HEREFORD United striker Robin Elmes has told of his delight at scoring two in yesterday's score draw at Forest Green Rovers. The goals could be vital as away goals count double in the event of a tie over two legs in the FA Umbro Trophy semi-final. Elmes, who won the man-of-the-match award, said: "My second goal was the most important of the two as we were under the kosh for most of the second half."
With over 1500 Hereford fans travelling to Gloucestershire, they had the majority of the 2711 crowd behind them, and Elmes added: "It was like playing at home. We should now have in the region of 5,000 for the second leg."
Speaking after the match, Graham Turner told of his disappointment at the second half performance. "If there was a disappointment at half-time, it was that we were only one goal up", he said. "But we were a shambles at times in the second half and I'm bitterly disappointed at giving the penalty away, because there was no need for it."
Rovers boss Nigel Spink said: "Earlier in the season, our heads would have dropped when we went behind, but now we're showing more character. We spoke at half-time about being more positive, upping the tempo and having more self-belief. I said that if we were brave enough to play our football at our pace we could cause them problems. I was quite happy with the 1-0 score at that stage, because I knew we'd have the wind and slope in our favour in the second half and we used them well. After half-time, we also largely stopped the delivery to Elmes, though I was disappointed with the space we gave him for both his goals."
April 2nd:
HEREFORD United have been installed as 5/4 favourites for the FA Trophy following the semi-final first leg games at the weekend. Surrey Sports quote Ryman League side Canvey Island at 9/4 following their 2-0 win over Chester City on Saturday, who are priced at 9/4. Rank outsiders Forest Green Rovers, who drew with Hereford on Saturday, are 6/1.
Hereford United manager Graham Turner has praised Forest Green Rovers following Saturday's 2-2 draw in the FA Trophy semi final first leg at the Lawn.
He said: "Forest Green are no mugs. You look at the players that came into the side because they have others cup-tied. Tony Daley is an ex-England international and Chris Burns, who played in midfield, has played at a very good level.
"Although they are fighting to avoid relegation there was no way we underestimated them and they justified that in the manner in which they played. So it was a real rough, tough cup tie so I am pleased we are on level terms for the second leg."
It was confirmed today that away goals do not count double, so Hereford must win the second leg to go through. There will be extra time, if neccessary, and then penalties in the event of a draw.
In tonight's Evening News, Turner underlined the Hereford workload to break down Rovers. He said: "We knew Forest Green weren't going to lie down and go under, and that proved to be the case. The same will be true at Edgar Street, and there is a terrific game in prospect. We dominated the first half and stumbled a bit in the second, but having taken the lead twice we were disappointed not to win it."
Gloucestershire police are working with the West Mercia constabulary to track down Hereford United followers who were fighting in Stroud on Saturday. The two forces will study TV footage to track down the 'fans'.
Trouble flared outside the Queen Victoria Inn, Gloucester Street, at lunchtime as the Hereford United fans drank before heading to their FA Trophy semi-final match with Forest Green Rovers at Nailsworth.
Gloucestershire police spokesman Dave Avery said six police officers went to Gloucester Street at 1.55pm following a complaint by a member of the public about a man urinating in the street. "He was arrested for indecent exposure," he said. "It was this arrest which sparked the incident off. There were 40 or 50 people in and outside the pub causing problems. Two police officers were slightly injured by flying glass. Around 30 officers attended to quell the trouble.
"The majority of the people involved were Hereford fans and a number of them were escorted out of the county without even going to the match. Police will be examining CCTV camera footage to identify offenders with a view to making arrests."
The 31 year old man from Hereford was later released after being cautioned, and Rob Thom, landlord of the Queen Victoria said most fans behaved in a respectible manner inside the pub, were leaving when the trouble flared and windows were smashed.
Head of Stroud police Inspector Brian McGarry said: "We have CCTV footage which is quite clear and will be studied."
Further arrests are expected soon.
April 3rd:
GRAHAM Turner has not only asked for focus in tonight's match against Woking but also to prepare for FA Trophy glory with a good result. The team has to be completely focused on tonight's match, according to Turner. "Saturday is a very important game for us, no doubt about that, but we would get the right preparation if we give a good performance tonight."
On Woking, Turner said: "They have been on a very good run and will prove to be tough opponents." He is likely to make changes to the side, and commented: "We will have to wait and see who is fit but I would like to be able to leave one or two of the older players out."
HEREFORD UNITED 0 - 1 WOKING
I'm sure I've written this before! It was Hereford United against Woking, there was a torrential downpour, and the Surrey side won the match. Yes, it was a repeat of that FA Cup tie tonight as Woking beat the Bulls 1-0 at Edgar Street in awkward conditions.
Prior to the match, Graham Turner said that the FA Trophy semi final second leg tie on Saturday at home to Forest Green Rovers mattered more that tonight's match. and showed that by fielding a weakened line-up. Scott Cooksey, Matt Clarke, Ian Wright, John Snape and Robin Elmes were all rested as Matt Baker, John Shirley, James Wall, Seamus Crowe and Kerry Giddings came into the side. However, Woking also made changes as seventeen year old goalkeeper Stuart Baverstock came in to make his debut, and the away side were also without midfielder Jamie Pitman.
A lively first half proceeded, with Woking's back line stretched by Hereford's attack. Chances came Hereford's way, firstly from Gavin Williams. The Welshman's had his effort saved by Baverstock, who turned the ball around the post, and he was soon called into action again when young full-back John Shirley hit a testing twenty five yard drive goalwards, but Baverstock saved well.
To imply that it was one way traffic would be wrong. Charlie Griffin had an effort blocked by the legs of Bulls' goalkeeper Baker, and soon after Matt Hayfield somehow missed an open goal, firing over from just ten yards out. Baverstock had to save his side again in the first period, firstly when one-on-one with Gavin Williams, the youngster came out on top to keep the score 0-0, and then from Phil Robinson, which was deflected wide. The former Stoke player picked up a knock just before the break, and failed to return for he second half. John Snape came on in his place. Paul Parry and Gavin Williams again were foiled by the Woking defence as the score remained 0-0 at half time.
The second half began and the game began to change, with Woking coming more into the action. Charlie Griffin hit wide whilst one-on-one with Baker, and then Hereford boss Graham Turner brought off the lively Paul Parry for Matt Clarke, but Woking were continuing to pressure the Hereford goal. It came as no surprise when the away side took the lead with nineteen minutes left. A left footed in-swinging corner from Scott Steele met the head of Steve Perkins who hit a unstoppable bullet-like ball past Baker.
Moments later, Steve Bull replaced the disappointing Gavin Williams and Bull almost got on the scoresheet eight minutes from time when he hit wide. Hereford pressurised the Woking goal in the last ten minutes, but couldn't break the deadlock.
With their minds on the FA Trophy semi-final, it was no surprise that Woking emerged victorious and Hereford were again poor in front of goal and have now lost their third league match at Edgar Street this season.
Referee Mr. S. Tanner of Bristol booked four Woking players; West, Boardman and Smith for fouls and Griffin for unsporting behaviour. An attendance of 1,280 turned out, but a higher crowd will appear on Saturday as Hereford push for a place in the FA Trophy final.
Hereford - Baker, Clarke, Wall, James, Shirley, Rodgerson, Parry, Crowe, Giddings, Williams, Robinson
Substitutions - Snape (46), Clarke (62), Bull (72).
Man of the Match - Stuart Baverstock.
April 4th:
WOKING boss Colin Lippiatt felt his team could have won by a larger margin against Hereford United last night. "I thought we had the better chances particularly on the break," said Lippiatt. "Charlie Griffin could have gone home with the match ball the chances he had. We've had a tremendous run since the turn of the year and showed great resilience. Now our target is to maximise our points total and finish as high as we can."
Debutant seventeen year old Woking goalkeeper Stuart Baverstock was also priased by Lippiatt, saying: "Stuart can take credit from his debut. He matured as a footballer at Hereford."
Gavin Williams was disappointed with his own performance and that of his team: "We started well but didn't take our openings. I had a one to one with their goalkeeper Stewart Baverstock when I should have scored."
Graham Turner is not underestimating Forest Green Rovers, who Hereford play next Saturday in the FA Trophy semi final second leg after a 2-2 draw at the Lawn.
The Hereford manager said: "Forest Green are no mugs. They are not a side to be treated lightly. I do believe we have to be at our best and I am pleased we are on level terms for the second leg."
Rob Elmes scored both Hereford goals in the away leg, and said that the Bulls are capable of winning: "We're good enough to beat them. This obviously keeps their season alive, as it does for us."
Rovers' joint manager Nigel Spink is playing down his sides chances, saying: "I think Hereford will still be favourites - their supporters will expect them to roll us over."
But Graham Turner is eager to get as many people to the match as possible to improve the finances of the club. He said: "The first thing is that we hope for a good turnout of supporters - we would hope for in excess of 4,000."
William Hill have now made Hereford favourites to win the Trophy. They have the Bulls at 6/5, with Canvey Island at 9/4, Chester City at 4/1, and Forest Green Rovers as rank outsiders at 5/1.
April 5th:
HEREFORD United's promising defender James Wall has been released by boss Graham Turner and has signed for Nashville Metros in the USA, according to the North American outfit. The twenty year old was apparently disappointed at his lack of first team chances, particularly after a good run of form and having to make way for Ian Wright when he recovered from injury.
