul was made by Mackenzie but it fell upon deaf-ears.

Some 20 minutes later Mackenzie had no excuse for giving Roberts his second. His very poor clearance was quickly and neatly returned by Roberts, resisting a tame challenge by Richard Walker leaving him clear to shoot.

Beside these moments of depression for the United fans, Chris Mackenzie was playing quite well and was making excellent saves from shots by Martin Randall amongst others.

Hereford also made enough opportunites to make this an interesting game but failed to capitalise on them by some very poor finishing. The best of which came down to Neil Grayson who allowed Russell Meara a simple save from close range when the ball should have been netted.

Basically another poor performance by the defence and an inadequate effort when attacking left us again wanting. Promotion is looking further away.

Hereford: Mackenzie, Rodgerson, Fishlock, Matthewson, Brough, Walker, Hargreaves, Warner, Grayson, Foster, Mahon.
Subs: Pitman, Downing, Agana
Attendance: 974

Sept 9th:

HEREFORD United 2 Farnborough 1 (report by Peter Povall)

Hereford had to work hard in the closing minutes of the match to recover and secure this victory.

David Mehew opened the scoring for Farnborough with a crisp 25 yard drive which skipped off the ground and over DeBont's outstretched arm, leaving the Bulls chasing the match, as has happened so many times in the past.

John Brough had made some valiant efforts and set the woodwork shaking twice in the first period but with Farnborough defending well he hard pushed to making anything count.

With the match quickly coming to a close and some of the home fans having left in disguest, John Brough finally squeezed a header past Stuart MacKenzie to level the scoreline. Rob Warner had delivered the ball beautifully from United's only corner kick of the second half.

The clincher came just four minutes later as the fans sang out. Rob Warner eased the ball out to Jamie Pitman who was in his favourite position with a narrowing angle on the right of the box. He collected the ball, bringing it under control and moving forward, fizzed his shot past the stranded MacKenzie.

This also gave Jamie his first goal of the season and a regular place in the starting line-up.

The victory was greatly needed by United as they are in desperate need of support with attendances flaging due to some very poor showings. Even with this victory showing promise and bringing Hereford their first double-scalp of the season, the championship looks an awful long way away.

Sept 11th:

The latest Liaison Committee meeting with Graham Turner took place at Edgar Street this evening (report from HUISA)

Whatever you might think of GT as a manager, few could criticise him for ducking his responsibilities to the fans. I can think of many a manager (including those that we have had in the recent past) who would not have wanted to sit and talk, direct to fans, after the start we have made to the season. That said the following is a summary of the issues discussed:

GT said that we needed two or three experienced players as a matter of some urgency. Agana is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks and his first priority therefore was a striker, as Grayson and Foster have shown that they are not the "ideal" partnership up front. At the time he said that he saw no chance of getting someone in before the Northwich game; Milner only became available on Friday! He has spoken to Darren Beckford, but he appears to be going to Rushden and Diamonds (they've obviously rumbled the Donkey).

Beyond that, he was looking to get an experienced keeper in, which given that 6 from 11 goals were directly attributable to GK error prior to Northwich (now 7 from 13), hardly came as surprising news. GT was at a loss to explain the "loss of form" of both keepers so far this season. Whilst neither DeBont nor Macca, have looked world beaters in the past, I cannot them making the sort of basic errors we have seen so far this season, at least not on such a consistent basis. If I were them I'd start looking at the Situations Vacant column! Charles West who had such a good game at Gloucester pre-season, is not to be offered a contract; GT says simply that he's not good enough at present. Whilst not given that much to do, Mark Gayle, on loan from Crewe, (see below) looked much more the part against Kettering.

GT is also looking for an experienced Midfield player and Centre Half, but is having trouble prising players away from other clubs so early in the season, even when they are now in the first team. He has also given Telford the 7 days notice required, before he can approach their 20 year old non-contract centre half, James Bentley. An ex Man City "player", GT has likened him to Nigel Pearson and is hopeful that he will sign.

The new players, will take GT further over the "football budget" he has been set by the Board, but he is not being restricted in his actions as yet! The obvious conclusion is however that the peripheral squad members, particularly those who do not have contracts for the season, will be on their way in the near future. GT told us that Cook and Warner are now prepared to sign contracts, but that he is not!