"I had a very good reference from Steve McClaren who was a coach at Derby when I was on their books," said Wall. He joins several other English players at the club, and made twenty nine appearances for Hereford, scoring one goal.
Hereford United have not yet confirmed the transfer.
April 6th:
HEREFORD midfielder and Coventry University student Jimmy Quiggin has recovered from a hamstring injury and is hoping for a recall to the side to play Forest Green Rovers tomorrow. With Ian Rodgerson suspended, he is likely to be named int he starting eleven by Graham Turner.
"Being Birmingham born I would love to see us make the final," said Quiggin on the FA Trophy. "We know it is going to be a tough one but we have a very good chance of having a date at Villa in May."
David Norton, the former Hereford captain and current Forest Green manager, has been talking of the tie between the two to reach the FA Trophy final. With 5,000 people expected to see the game at Edgar Street, tensions will be running high.
Norton has said that playing in midweek will not be relevant as Rovers were without a game and Hereford were defeated by Woking. "It can work either way," he said. "We know it's going to be very hard there.
"Hereford are physically very strong, they've got some good players and a tremendous atmosphere for big games and a very hostile crowd. They have a lot going for them, but so have we. I can name 16 things we've got going for us – our players."
Injured players will be rejoining the Rovers squad, and Norton said: "Lightbody and Slater have got chances of being up for selection, but we've got a lot of players staking claims for positions. But if we feel certain players need to be left out to strengthen the side to beat a certain team then we'll do that – and it's worked quite well. We've got one or two niggling doubts, but we've been like that all season."
"Hereford will start as favourites, which suits us," Norton added. "But I know my players and we're all really focused for this game. If Hereford do win then they'll have earned it, because we'll be really up for it."
Hereford fans are urged to arrive early for the match as there could be a problem with traffic congestion. Meanwhile, the official website (www.herefordunited.co.uk) has said that the first 'Save The Bulls Fund Draw' will take place at half time against Rushden on April 14th.
April 7th:
GRAHAM Turner believes the fans will help Hereford United overcome Forest Green Rovers in the FA Trophy today. With 4,000 spectators expected at Edgar Street tomorrow, Turner is hoping that the additional support will help his side to Villa Park.
He said: "They generally turn out in numbers for these games, and for big cup ties here they usually get behind the players, and that will be very important. Getting in excess of 4,000 is a possibility and if we get above that, we will be delighted."
"It's an opportunity for the players to go out and excel and to achieve something. They know how important this game is for everyone connected with the club. The prospect of going to Villa Park for a final is a terrific, attractive prospect, although it would have been even nicer to go to Wembley.
"But Forest Green are no mugs as we found out last week -- they have a lot of experience in their side."
Rob Elmes agrees that the Trophy is the pinnacle of Hereford's season, saying: "The Trophy is vital to us because it keeps our season alive and we know how much going to Villa Park would mean to our supporters. We're very lucky to have such great supporters and I would think we'll have a crowd of 5,000-plus.
"Forest Green did well in the second-half last week, but we're confident we can see them off tomorrow."
In the other tie, Ryman League Canvey Island play at Chester City, with a 2-0 advantage.
HEREFORD UNITED 1 - 4 FOREST GREEN ROVERS
FA Umbro Trophy Semi Final Second Leg.
Forest Green Rovers win 6-3 on aggregate.
Yet another disappointing home performance by Hereford United resulted in their elimination from the FA Trophy at the semi final stage in humiliating fashion. As favourites for the tournament, they were expected to overcome Forest Green Rovers but instead were demolished by the Gloucestershire side by four goals to one.
Hereford went into the tie as favourites and welcomed back young winger Jimmy Quiggin in place of the suspended Ian Rodgerson. Otherwise, the team was identical to that which gained a draw in the first leg last Saturday. Rovers' striker Frankie Bennett was recalled to the starting line-up after he turned the first leg around with a substitute appearance and Rovers' first goal. Nathan Goodbody failed a fitness test but winger Stuart Slater recovered from injury. Striker Jason Eaton and midfielders Alex Sykes and Mark Cooper were all cup-tied and Darren Middleton was ineligible for the match.
It's not often that Hereford lose by such a horrifying margin at Edgar Street, in fact the last time that they lost in such humiliating fashion came in the Auto Windscreens Shield first round, a 4-0 defeat against Millwall in 1996. However, most fans will feel that Forest Green didn't deserve to win by such a large margin but they proved that, on their day, they are capable of turning over any side in the Conference.
Hereford were on-top from the start and pressurised the Forest Green goal. Rovers' goalkeeper Steve Perrin was in good form and it appeared that this, combined with bad luck for the Bulls, meant they couldn't get the ball to hit the back of the net in the first half. Their first move of the match resulted in a long ball from captain Ian Wright causing problems for Rovers, before Gavin Williams had the ball snatched away from his feet by Rob Cousins.
Further early efforts from Ian Wright, a long range strike, and Phil Robinson were saved well by the goalkeeper and, with too many players attacking, the defence was left open. A counter attack on fourteen minutes resulted in a goal for the away side from Frankie Bennett. A twenty yard effort was Rovers' first attack on target and Cooksey was left stranded. The noisy Hereford end were silenced by Rovers' lead.
Jimmy Quiggin made another chance for United, but Perrin turned the effort around the post. The Hereford attack were turning up the pressure, but Phil Robinson had his shot cleared off the line before Robin Elmes' shot was deflected wide at the Meadow End. Another rare Forest Green attack saw Adrian Foster hit the post, and Alex Meecham was on hand to double the score from close range on twenty eight minutes, blasting the ball into the top of Cooksey's net.
Phil Robinson went close but Perrin saved well, and Rovers' had taken their chances whereas Hereford let theirs go to waste as the away side registered a 2-0 half time lead. Forest Green were second best for the whole of the half as Hereford had the best of the play and the possession. Graham Turner must have been fuming and he won't have got much happier with the second half performance.
The second half continued in the same fashion, with the Bulls on top but Rovers grabbing another goal. The away side had almost everyone behind the ball as they desperately defended their lead, but against the run of play gained a third goal. On the hour, Chris Burns made the score Hereford United 0 Forest Green Rovers 3 when his close-range header was conceded by Cooksey, who was helpless to do anything. Hereford responded and finally gained a deserved goal through captain Ian Wright three minutes later. A corner was floated in and Wright managed to get the vital textbook touch to flick a glimmer of hope into the Hereford cause.
Steve Bull was introduced a couple of minutes later for Paul Parry in an effort to add to United's attacking push, but his and Rob Elmes' lack of pace resulted in a frustating afternoon. Bull looked tired and Elmes was marked out of the game, probably as a result of the two goals scored against Rovers last Saturday. Gavin Williams looked off form, and was unable to break free as Rovers' tight defence let nothing get past them. However, United continued in their push but shots were few and far between.
Shock hit the Hereford fans with ten minutes left when former Bulls striker Adrian Foster made it 4-1 with a close range effort. He had missed a couple of sitters in the afternoon but made up by hammering the final nail into the coffin of Hereford United's season. Rovers will face Canvey Island in th final of the competition, their second appearance in three years after playing at Wembley in 1999.
Referee Mr. D. Pugh made four bookings for fouls; Stuart Slater, Ian Wright, John Snape and Billy Clark, and also cautioned Matt Clarke and Adrian Foster for a bust up ten minutes into the second half. The final result reveals a problem in the Hereford United camp - getting the ball into the net, and the majority of the 4,175 watching the game left disappointed. There were tears in the Meadow End and on the face of Scott Cooksey as cup dreams died for yet another season.
Hereford - Cooksey, Clarke, Wright, James, Sturgess, Quiggin, Snape, Robinson, Elmes, Williams, Parry
Substitutions - Bull (64).
Man of the Match - Ian Wright.
Captain Ian Wright spoke of his dismay at Hereford United's 4-1 defeat at home against Forest Green Rovers in the FA Trophy semi-final second leg this afternoon. Talking to the BBC, he said: "The lads are absolutely gutted. We thought we could win it comfortably. We had some good chances, especially from set pieces, we could have been in front quite easily."
On Steve Perrin, the Rovers goalkeeper, Wright commented: "He made some good saves and got some good blocks in the penalty area so he kept them in it. We created a lot of chances so you can't blame the pitch for that. We're naturally disappointed we've lost by four."
Tony James was disappointed by the manner of of how the goals were conceded. "We conceded goals when we were on top and couldn't score, the ball wouldn't drop for us and go in. For the first half it just looked like it wasn't going to be our day," he told the BBC.
"We got caught a couple of times going forward and that's happened quite a lot in the few games running up to this one. They've got pacy players and they break away really well and scored a couple of goals from it. It just didn't seem to be our day."
April 8th:
RANGERS fans weep as their club ends a season without a trophy for the first time in 16 years. Man United fans choke on their prawn sandwiches at the thought of a Champions' League campaign that might not end in glory. Liverpool fans call for Houllier's head at the disaster of only finishing in the top six of the Premiership. Hereford United could give them a lesson on perspective. As could Doncaster, Scarborough, Newport County or Colchester. The biggest disaster for a football fan isn't their team narrowly missing out on glory - it's abundant failure staring you in the face. The big 'R', the drop - relegation - and no relegation is bigger than that from the League to the Conference.
'The Ultimate Drop' chronicles the fates of the nine clubs who have entered the abyss since automatic relegation from the League's basement division was first introduced in 1987. From the injury-time goal by the on-loan goalkeeper, to the police-dog who crucially bit a Torquay defender's groin, to the club who faced the Conference not even owning a football - each of the teams' stories are produced in gruesome detail. For the most part written by the fans of the clubs involved, it offers a perspective of football away from the glory of the world of Sky TV and 8-figure transfer fees. True stories of grass-roots support and nine clubs who paid the ultimate price, as well as 3 who escaped in last-ditch thrillers.
Available soon from Tempus publishing, priced £12.99. For further details contact george.rowland@ntlworld.com. ISBN number 0-7524-2217-0.
Written by George Rowland.
A GROUP of around a hundred Hereford supporters assembled outside the players entrance after the match yesterday protesting at the abysmal performance in the FA Trophy semi final at Edgar Street. Graham Turner received the bulk of the criticisms for his apparent 'lack of tactical awareness' and the 'stale look of the team'.
After losing 4-1, fans were obviously upset at the manner of the defeat but many people have asked why Turner is still manager. This season has seen elimination from the FA Cup at the fourth qualifying stage, and just five home wins in the league. However, the club has still had a good league season, only recently dropping from the top four, and also reached the semi finals of the FA Trophy.
Stewards lined the glass doors, the entrance to the club, and police with dogs were on hand in case any violence erupted. Graham Turner later told BBC Hereford & Worcester that the protest was understandable considering the nature of the defeat and the fact that it was at the semi final stage.
April 9th:
GRAHAM Turner has told his squad that despite losing in the FA Trophy on Saturday, they must move on. He said: "It is a big blow. We have got to get over the defeat on Saturday and concentrate on the Dover match."
Meanwhile, Dover boss Bill Williams said: "We have had a bad trot recently. We need to get a win under our belts and go from there."
Adrian Foster was delighted with the 4-1 victory for his Forest Green side against Hereford on Saturday. Speaking in the Evening News, he said: "We worked really hard today and battled for the result. If we play like that for the rest of the season there's no way we'll be relegated."
Rovers manager Nigel Spink said: "At the semi-final draw everyone was saying it was going to be a Hereford versus Chester final, but we've just kept on with our job. The final at Villa Park will be a very special occasion for me."
THE Daily Telegraph featured a large article on Ricky George today, focusing on his career at Hereford United and on his Grand National success with Earth Summit.
FOR a man who had been handed four free transfers before his 21st birthday and spent the rest of his career basking in the anonymity of non-League football, Ricky George continually asks himself the question, `where did it all go right?'
Blessed with an abundance of talent but a self-confessed attitude problem which drove Tottenham manager Bill Nicholson - and many others besides - to despair, George achieved legendary status in 1972 when he scored the winning goal for humble Hereford against Newcastle United in the third round of the FA Cup; 26 years later, by which time he had acquired a Daimler among various expensive trappings through his successful sportswear business, he enjoyed a second instance of sporting euphoria as part-owner of Earth Summit, winner of the 1998 Grand National.
In the introducton to his recently-published autobiography, fittingly entitled One Goal, One Horse, George confesses to amazement that his famous goal is still recalled, if only for its inclusion in Trivial Pursuit. "Ronnie Radford's wonderful equaliser is still regarded as one of the great goals of all time. My strike was far less impressive but its impact created history."
The history-maker is as entertaining in person as he is in print, as he spins his myriad yarns over a beer in the bar of his local golf club on the outskirts of Barnet. "I joined Spurs in 1961 like a wide-eyed innocent surrounded by Dave Mackay, Cliff Jones, John White and Danny Blanchflower. Their first-team places were never in danger from me and one morning during my third season at White Hart Lane, Bill Nicholson drew me aside and said: `You remind me of a player we had here once who I called a soccer spiv. And when I became manager I got rid of him'.
"In 1964 he got rid of me. I wasn't a Stan Collymore or anything but my workrate never matched my talent. I remember Bill's words to this day: `At the end of the current season, the club have decided to grant you a free transfer'. That was it; I was so stunned I got up and left without even asking for an explanation."
Deeply hurt by the rebuff and desperate to prove Nicholson wrong, George did not wait for clubs to come to him but sat down at the telephone to sell himself. "With the brash confidence of youth I rang Arsenal. I went to see George Male, who was in charge of the youth team, a kindly man, a nice man. He asked me why Spurs had let me go and I had to answer, `I dunno, I never asked.' When I left his office he probably phoned Bill Nic and I don't know what was said, but suffice to say I never heard from the Arsenal again.
"I phoned Fulham because I admired Johnny Haynes but they didn't seem too interested either. I was aiming high, you see, because I honestly thought Bill Nic didn't know what he was talking about - a man who'd only won the `double'."
Instead of Highbury or Craven Cottage, George ended up at Vicarage Road where Watford manager Bill McGarry offered him a month's trial. "The old Third Division South wasn't exactly what I'd had in mind but within a few weeks I was in the first team so things were looking up."
Things continued to look up until McGarry left to manage Ipswich and Ken Furphy took over. "I had absolutely no problems with Ken and caused him no great distress. Maybe for a while he forgot about me. Anyway, I got back into the first team against Barnsley; the first half went okay as I went past the full-back a couple of times drawing what could be called generous applause from the Watford fans. The second half, I was in anonymous mode and the following day Ken called me into his office. `Your old boss Bill Nicholson was here to see you last night,' he told me. `Oh, really?' says I. `He says you haven't changed one bit; in the game one minute and out of it the next'. `Really?' says I again, maybe a bit too casual like. `Will that be all?' He sighed, shook his head, and a few weeks later I get another free transfer."
From there, George's career spiralled downwards in ever-decreasing circles; to Bournemouth (freed), Oxford (freed) and on to Hastings of the Southern League where Dave Underwood became the umpteenth manager to try to add the work ethic to George's undoubted wizardry on the wing.
"Dave was manager and goalkeeper with a face like an old-time prize fighter; a broken nose, swollen lips. He also talked with a lisp. I was always notoriously late for games and I remember one Sunday we were playing the inmates of Ford Open Prison and Dave told me the kick-off was two o'clock. At five to two on the dot I rushed in breathlessly to find an empty dressing room. About a quarter of an hour later, big Dave strolled in with the rest of the players grinning fit to burst: `Whoopth-a-daithy,' he says, `I've thuthed you out Ricky, alwayth late. Kick-off'th at free.' I loved the man, I truly did."
Underwood was also responsible for George's one `international cap' when he called up his old Hastings chum to turn out in an Old England v Old Scotland charity game at Ayr. "At last I was surrounded by the players I'd always thought I should be mixing with. Gordon Banks, Bobby Charlton, George Eastham, Roger Hunt, Jim Baxter, Eric Caldow, Bertie Auld. Rick the Trick was in his element."
After the game, it was back to reality; Hastings (freed), then Barnet and on again to Hereford where no less a judge than John Charles, then player-manager, was actually persuaded to pay money for George's peculiar services.
It was under the next manager, Colin Addison, however, that Hereford and George would achieve sporting immortality. "There were 39,000 inside St James' Park and I will never, ever forget the noise. We'd never seen or heard anything like it. When you looked at the Newcastle team running out your heart sank: Malcolm Macdonald, Bobby Moncur, Tony Green. We kicked off to a deafening roar and were a goal up in 17 seconds. For the next 20 minutes it was like trying to stem the Charge of the Light Brigade.
"John Tudor equalised, Supermac put Newcastle in front and the Geordie crowd sat back awaiting an avalanche." Instead of which, Addison made it 2-2 to earn a replay.
"The night before the replay, John Motson, who's an old pal of mine, and myself were enjoying a few drinks. We weren't drunk but it was well after midnight when we bumped into a group of journalists in the lounge bar. Motty introduced me around and I was suitably impressed to meet Jackie Milburn. `You know,' said Milburn sadly, `it's lads like you who make me glad I gave up management. You should be in bed'. `But I'm only a sub,' I replied weakly. `Only a sub?' he roared, `you might come on and score the winning goal'. For one of the few times in my life I took heed of Milburn's advice and fled to bed."
For 80 minutes the replay raged end to end until Macdonald climbed above the Hereford defence to send a bullet header into the net. "That's it!" cried Motson in the BBC commentary box. "Newcastle have scored the winner." Famous last words; George was immediately summoned from the bench and actually won a tackle in midfield ("a rare occurrence, indeed") and slipped a pass to Radford who, from 30 yards out, unleashed the shot which still features on Match of the Day whenever FA Cup day comes round.
"Into extra-time and my moment of glory in the 103rd minute. I found myself in possession on the edge of the box and, unsure what to do, I decided to have a pot at goal. I was more surprised than anyone when the ball flew across Newcastle goalie Willie McFaul and into the far corner of the net. To be truthful it could have gone anywhere. At that moment you want to do everything; a lap of honour, laugh, cry, hug someone; the crowd ran on, I was embraced by thousands of small boys and 10 teammates in mud-splattered shirts. It's a moment that will live with me forever; the memory still brings tears to my eyes."
After a home draw in the fourth round against a West Ham side containing Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst, Hereford's Wembley dream evaporated when they lost 3-1 at Upton Park. George himself left the club soon after to return to Barnet, for whom he would play over 300 games. And there we might have left him, as a historic P S to Radford's wonder goal but for Earth Summit's Aintree heroics.