The main part of the meeting however was devoted to Team performances so far this season. GT was quizzed on motivation, commitment, tactics and the use of substitutes. On the first two he could only say that he and his backroom staff were working as hard as they could, on these aspects with the players. He does not believe that they lack either motivation or commitment, but did call into question the character of some of them, when they cross the white line on a Saturday. He accepted that a number had "hidden" in some of the games to date, although he suggested that this might be because we had so often been chasing the game from early on (back to the GK errors). The players have been in several times for extra training on Sundays!

On tactics he made it clear that he was telling the players to play it on the floor unless in trouble at the back, when a visit to Row Z is called for. He showed us several examples on video and in charts he had prepared, of what the Team had practised doing in training and what exactly happen on the pitch. Some are either incredibly stupid or let fear get the better of them! We informed him that Brian McGorry and Jamie Pitman had presented different versions of his tactical requirements, at the Hayes game and he promised to speak to Jamie!

We also referred to the abuse given to the fans by Hargreaves (and others) at the Hayes game, and stated that this was, in our view, unacceptable. It was pointed out that the fans, owe the players nothing, and given the support shown this and indeed every other season, this it is very much a case of the reverse being true. GT agreed and said he would speak to the players concerned.

It was further pointed out to him also that his personal support had suffered from the poor showing so far this season. We estimated that having been at about 95% before the start of the season, it was now down to about 50%. He was asked whether he would consider going if the fans turned against him completely. His reply was that if he could see a change in fortunes over say 2-3 weeks he might try to "dog it out". As soon as he felt he could not get through to the players and that the fans no longer wanted him at the Club, he would go, without being pushed.

One final thing from the meeting. The Club has cancelled its BUPA medical insurance for the players, which was costing £25k per year. Its now pay as you go (so don't expect to see Tony James back here again) and the Surgeons at the Nuffield Hospital are even giving us reduced rates to help the Club, which warrants them an honourable mention in despatches I think. 

Sept 12th:

Chester striker Andy Milner, 30, last season's leading scorer with 14 goals, has joined Vauxhall Conference side Hereford United on a month's loan.

Sept 13th:

HEREFORD United 2 Northwich Victoria 2 (report by Peter Povall)

After their poor start to the season, Hereford started this match very promisingly as Neil Grayson played a quick one-two with Jamie Pitman on the right. Then finishing the run by walking the ball round the keeper and simply tapping it in.
Play continued promisingly enough until Ian Foster felled Paul Tait in the penalty box, but was lucky that the referee allowed play to continue.

Minutes later, Murray Fishlock wasn't so lucky as he helped Ian Cook to the ground. His move got him booked and gave Northwich the equaliser thanks to the spot kick by Steve Walters.

Within six minutes the play was again reversed as a penalty was awarded to Hereford thanks to Dominic Crouchs clearly impeeding Neil Grayson.

The resulting penalty was taken by Ian Foster instead of the usual Neil Grayson. His shot was on target and of note, but Greygoose dived to his left and pushed the ball out for a corner. This did result in Graham Turner's decree that all future penalties should be taken by Grayson.

Foster did his best to make amends with an excellent cross to Grayson whose powerful header struck the woodwork.

The second half started with the referee being replaced by one of his assistants, Chris Ward, due to a pulled muscle.

Northwich took the lead again midway through the second half when Hereford conceeded a corner. Chris Mackenzie came off his line to collect, but never got close, allowing the Northwich captain, Eddie Bishop to head easily over the line.

Hereford didn't really deserve this draw as their play was not at all flowing and mainly consisted of scrambles in the mid-field.

On one of the rarer occassions when they did threaten goal though, Greygoose made an excellent save from a close range shot by Foster but the rebound allowed John Brough to cross the ball in again. Hereford didn't even have to finish the job though as defender Simpson tried to put the ball out of play, only to turn it past his own keeper.

Altogether a poor performance by United to throw away two points and scavenge a single one.

Andy Milner also made his debut today as a loan signing from Chester but understandably had a very quiet game.

Sept 19th:

THE constitution of HUISA has been revealed.

Name

1. The name of the Association shall be the Hereford United Independent Supporters Association (HUISA).


Aims and Objectives

2. The aims and objectives of HUISA are:

To provide a voice for Supporters opinion including constructive criticism and the application of pressure for change, where appropriate.
To improve the communication between the Football Club and its Fans.
To improve the status and public awareness of Hereford United FC.
To improve facilities for and the treatment of Supporters both at Edgar Street and at the away games.
To provide a vehicle for resolving Supporters issues.
To raise funds, to be used, for the direct benefit of the Football Team and it's supporters.