"Which was better? Impossible to say, although as an owner you just stand there and cheer - and collect the winnings, of course - while horse and rider does all the hard graft. One such memory would be wonderful, to have two is an outrageous slice of luck."
One Goal, One Horse (Ben Press Ltd, £9.99).
FORMER Hereford United player and current Forest Green boss David Norton has to the Nationwide Website (www.football.nationwide.co.uk) at his disappointment in the treatment of himself and striker Adrian Foster at Edgar Street on Saturday.
Winning 4-1 at Edgar Street, Norton explained: "Both Adrian Foster and I have come in for some rough treatment when we have returned to Hereford although I escaped most of it this time. In the past Hereford fans have hammered me big time but on Saturday it was Adrian who took the brunt of the abuse.
"They think we both left the club high and dry but that wasn't the case. When I was at Edgar Street I was told by Graham Turner, when he took over as chairman, that I was not going to be retained. He said the club simply couldn't afford to pay for an operation that I needed to have a decent standard of life.
"It wasn't my decision to leave the club, they were struggling financially and had to let me go. I'd have liked to have stayed with Hereford, I loved the place. And I want their fans to know that if we hadn't won on Saturday I would have liked Hereford to have gone on and won the competition.
"Adrian was in a similar position because the club have to sell to survive and Rushden & Diamonds paid £50,000 for him, he simply had no choice. Some of the stick he took was not very nice."
However, Norton was delighted to beat Hereford and progress to the final of the FA Trophy. "The vibes fed through that Hereford thought they were going to steamroller us, that they expected to go through to the final," added the former Bulls captain.
"But we took our chances and the lads were magnificent although we meet them again in a couple of weeks at our place in the Conference, so we have to do the same again."
April 10th:
HALESOWEN Town boss Brendan Phillips has a striker problem at the Grove, and brought in a youngster before last week's transfer deadline. However, he couldn't persuade Graham Turner to let Steve Piearce move back to Halesowen on-loan until the end of the season.
The former Doncaster attacker has been injured with a hamstring injury but is now off the sick-list, and Phillips said: "The strikers positions have been a problem all season - it was a shame we couldn't get Piearce." Perhaps Piearce will make a return to the first team squad before the end of the season.
HEREFORD United chairman Graham Turner has been counting the cost of failing to reach the FA Trophy final, and has been shocked by his maths.
He said: "It was a crushing blow for us, but we've done our crying over the weekend and we have to get back to work now. We would probably have earned £100,000 if we'd got to the final, but we are out, we have had a good run and we had no complaints on the day. We need to start putting our game right now."
The money earned could have come from the gate, merchandise and from Sky TV, who will cover the game live. "It is a matter of lifting spirits and in adversity, this sorts the men out from the boys. They are judged as players every Saturday, now they have to be judged as men," continued Turner
He was obviously very disappointed at Saturday's result, and said: "We couldn't score. I have watched the video of the first-half and they went 2-0 up with their first two attacks, and we had eight to 10 strikes and couldn't score. That was down to not hitting the target, some excellent goalkeeping and some bad luck."
Hereford face Dover Athletic tonight, kick off at 7.45pm.
DOVER ATHLETIC 1 - 0 HEREFORD UNITED
A Matt Carruthers goal with five minutes of the first half remaining secured Dover Athletic a 1-0 victory over Hereford United at the Crabble Athletic ground this evening. At the start of play, there was only one team below Dover in the form table, and that was Hereford! The Bulls remain bottom of that table, and in 12th place in the Conference League table.
Graham Turner made just one change to the side humiliated by Forest Green last Saturday. Paul Parry was dropped to the bench and replaced by Seamus Crowe, and Jimmy Quiggin moved into attack to partner Robin Elmes, so Gavin Williams moved into Quiggin's position on the right side of midfield.
Dover's only doubt before the match was Matt Carruthers, but he was passed fit and named in Bill Williams' starting eleven.
The game started as a cautious affair, but it was Dover who came out of their shells first, taking the game to Hereford. In the fifth minute, Neil Le Bihan's cross was met by Lee McRobert, but Cooksey was equal to the effort.
The Hereford took over. They pressurised the home goal and had a superb chance to take the lead on seven minutes. With Gavin Williams swinging in a free-kick, no one could do anything as it headed for goal until the head of Lee Shearer knocked the ball out for a corner.
Twelve minutes later, Paul Sturgess came forward with possession on the left wing and provided a sublime cross for Robin Elmes to beat the home goalkeeper Paul Hyde. However, his header rattled back off the crossbar and it looked again as if lady luck had deserted Hereford.
United continued to be on top of their hosts without creating a great deal of clear cut chances. The travelling side looked dangerous from set pieces and their superiority was confirmed by their six or so corners in the opening half.
Against the run of play, Dover Athletic took the lead with five minutes of the first half remaining. After a Hereford corner, centre backs Ian Wright and Lee Shearer clashed heads and with both on the floor, Lee McRobert proceeded to race clear on the right hand side before sending a superbly accurate pass to Neil Le Bihan. The man that scored two at Edgar Street last October shrugged off the tackle of John Snape before hitting a low cross to Matt Carruthers, who smashed a half volley to the right of Cooksey into the roof of the net.
The handful of travelling fans must have felt hard done by, and some would have suggested that there was no way back for United. Indeed, they were to be proved correct as a frustrating second half lay ahead for Hereford. The Bulls played well again with good passing and retaining possession in attack, but failed with the killer punch.
A more determined display almost resulted in a goal from John Snape on fifty one minutes. He unleashed a shot from twenty five yards, but like Elmes in the first period, hit the bar. The ball rebounded but fell awkwardly for Quiggin who failed to capitalise on the chance. From then on, few openings were created as both sides resorted to long ball tactics, and Dover's defence coped with anything that Hereford threw at them. Particularly impressive was Lee Shearer, who was organised and dealt with the away attacks comfortably.
The Bulls' boss Graham Turner introduced fresh legs to help his side on a heavy pitch, firstly John Shirley and later Paul Parry, but to no avail. Hereford had yet again failed to turn their possession into goals that they so vitally require.
Referee, Mr. P. Nelin, booked two players for unsporting behaviour four minutes from time when the two tangled just outside the area. Scott Cooksey, the United 'keeper, and Lee McRobert, of Dover, were the men cautioned. In front of 1,072, Dover gained all three points and Hereford remain bottom of the Conference form table not having won in the league since February 10th.
Dover therefore win their first game since January but Hereford remain win-less in the league since mid February. Something needs to be won, and soon.
Hereford - Cooksey, Clarke, Wright, James, Sturgess, Quiggin, Robinson, Crowe, Snape, Williams, Elmes
Substitutions - Shirley (46), Parry (77).
Man of the Match - Lee Shearer.
April 11th:
GRAHAM Turner has told the Hereford Times that he is hoping for a good, competitive match and a good atmosphere at Edgar Street on Saturday. League leaders Rushden & Diamonds are the visitors and are expected to bring a large following for the match.
Turner said: "We did our crying at the weekend. We've now got to show what we are made of and aim to finish in the top eight in the Conference. It is an attractive fixture and, as Rushden are expected to bring a large following of supporters, there should be plenty of atmosphere."
James Wall, the young Hereford central defender who has moved to Nashville Metros in the American League, has been explaining his move to the Hereford fans who he will leave behind.
Wall said: "I intended to do some coaching in the United States last summer but was unable to do so because of my injury. Through the contacts I made then, though, I was able to get in touch with Nashville Metros.
"I had a very good reference from Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren, who was a coach at Derby during my time there, and was offered a contract to play for the Metros. It is a fantastic opportunity for me, although it will be a completely different environment. Training sessions are held early in the day with matches played in the late evening."
He thanked Graham Turner for allowing the move, and club captain Ian Wright said: "It will be a tremendous experience for James. He has always given a 100 per cent effort for Hereford and has been a very good clubman."
April 12th:
RUSHDEN boss Brian Talbot is not expecting an easy ride for his league leaders at Hereford on Saturday, despite the home side's poor form.
He told the official Rushden website: "We’ve got to be resilient, strong and grind out a result. We’ve gone down there two or three times now and left with our tails between our legs, and Hereford have thoroughly deserved to beat us. The lads are confident but things change easily if you’re not on your guard."
Speaking in the Northants Evening Telegraph, Talbot told of the problems facing his defender Gary Setchell, who has been injured. “He won’t be back this week because he has now got glandular fever," said Talbot. “He has already lost 10lb in weight and his wife is looking after him at home. He has got to keep away from the club at the moment.
“He will be off for at least another ten days or two weeks. (Paul) Underwood is also struggling with a knee injury and he might be out for the rest of the season.”
April 13th:
Bulls-Shop.com's event in Maylord Orchard shopping centre in Hereford was deemed a success today with Ricky George's autobiography, 'One Goal, One Horse' selling out before 3pm. Ricky George joined Graham Turner, Steve Bull and the first team squad to sign autographs and chat with the fans, and George spent much of the day signing copies of his book.
Ricky George, pictured left, has his autobiography available from Bulls-Shop.com, priced at £9.99.
Part-time defender Matt Gardiner will miss the rest of the season after his hernia operation. Physio Ian Rodgerson said: "Matt has done some bike riding and will now start light jogging. However, he can't do anything strenuous and it will be about six weeks before he is fully fit again."
Crocked striker Steve Piearce is hopeful of a recall to the Hereford United side after recovering from injury and regaining fitness in the reserves. Talking at the Bulls-Shop.com event in the city centre today, he said: "I hope to be on the bench tomorrow so hopefully if I keep injury free, I'll be back."
Graham Turner has yet to confirm the side for tomorrow's match. Talking to the BBC, he said: "We have a reasonably good record against them and this is a chance to pit our wits against potential champions."
Graham Turner is aiming to make it hard for Rushden if they want all three points tomorrow at Edgar Street, according to the Evening News. Despite not winning in the league for two months, Turner said: "We have usually done better against the better sides. It's a very attractive fixture for us. I think in all probability they will go on and win it now as they have the stronger squad. If you look through it they have some tremendous players.
"But they have some tough games still to play including Yeovil away next week, and hopefully we can make it tough for them. After the disappointment of last week it is good for us that the next home game is against the league leaders, and it should be a decent gate too. It throws down the gauntlet to the lads to show that we are a decent Conference side."
"We lost very narrowly up at their place (Rushden's Nene Park) and we thought we deserved something from the game, and it was a similar story at Dover. But that is how it is going for us at the moment.
"We had a header from Rob Elmes and a shot from John Snape that both hit the underside of the bar, and on another day they would both have gone in. Then we were disappointed that the referee hadn't spotted Ian Wright with a head injury. They cleared the ball and scored and then the referee allowed him to have treatment."
GRAHAM Turner, Joan Fennessy and Grenville Smith formed the panel that answered questions of one hundred or so fans in Legends Bar last night. HUISA invited the panel along, and Turner still bravely attended despite the embarrasing defeat against Forest Green last Saturday.
In fact, the game formed the core of the meeting but Turner insisted that they had prepared properly and was very disappointed by the result. The players were on a big bonus to win, but luck wasn't on Hereford's side.
Turner also defended his record as a manager, reminding supporters of his success at Shrewsbury Town, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, he said: "I have found it very difficult to operate with the financial problems. I will accept that results have been far from satisfactory."
Any hope of a new boss was dashed by Turner who said: "Any manager would say it's an impossible task," given the situation. They would be expected to stay in the top three, sign free transfers and also sell a couple of players each season.
Other subjects discussed included the possible redevelopment of Edgar Street and also the current financial status of the club, but little progress was made. It was stated that the councillors appeared to be slowing the process. The forthcoming council elections at least could clear the air.
Graham Turner was asked under what circumstances would he leave Edgar Street, and replied: "If it's the overwhelming feeling that it's time for me to go then I will step aside gladly. If the feeling is it's time for a change then I need to be told in the correct manner. There's no point kicking the door down, just come and say the supporters have had enough." Turner if he was to step down, it would be as both chairman and manager, "all or nothing."
Turner has again reiterated that if someone wants to take over, the board will step aside to allow them to do so.
April 14th:
HEREFORD UNITED 3 - 1 RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS
Hereford secured their first league win in over two months in spectacular style today, beating top of the table Rushden & Diamonds by three goals to one. An early own goal by away captain Ray Warburton put the Bulls ahead, and then two in five minutes from Rob Elmes gave Hereford a 3-0 lead at the break. Only Tony James gave the Diamonds a lifeline, but Yeovil have now closed the gap at the top to two points with a game in hand.
A slight change in tactics by Graham Turner appeared to give Hereford an edge, with Gavin Williams and Jimmy Quiggin playing either side of striker Robin Elmes. John Shirley was called into Paul Parry's place in midfield, as he dropped to the bench. Rushden made just one change to the side that beat Morecambe last week, with Brett Solkhon replacing the suspended Tarkan Mustafa at right back in Brian Talbot's expensive side.
Rushden didn't look composed from the start, and Hereford were on-top. It came as a bit of a shock when Hereford took an early lead on six minutes, but it was nothing less that they deserved. Ray Warburton obstructed a Matt Clarke run just outside the box, and Gavin Williams hit a sweet free kick for Ian Wright, but it was Warburton headed past Turley. He was obviously disappointed with the goal, and some Hereford fans could hardly believe that it had gone in.
United remained the premier side in the first period, with Gavin Williams tackled by Warburton when clear on goal, and John Shirley hit a twenty five yard shot just wide of Billy Turley's goal. It took twenty five minutes for Rushden to call Scott Cooksey into action, but Justin Jackson's spectacular lob went just wide of the far post, much to the relief of the home side.
Jimmy Quiggin attempted to make it 2-0, but Turley was equal to his effort, and soon after Quiggin's long range effort was comfortably collected by the goalkeeper. The former Northampton Town player, signed for a six figure fee three years ago, was lucky not to be sent off on the half hour when he brought down Quiggin. The referee cautioned him instead.
With Rushden under pressure, Hereford turned up the heat to lengthen the score on thirty three minutes. A Rob Elmes header from a Matt Clarke cross was turned onto the crossbar by Turley, and Elmes then took no chances as he headed home the rebound and make it 2-0.
It took just five minutes for Elmes to double his tally for the afternoon, when a superb Matt Clarke cross was driven home by Elmes from twelve yards. The Hereford faithful couldn't really believe that a side that had lost 4-1 to Forest Green Rovers last week could be 3-0 up before half time against the league leaders. Rushden tried to pull a goal back, but Duane Darby hit across goal which summed up a feeble effort in the first period.
Half time came and Brian Talbot could see that the defensive frailties were being taken advantage of to the full by Hereford, so Gary Mills came on for Shaun Carey and young Brett Solkhon was replaced by Simon Wormull. The second half was a slightly less exciting affair with Rushden coming back into the match, but still looked far short of a championship side. With nine minutes of the half gone, Darby hit over Cooksey's bar as Rushden struggled to get into the game.
A minute after the hour, Tony James turned in a Justin Jackson cross to give Diamonds hope, but to no avail. Duane Darby wasted to efforts, the first five minutes after the goal, when he hit just wide from a Jackson pass, and then Jon Brady's cross was headed over by the aggressive-looking Darby a minutes later.
Rushden continued to pressurise, but Hereford's defence cleared almost everything that the away side could throw at them. However, the Bulls came back into the match and first a drive from John Shirley went wide before Gavin Williams hit some sweet corners into the area which caused one or two problems for the defence.
The referee, Mr. P. Crossley of Bromley, Kent, made six bookings. Hereford's Tony James for a foul in the first half, and Paul Sturgess with seven minutes left for timewasting a throw-in. Jimmy Quiggin was also booked in the last minutes for unsporting behaviour. The Diamond players were cautioned for fouls; Turley, Mark Peters and Gary Mills.
An attendance of 2,005, including 398 from Northamptonshire, saw Rushden's sixteen match unbeaten ended by Hereford, who win their first league match in eight attempts. Full steam ahead for Forest Green on Monday, with a noon kick off at the Lawn.
Hereford - Cooksey, Clarke, Wright, James, Sturgess, Quiggin, Robinson, Shirley, Snape, Williams, Elmes
Substitutions - None.
Man of the Match - Matt Clarke.
YOUNG attacker Jimmy Quiggin has told of his delight at today's 3-1 victory over Rushden & Diamonds at Edgar Street. "It was enjoyable," he said. "We changed the system and it's paying off. I think we played well the other night with it and it's just a matter of getting the ball in the back of the net. I think we played so well that it would take a good side to stop us in the first half."
Rob Elmes was equally pleased with a victory: "We outplayed them for the vast majority of the game and the first half was probably our best performance of the season. If we'd been offered 3-1 before the game then we'd have settled for that."
On the new tactic with Quiggin and Williams playing either side of Elmes, Quiggin said: "I prefer to play up front but I'm enjoying it, gettting into the game a lot more and it's paying dividends." Rob Elmes added: "It means I don't have to run! With three up front it does help because we've got two fast players either side of me."
With a match at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, the team are ready to gain revenge for last week's Trophy defeat, according to Quiggin. "Everyone is looking towards beating them," he said.
April 15th:
THE club have announced that the balloon race, due to be held yesterday, has been delayed until the day of the Morecambe match (28th April) due to poor ticket sales. Anyone wishing to sell tickets should contact the club on 01432 276666, and if you haven't bought a ticket just pop into the club shop. The Junior Bulls hope to release 1000 balloons.
The Edgar Street pitch is available for hire for local clubs any day between the 2nd and 10th of May. For more details contact the club on 01432 276666.
Grenville Smith has organised 'The Ultimate Tribute Show' featuring Abba, Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart and Freddie Mercury to be held at Edgar Street on Saturday, 14th July. All the fun starts at 6pm, and tickets are available from the club on 01432 276666.
A HUISA members meeting is due to be held next Saturday at 12.15pm in the Richmond Club. All HUISA members are welcome.
The club shop has some superb new products in stock, including 'I'm a little Bull' T-shirt with logo priced at £6.50. Please call in or log onto www.bull-shop.com for a full product range.
The Save The Bulls Fund sponsored by netsounds.com was launched yesterday with the first draw. If you wish to donate an amount to the club and have a chance of winning the monthly draw (20% of the proceeds), please pick up a mandate form from the club shop or via the official website (www.herefordunited.co.uk). For every pound donated, one entry in the draw is received so the more you donate, the higher your chances of winning.