Membership

3. Membership of HUISA shall be open to any person who supports or has an interest in furthering the cause of Hereford United FC, in line with the aims and objectives detailed within this constitution.

4. No person shall be refused membership of HUISA for reason of creed, colour or race [but we don't want Scum supporters].

5. Membership of HUISA shall cost [£5] annually. This sum to be reviewed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association.

6. An individual's membership of HUISA, may be suspended where, in the majority view of the Executive Committee, their actions bring the Association into disrepute or they are failing to abide by the requirements of this Constitution. Any such suspension is to be reviewed at the next full HUISA meeting, where a vote, on the basis of a show of hands, will be taken to determine whether the suspension shall be allowed to continue or the Member be re-instated. A Member may only be expelled from HUISA, following a secret ballot of those attending the AGM of the Association. Where such expulsion is proposed by the Executive Committee, the Member concerned shall be given the opportunity to address the AGM, either orally or in writing.


Status

7. The status of HUISA is that of a democratic body, which is intended and expected to be non-profit making, but unless and until resolved by a majority of its members, is not a charity. HUISA is, in all respects, independent of Hereford United Football Club.


Structure

8. The administration of HUISA shall be by Executive Committee, democratically elected, on a one member, one vote basis, The Committee shall consist of:

Chairman Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer

and not less than one and no more than six elected Committee Members.

9. The Chairman, Hon. Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer shall be known as the "Officers" of the Association.

10a. The number of elected (non-officer) Committee Members shall be determined annually at the AGM, by resolution of members in attendance at the AGM, provided that the number determined is not less than one nor greater than six. However, this number may be varied at the discretion of the AGM/Members Meeting.

10b. Additional committee members may be co-opted during the year with the approval of a Members Meeting.

11. Officers and Committee Members shall be appointed at the AGM and shall serve a period of office, that lasts from one AGM to the next AGM. All Officers and Committee Members shall be eligible to stand for more than one but no more than 3 consecutive periods of office, in the same capacity, within HUISA. The nomination of Officers and Committee Members shall require to be proposed and seconded by HUISA members. Election shall be by a show of hands unless more than one name be properly put forward for any position, in which event, an election shall be conducted there and then, at the AGM, by secret ballot.

12. If it so chooses, the Association may elect a President. The Association's President need not necessarily be a member of the Association. A President would hold office for two years in the first instance and would be eligible for re-nomination at the discretion of HUISA members.


Meetings

13. Meetings of HUISA members shall take place as frequently as the Association sees fit. The meetings will normally be called and organised by members of the Executive Committee. Any member of HUISA can however, request a meeting at any time. One of the meetings held in each calendar year shall be designated the AGM.

14. An AGM shall be held no earlier than at least nine months, and no more than fifteen months after the previous AGM. Members must be given at least fourteen days notice, in writing, of the AGM. The notification of the AGM, shall include an Agenda specifying the business to be conducted at the AGM and shall invite nominations for the position of Association Officers and Committee Members.

15. Meetings of the Executive Committee will take place at regular intervals, at the discretion of the Association's Officers and Committee Members. Members of the Executive Committee who fail to attend three consecutive meetings, without an apology or reasonable excuse shall after due notice, following the second non attendance, be removed from the Committee.


Financial Arrangements and Controls

16. The Hon. Treasurer will be responsible for the control of HUISA finances. He/she will be required to produce regular financial reports to Members via the meetings provided for within this Constitution. The Treasurer will be required to provide a detailed financial statement, covering all aspects of income and expenditure, at the AGM.

17. The financial year will run from 1st August to 31st July.

18. HUISA's Bankers will be Barclays' Bank Plc, Cheltenham. There will be three nominated signatories to the account:

a) The Chairman

b) The Treasurer

c) The Secretary

Two signatures will be required on each cheque, drawn on the account.

19. The Executive Committee will approve all HUISA expenditure, both administrative and in respect of the contributions made to the Football Team, in line with the objectives of the Association. Approval will require a simple majority of Executive Committee members. For these purposes a quorum, set at 50% of the Committee, rounded to the next highest number, will be sufficient to approve expenditure. Contentious items are to be referred to the next meeting of HUISA members, where the decision will be taken on a show of hands. Administrative expenditure will not normally be reimbursed, without supporting receipts.