James Wall, the Hereford defender who has flown out to the USA to join Nashville Metros this week, spoke to Andy Holmes of the Evening News about his move before he left. He has decided tro swap the bleak British weather for the sun of the United States, and who can blame him. His deal, which is on a full-time basis, came to fruition after months of preparation. "I would've done some coaching last summer, but I broke my ankle during the previous English season", he said.
"In November I spoke to someone out there and he gave me the idea of actually playing in the States. I got a couple of contact numbers and had some very tentative chats with some managers before I was offered a contract in January. A few clubs came to watch me play at Hereford, and out of the three clubs that offered me a deal I opted for Nashville."
The twenty-year-old who joined United from Derby County in July 1999, flew out on Wednesday and is already looking forward to some very different training routines.
"We train at 7.30 in the morning because of the humidity. If we haven't got a game we'll sometimes do another session in the afternoon. We'll also be flying to get to some of the games."
Wall's first team opportunities have again been limited this year and he admits to being disappointed. "I am a little to be honest. I missed pre-season which is a massive blow to any player. My broken ankle cost me two and a half months and I wasn't fit to be selected until October. I've enjoyed it when I've played and I've done well."
Although football will never be the number one sport in the country the standard in the US has improved recently and Wall will be in illustrious company at Nashville. "In our squad we've got Toto Scillachi who played for Italy in the 1990 World Cup and our captain started off with Everton and played a hundred games in the first division. It's an English club within America. The manager's English, the coach is English and there are quite a few English players. All in all it's quite a homely place to go to."
Graham Turner has said that he hopes to get Manchester United to play at Edgar Street this summer as part of an earlier agreement with Sir Alex Ferguson. United won the Premier League yesterday, a good month before the end of the season, and Turner has Ferguson's word that the game will go ahead.
He said: "Ron Jukes, the chief scout, has spoken to Alec and he said he'll bring a side over. He can't promise that it'll be the full first team but what we want is one or two of the big names."
"We'll get a good turnout. He (Ferguson) doesn't owe me any favours but I've known him for a long time and I signed his son whilst I was at Wolves."
April 16th:
FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1 - 1 HEREFORD UNITED
Hereford United failed to get revenge over Forest Green Rovers for their FA Trophy defeat, drawing 1-1 at the Lawn. In the third match between the two sides in just over two weeks, it was Rovers who will be satisfied with the point as it pulls them further away from the drop zone.
With a superb 3-1 victory over league leaders Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday, Bulls' boss Graham Turner decided to stick with the same team. The three man strikeforce was implemented, with Elmes the targetman. The only change from the side was on the substitutes bench where striker Steve Piearce was dropped for Ian Rodgerson, who was available once again after suspension.
Forest Green Rovers named former Hereford striker Adrian Foster in attack with Alex Meecham, with Frankie Bennett just behind. Ex-England and Aston Villa attacker Tony Daley started on the bench, and was destined not to feature in a side managed by Nigel Spink and David Norton.
The game was always going to be a hard fought affair as tensions were still running high following the recent matches between the two. A smaller Hereford following than last time made the trip south, but still a sizeable two hundred travelled for the almost meaningless match for the Bulls.
Forest Green made the most of their home advantage, and created the first chance of the game. Alex Meecham had his effort bundled out by Tony James, and a minute later Mark Shaw tried a long range effort. Shaw, who was making his home debut following his recent move from Matlock Town, caused Hereford's number one Scott Cooksey no problems as he received the ball in his arms.
Gavin Williams then tested Steve Perrin, but Perrin could do nothing on fourteen minutes as Hereford took the lead. A cross came in from Gavin Williams on the left hand side and Chris Burns deflected the ball off his chest and past Perrin. Hereford had the lead from a very lucky own goal.
The free kicks kept on coming, firstly from Mark Cooper when Cooksey was forced to stretch to knock away, and then a second effort created another good opening for the home side. However, Hereford then started to win tackles and gain more possession. They started to pressurise the home goal and for a while, it looked as if they could have extended their lead.
After a third of the match, Hereford's Jimmy Quiggin gained possession and from close range, hit a shot which looked destined for goal. Luckily for Rovers, Steve Perrin was on hand to save with his feet. Soon after, Perrin was involved in a clash which required treatment and for the remainder of the half, was unable to take goal kicks.
With five minutes on the half remaining and acutely positioned free kick on the right was knocked in by Gavin Williams, and John Shirley was on hand but couldn't aim his effort on target. Four minutes of added time was played, and it turned out to be the downfall of Hereford United.
Three minutes had been played when Martin Foster made a good run into the Hereford area with the defence nowhere. He played a good one-two with Mark Cooper before proceeding to beat Cooksey from close range. The half couldn't have ended in a worse fashion for Hereford, but the second period turned out to be a totally different affair.
There were far fewer openings, and at times the game became scrappy. For the first few minutes, Hereford looked improved and were on top of their hosts. Gavin Williams had a free kick saved before Robinson headed wide of the far post. Elmes then missed a good chance from another free kick, one of thirty five on the day, and the introduction of Ian Rodgerson for Phil Robinson on the hour gave Hereford a fresh pair of legs.
Soon after, Alex Meecham hit in a ball from the left hand side for Adrian Foster to hit over the crossbar for Rovers' fist real chance of the half after twenty minutes. Elmes failed to connect onto another Williams' long ball, and with twenty minutes left the disappointing Frankie Bennett made a superb run past two of the Hereford back line. He made it to one-on-one with Cooksey, but the Hereford man came out on top to keep the scores level.
Kerry Giddings came on for Jimmy Quiggin to add extra power to the Hereford front line thirteen minutes from time, but to no avail. Ian Wright headed just over at the back post in added time at the end of the game, but that was as close as Hereford came to securing the points.
Referee Mr. A. M. Penn of Kingswinford dished out four yellow cards, all for fouls. The cautioned quartet were Rovers' Adrian Foster, Mark Cooper, Billy Clark and Hereford's Matt Clarke three minutes from time. An attendance of 1,076 turned out for the encounter which has pushed Rovers closer to safely and done little for Hereford United's LDV Trophy push.
Hereford - Cooksey, Clarke, Wright, James, Sturgess, Quiggin, Robinson, Shirley, Snape, Williams, Elmes
Substitutions - Rodgerson (60), Giddings (77).
Man of the Match - Jimmy Quiggin.
YOUNG gun John Shirley found that today's match against Forest Green was a complete transformation from Saturday's victory over Rushden & Diamonds.
Talking to the BBC's Steve Miller, he said: "It was a bit different from Saturday's game; it was more physical. In midfield, every ball was a fighting ball. Not a lot of football was being played. For the last three or four games we've outplayed opposition. At Dover, we absolutely battered them although we didn't get a result. It's been the story of the last few games."
The new tactic with three in attack gives John Shirley a new role in the side, and he said it's been vital in securing points over the last couple of matches: "They don't know how to deal with the system. It's paying off by the looks of things at the moment."
On today's draw, he was disappointed by the result. "We went one up and we should really have been able to hold it. It was unlucky in the end but that's the way it goes sometimes," he said. "I'll try and keep the runs going, try and stay in the team and hope I haven't left it too late to get another contract." His current deal runs out at the end of the season.
Gavin Williams agreed that it was a hard match: "It was a difficult game. The pitch has dried out since the last time, it was very lively and both sides found it a little bit difficult. As soon as we scored, I think we dropped back a bit and they came more into the game. I think we were on top for much of the second half."
On Wednesday's match at home to Kingstonian, he said: "They'll be fighting for their lives so it should be a terrific game on Wednesday. They'll be fighting for every ball."
Overall, Williams was not pleased with this campaign. "I think it's been a disappointing season really," he said. "If we'd have got to the final at Villa Park everyone would be saying it would have been a great season but it is just disappointing to lose the cup semi final."
April 17th:
THE Football Conference have announced a new sponsorship deal with the Nationwide Building Society. The league will pocket £1.4 million over the next four years, according to the BBC. The deal will run out at the end of 2004/ 2005 season, and Conference chief executive John Moules said: "The sponsorship has been one of the most successful in sport in the United Kingdom.
"To have a partner of the calibre of Nationwide Building Society - which also sponsors the Football League and the England team - illustrates how highly our 22-club competition is regarded. This represents a huge input of income for the Nationwide Conference and provides our clubs with valuable support."
Nationwide head of sports marketing Peter Gandolfi said: "The extension to this sponsorship reinforces Nationwide's commitment to the community and all levels of football.
"Nationwide is an organisation rooted in the community - just like the 22 teams in The Football Conference. Our links with soccer throughout the UK are broad and extensive, with sponsorships from grass roots level right through to the national teams.
"We are delighted to be on board with the Conference until 2005 - the new deal demonstrates our long-term commitment to football and, in particular, to the Nationwide Conference."
TWO former Hereford United strikers made a successful return to Edgar Street yesterday as they won the Herefordshire Senior Cup.
Paul Burton, who made five appearances for the Bulls between 1989 and 1992, scored as Kington Town beat Ross United 2-0, with the other goal coming courtesy of Dave Cadwallender, an own goal.
Gary Stevens also played for Kington, and made almost ninety appearances and scored ten goals for Hereford in three seasons during the late 1980's. He has now won HFA medals with four different Herefordshire clubs.
DAVID Norton, the Forest Green manager, told the local press that Hereford deserved a point at the Lawn yesterday, but thought they could get three points from the match before kick off.
"Before the game we were looking to get three points out of it, which is a sign of how much we've improved and how much higher the confidence in the club is," said Rovers co-manager Norton. "We are disappointed, but on reflection a point was a pretty fair for both teams.
"We may not have played with the urgency that we have been playing with recently, but I didn't think Hereford threatened us too much and we had everything in control. They got a goal and we showed a lot of character to bounce back. Our performances have got better and we need results to back that up. Getting to the Trophy final has given us a lot of confidence and that's showing in our league games."
Meanwhile, Kingstonian boss Geoff Chapple, whose side play Hereford tomorrow at Edgar Street, is eager to gain a victory to boost morale and pull away from the drop zone.
The London side are five points from safety and Chapple said: "We're under great pressure. Nothing short of four victories from six will do. It's backs-to-the-wall stuff but we've got to maintain our self-belief and remain positive."
April 18th:
GRAHAM Turner has told the Worcester Evening News that he wants to qualify for the LDV Trophy next season, so his side must push for eighth place.
Turner said: "We would like to go unbeaten for the rest of the season, and the target now is eighth place. To be honest I don't think the Rushden game was very much different from the first-half performance against Forest Green in the Trophy - the difference was that we put our chances away."
On Kingstonian, tonight's opponents, he commented: "I would think they would have to come here and win to have any chance of survival. Their position surprises me considering the quality of their squad."
HEREFORD UNITED 0 - 0 KINGSTONIAN
A no score draw was the result of tonight's Conference match at Edgar Street, with the London side and the Herefordians cancelling each other out for ninety minutes. A poor encounter looked exactly like the almost meaningless match that it was, with few goalscoring opportunities. Kingstonian look as good as relegated from the Conference as they failed to win, and Hereford will be hard pushed to reach the LDV Trophy places.
Graham Turner made just one change from the side that drew at Forest Green Rovers, with Phil Robinson dropped for Ian Rodgerson who returned from suspension. Robinson was seen on the pitch before the game discussing tactics with the team, so perhaps he was ultimately in charge of proceedings.
Geoff Chapple named Jimmy Glass in goal for his relegation-threatened side. Glass scored the vital goal for Carlisle in 1998/99 which kept the Cumbrians up and sent Scarborough down. Former Scottish under 21 internation Derek Allan was named in defence, as was ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Shrewsbury Town man Simon Stewart. Experienced Football League midfielder Mark Harris started in the side, and on-loan Gavin Holligan from West Ham was named in attack. Three players, Eddie Akuamoah, Ronnie Green and Ian Duerden, were dropped from the side beaten 1-0 by Telford United.
Despite their lowly league position, Kingstonian came out to attack first and won their first corner after just two minutes. They attempted to break the deadlock early on with Gavin Holligan hitting wide of Scott Cooksey's goal from just outside the area, and Ian Wright played well when he stopped Sammy Winston on his run goalwards.
After eight minutes, Hereford made their first real effort when Jimmy Quiggin hit the ball goalwards from twenty yards, but Glass was equal to the shot. The K's Mark Beard, formerly of Sheffield United, Millwall and Southend United, hit a weak shot at Cooksey on eleven minutes and from then on, it was one-way traffic as Hereford laid seige to Kingstonian's goal.
Gavin Williams, who looked sharper and fitter on the night, received a ball from John Snape but he couldn't find the killer touch as Glass ran towards the loose ball to save. A couple of minutes later, Rob Elmes crossed for Williams, but Glass saved well to push the ball away for a corner.
With thity five minutes on the clock, Hereford almost went in front when Harris headed the ball on his own crossbar, and moments after, captain Ian Wright for Hereford had a superb header tipped over by Glass.
Half time came with Kingstonian lacking in ambition and content defending in numbers against Hereford's attack. The home side had much of the play overall, but failed to break through the K's back line.
The second half began in much the same way as the first had ended, with a Gavin Williams free-kick hit wide by Elmes, but Kingstonian were looking to break on the counter attack. They got their chance ten minutes in, when Gavin Holligan, who had looked dangerous up front for the K's all night, broke free and it took a good save from Scott Cooksey to keep the scores level. Holligan's pace was threatening the Hereford defence all night, and it was down to Cooksey on a couple of occasions that he didn't net.
On the hour, Sammy Winston, formerly of Ryman League side Sutton United, hit from close range and Cooksey made a superb diving save to keep Hereford in the game. Ian Wright fought back to drive a ball goalwards which Glass tipped just over, and then Ian Rodgerson shot inches over the crossbar.
Cooksey made a late save from a weak Winston shot, but Hereford had yet again failed to break the deadlock. One player warranting a special mention for Hereford was Matt Clarke, who tormented the K's left side of defence and linked well with Jimmy Quiggin to cause plenty of problems. The left wing wasn't quite as threatening, with Sturgess having a poor game. The former Charlton man came off with fifteen minutes left for youngster Nick Plotnick, and Paul Parry also entered the action for Jimmy Quiggin.
With both sides playing their third game in six days, obviously there were tired legs but it was good to see that frustation didn't boil over onto the pitch. Sammy Winston looked to get a little annoyed at a couple of decisions made by referee Mr. D. R. Spicer of Totten, but the official didn't have to make any bookings on the night.
Hereford secured two unwanted statistics last night. Not only did they draw their tenth league match at Edgar Street this season, but just over 867 turned out for the game, the lowest league gate ever at Edgar Street.
Hereford - Cooksey, Clarke, Wright, James, Sturgess, Quiggin, Rodgerson, Shirley, Snape, Williams, Elmes
Substitutions - Parry (73), Plotnek (76).
Man of the Match - Ian Wright.
April 19th:
HUISA Chairman Kevin Wargen has called for a big turnout at this Saturday's HUISA Meeting at the Richmond Club at 12.15pm. All HUISA members are welcome and the committee wish to hearthe views of members on how they should operate during the close season.
Also, the Player of the Year event on April 28th at 8pm is hoped to be successful, and votes have been coming in. Tickets can be purchased from Richard Burkin at £5 each.
HUISA travel is on the road for the final two league matches of the season. The Yeovil Town game on Tuesday, 1st May departs Edgar Street at 4.30pm and has a £9 fare, whilsy on Saturday 5th, United are away at Boston. The coach departs at 9am, and costs £15. If you wish to book, please contact the club on 01432 276666 or call into Legends this Saturday before the match.
Ricky George was delighted with the sales of his book, 'One Goal, One Horse', at the Maylords Orchard shopping centre on Good Friday. He signed copies of the book at the stand in the shopping centre set up by Jane Griffiths, Bulls-Shop.com manageress.
Ricky said: "It was great to be able to meet some of the supporters of my time at the club and the book sale went much better than I expected. I had to arrange for the publishers to send more copies down to Birmingham which I collected on Saturday morning so that they could go on sale in the club shop."
On the 3-1 victory over Conference leaders Rushden & Diamonds on the Saturday, he said: "It was tremendous to be back at Edgar Street and Hereford well deserved their win."
Just 867 supporters turned out to watch last night's Hereford United vs Kingstonian league match at Edgar Street, a record low attendance for a league match in the history of the club.
Whilst it was an almost meaningless match, a good number of people would have stayed at home to see Manchester United's elimination from the European Champions' League against Bayern Munich. It was particularly disappointing to see a good crowd in the Legends Bar watching the game but not attending the Hereford match.
Kingstonian boss Geoff Chapple was pleased with his side's performance in last night's 0-0 draw. He said: "I was proud of every one of them," he said. "We played with great tempo and had three very good chances. That was a great performance but it may be too late in the day."
Graham Turner commented: "We had a good spell in the first half when they created chances. Gavin Williams had three but didn't take them."
On the low attendance, he quipped: "I appreciate the fact that they turned up."
April 20th:
NEIL Thompson, the Scarborough manager, is hoping to gain at least a point against Hereford at Edgar Street tomorrow. He said: "We have played some good stuff recently so hopefully we can keep them below us in the table.
"But we've had five games in 13 days, which Hereford haven't so I know it will be a tough game. Hereford will be a tough nut to crack. They are a strong, well organised team. We lost 4-2 at home when we played well but gave away some sloppy goals."
Meanwhile, Graham Turner wants to revive hopes of finishing in an LDV Trophy place. He told the Evening News today: "It puts the pressure on us now, but we still want to win as many games as we can until the end of the season."
He said of the Kingstonian stalemate: "We had enough chances in the first-half to have won the game, but in the second-half they defended deep and made life difficult for us. We didn't really create anything after the break."
On Scarborough, Turner said: "They have some decent players and will be tricky opponents. There can't be too many changes to our side because of the personnel we have available."
April 21st:
THE following statement has been released by the Nationwide Conference this morning after a meeting of the Board of Directors:
The Nationwide Conference has reviewed the Football League's offer of two promotion places at a meeting of its Board of Directors.
The eight-man Board has requested an urgent meeting with the League to negotiate the proposal and agree a fair and acceptable financial arrangement for relegated clubs. The talks are aimed at introducing the new promotion structure next season.
As part of the negotiation process, meetings with the Football Association - who have been involved with the discussions from the initial stages - are scheduled next week to help clear the path for increased promotion between the Conference and the Football League.
Additional talks with the FA Premier League are also scheduled in order to determine a universally accepted formula for calculating 'Parachute Payments' to clubs relegated at all levels.