HUISA Awards

20. At the end of each football season, HUISA shall hold a ballot for the following awards:

a) Player of the Year

b) Supporter of the Year

And a perpetual trophy shall be presented to the victor in each category.


Amendments to the Constitution

21. Amendments to this Constitution, may be proposed at any time, by any HUISA member. The adoption of proposed amendments will be majority vote of those attending the next full meeting, provided that amendment has been circulated to all Members at least 7 days in advance.


Dissolution of HUISA

22. In the event that HUISA does not hold any meeting within a period of 18 months, the Association shall be deemed to be dissolved and the Hon. Treasurer shall arrange for any remaining funds to be remitted as a donation to the serving Manager of Hereford United FC, to be used in the best interests of the Football Team.

Sept 20th:

KETTERING Town 1 Hereford United 2 (report by Peter Povall)

Hereford collected an easy away victory today at Kettering as they dominated the majority of play.

Neil Grayson took his scoring total to eight after burying both of United's goals. Although his total for the day could have been four or five had he been a bit more proficient in front of goal and the Kettering keeper, Andy Quy, not so brilliant.

Given that almost every other member of the Hereford squad had a dig at Quy, with moves involving Pitman, Mahon, Foster and Milner being the most promising.

The opener came when Jamie Pitman made amends for placing a 10-yard drive straight at Quy from an excellent position. An inspired move by Andy Milner and Gavin Mahon gave Pitman vast amounts of space, allowing him to place an outstanding cross to the back post where Grayson was waiting to head back past Quy.

Another flurry of opportunities by Walker, Milner and Grayson were all defended well by Quy until Milner did finish one although it was disallowed for pushing.

Grayson gained his second after a scramble in the six-yard box by tapping the ball through a mass of legs.

Kettering did manage a consolation goal after 75 minutes when Peter Costello run onto a long ball and finished with a blazing drive.

Sept 27th:

HEREFORD United 3 Staylbridge Celtic 0 (report by Peter Povall)

Hereford United reached their highest place in the Vauxhall Conference table (4th) today thanks to this resounding victory at home to Stalybridge.

United presented the fans with three well taken goals to hopefully lift spirits and attendances which are flagging badly at the moment.

Neil Grayson was definitely the man of the match for me as me continued to torment Stalybridge throughout the game by either pushing them back or making excellent feeding plays to present others with striking opportunites.

The first goal came after 32 minutes after Neil Grayson had had his own shot blocked by Statham. He came back immediately with a cross to Andy Milner on the far post who slotted the ball neatly into the net to collect his first goal for Hereford.

Hereford were pressured very little during the entire match and Mark Gayle was only really tested once in the 90 minutes when Roberts Trees broke past the defence and hit a powerful drive to the outside of Gayle forcing him to make the save.

Celtic's pressure never lasted long though and Hereford quickly replied with another assault on their goal. Neil Grayson again played his part by moving through most of the defence and edging the ball onto Ian Foster who collected it and drove it between Statham legs for an insult of a goal.

The second half was much the same as the first. Stalybridge were forced to continue with the very deep defence of their goal as both Milner and Grayson were denied before Hargreaves hit his shot straight at Statham.

The overpowering attacks by Hereford kept coming, but did not produce anything further until the closing minutes of the match when Grayson again had his attack stopped, if only temporaryily, as Statham closed him down and off the ball. Grayson regained the edge though and passed through to Andy Milner who was also being pressured to continued the play through to Jamie Pitman whose first touch shot fizzed past Statham into the back of the net.

Altogether a much better performance than some of the previous matches and one of those that we simply have to win to stand any chance of getting back to the League this season.

Sept 30th:

RECENTLY five Herefordshire businessmen have spent sometime looking at the possibility of taking over Hereford United.

Their names are beleived to include Alistair McHarg, Ian Griffiths, Graham Rivers and Mark Ellis.

HUISA suggest that they don't like what has been happening and want to get involved, to put things right. They see this taking at least 5 years (its taken us 20 to get here, so I think that's probably fair). They remain to be convinced on re-location and have seen sight of no business plan which supports the line taken by the current Board. They want to involve fans, repair relations with the local business community and get the local authority behind the Club (this sounds awfully familiar to me - isn't it what the fans have been saying for years???). They want up to 9 people on the Board with no one individual serving for more than three, including the Chairman (new blood/new ideas and all that). They want to re-instate the Supporters Club and have income generation plans for that and the Carlsberg Suite.