Conference Chairman Bill King stated: "The proposition for increased promotion places to the Football League is now fully accepted in the game. The next stage is to visit the parachute payment policy more carefully and arrive at a policy that sits comfortably at all levels of football - from the Premier League to the Football League, from the League to the Conference.
"We have a very tight deadline to get this done in time for next season and the Conference, League and FA must work closely to get everything finalised ahead of our AGMs this summer."
HEREFORD top scorer Rob Elmes has told the Evening News' Andy Holmes how life in this season's Conference is much harder than last term. After beating last year's total of fifteen goals, Elmes has netted sixteen times this term and said it's getting harder
"Last year I was an unknown quantity to a lot of teams but they've done their homework on me this season," he said. "It's been hard at times, but I'm up with last season's total. I'm judged ultimately on the goals I score and I've had a fair return. It's not an outstanding total but I'd have settled for it at the start of the season."
As he is a teacher in Sutton Coldfield, Elmes said there is little chance of him turning full-time. "Football's more of a hobby, whereas I'm aiming to get a promotion in teaching, even though I'm now playing sport at a higher standard," he said. "I still enjoy it and as long as that continues I'll carry it on."
Other part-timers at the club such as Jimmy Quiggin and John Snape often perform better that some full-timers, and Elmes puts it down to enthusiasm. He commented: "We've always been part-timers and because of that we look forward to games with perhaps a bit more enthusiasm than the full timers who train all week."
On this season, Elmes is hoping that it won't fizzle out to nothing. "It's looks like it might at the moment and that's not what we want," he said. "We'd like to finish as high as we can and we never go out to deliberately do badly but sometimes it happens for one reason or another. We're judged on our league season, that's our bread and butter and we need to finish on a high."
HEREFORD UNITED 1 - 1 SCARBOROUGH
Hereford United recorded their eleventh home draw of the season in the Nationwide Conference as Scarborough held the Bulls to a 1-1 draw. With just one point between the two sides before kick off, this match was always going to be close.
The home side were without the suspended Matt Clarke and Rob Elmes, who was ill, but Paul Sturgess recovered from injury in time to be named in Graham Turner's starting line up. Jimmy Quiggin and Gavin Williams formed the attack, with John Shirley pushed into the right back role and Ian Rodgerson playing on the right side of midfield.
The Seadogs, managed by Neil Thompson, were without the suspended defender Shaun Rennison, and Romain Faure missed out with calf strain.
Hereford United started well, and played the better football in the opening ten minutes. However, the away side soon settled into the game and ended up taking control and it was no surprise when they went into the lead. Jamie Burt squandered a good chance in the early period, and Burt made Cooksey save on twenty four minutes as the goalkeeper tipped his effort away. From the resultant corner, defender Paul Ellender volleyed Scarborough in front.
This gave Hereford a spark to come back. Paul Parry picked up the ball in the middle of the park, and then proceeded to make a superb goalward run. However, he stuttered and fluffed his shot when one-on-one with Scarborough 'keeper Andy Woods. Soon after, Tony James hit a shot goalwards only to see it headed clear. Hereford were certainly now on top of the game.
On thirty three minutes, Ian Rodgerson netted a rare goal to level the scores. John Shirley broke away on the right wing before providing a fine cross into the box, and Rodgerson blasted his header home at the Meadow End to draw the scores level.
From then on, Hereford played with more commitment, attacking at Scarborough but failing to find the net.
The second half was something of a bore. Gareth Stoker forced Cooksey to make a low save, but otherwise there were little in the way of early chances. Eleven minutes in, Gavin Williams and Paul Parry worked well together before Phil Robinson had a header well saved by Woods.
The introduction of Kerry Giddings for Jimmy Quiggin just after the hour gave the home side more strength in attack, but it had little effect against a concrete Scarborough defence.
Kerry Giddings provided the ball to Ian Rodgerson, who hit the crossbar on seventy seven minutes to wake up more than a few of the supporters for both sides, but there was very little in the way of goalmouth action on offer.
Soon after, Cooksey saved well from Ellender, and several other Scarborough attacks were scuppered by good use of the offside ruling by the home defence.
Paul Parry went down injured for the second time in the game, and this time was stretchered off with a leg injury after a delay to proceedings. Steve Piearce came on to play his first match since 2nd December, when he scored at Morecambe. He did manage to create an effort for John Snape, but the midfielder hit the twenty yard effort well over the crossbar.
Referee Mr. K. Stroud of Bournemouth cautioned four players, all for fouls. Scarborough's Paul Atkinson was booked on thirty two minutes, with Paul Sturgess cautioned after ten minutes of the second period. Paul Ellender was lucky not to be sent off after several reckless challenges, and was cautioned on eighty six minutes for a challenge on Kerry Giddings. The caution was Ellender's sixteenth of the season, and Scott Cooksey made a late tackle on substitute Cherif Diallo in added time. After being shown the yellow card, Cooksey redeemed himself by saving the resulting free kick.
An attendance of 1,304 watched this one, and there was little to tempt Hereford fans into returning for the final home league game against Morecambe next Saturday. A typical end of season encounter with little to play for ended with the deserved result - a draw.
Hereford - Cooksey, Shirley, Wright, James, Sturgess, Quiggin, Rodgerson, Robinson, Snape, Williams, Parry
Substitutions - Giddings (62), Piearce (83).
Man of the Match - John Shirley.
April 23rd:
SCARBOROUGH boss Neil Thompson has critised the Edgar Street pitch after a 1-1 draw against Hereford on Saturday.
"It was an end of season pitch today. Very bobbly and certainly affected our play," claimed Thompson. "We played the better football in the first half but it was a bit of a disappointment in the second. We did not get anything going at all. We have also drawn too many games this season and that is something that we have to work on for next year."
Paul Ellender, who scored the goal for Scarborough but also was booked late on for an awful challenge on Kerry Giddings, was praised by Thompson.
"Paul is a big threat from corners and I think that is the sixth goal that he had got this season," he said.
Meanwhile, Ian Rodgerson thought he had scored a second goal with thirteen minutes left when the ball cruely rebounded off the bar.
"I thought that I had scored", said Rodgerson. "It looked as though it was going in but it then hit the post. The first however, did go in. It was a good cross from John Shirley and I got behind the Seadogs defence to head home."
April 24th:
HEREFORD United youngster John Shirley wants to stay at the club after his current contract runs out at the end of the season. The nineteen year old broke into the first team recently and has impressed with his performances.
"It is great to have finally made the first team," said Shirley. "I want to stay in full-time football and I am confident I can do well next season. But I hope I have not left it too late for Mr Turner to give me another contract."
April 25th:
HEREFORD chairman Graham Turner has received a bill of around £10,000 from the Football League, to help fill the defecit in the Football League Pension and Life Assurance Scheme, a fund for managers, coaches and administrative staff currently at £15,000,000.
The money will be paid in installments over the next seven years, but Graham Turner cannot afford that kind of money. He said: "The poor clubs will have to foot a disproportionate amount for the fat cats to live a life of luxury in retirement."
The amount required from each club has been worked out by a complicated mathematical process based not on League status but on how much had been contributed to the pension scheme during its life, according to the Hereford Times.
Ian Stott, chairman of the fund's trustees, said: "There is a deficit which we are obliged by law to reclaim from employers. We are trying to do it as fairly as possible and we are looking at how the situation happened."
Turner continued: "Among the pages of explanation we have, there was a clause saying that clubs no longer members of the Football League, like ourselves and Scarborough, should not be asked for a contribution, but this was felt unfair on Football League clubs. Unfair on League clubs who will receive at least £390,000 from the League pot next season, while we get just £8,000 from the Conference! The powers that be who have made the decision to disregard the recommendation do not understand what the word fairness means.
"When Hereford were in the Football League in 1995 the fund was in surplus. It is not inconceivable that some individual's pension per year will be higher than our entire wage bill."
Keith Hall is due to launch a fundraising campaign for next season called the 'Goal Rush', costing just £1 per entry.
Hall has been working for several months on a fund raising idea, to be held on home Saturday afternoon match days only. It is based on the 'top' goalscoring football team from the Premiership, Football League, Conference and Scottish League too if he can get enough fans interested to part with their cash!
The principal is for fans to enter with a £1 stake for every Saturday home Conference fixture for the season. Say, 15 matches. This would be split into 5 week periods so you can pay just £5, £10 or £15 in one go.
Due to the way the competition is designed there is likely to be a 'jackpot' prize rollover into future weeks as this will only be paid out when there is a single winner. When more than one person 'wins' there will be a consolation prize of £5 for each winner!
All proceed less prize money will go to the club, and Keith Hall will administer the scheme. To get enough interest and money up front, the United "Goal Rush" will be launched in the summer ready for the new season. The jackpot winners of the "Goal Rush" will be announced over the PA, and the rollover jackpot will rise and rise, and will be publicised on the electronic scoreboard.
Each person will be allocated their club to follow at a major club draw at the start of next season - a bit like the FA Cup Draw!
If you are interested in either:
1. Helping me to get fans to enter for £1 a match. (We will have to get these at £5 a time) 2. Want to Register your interest in having a go, please email Keith at keith.hall@lineone.net or insert your details below. No money is to be paid yet! The first jackpot will be at £200 minimum.
The Hereford Times has announced that ticket prices at Edgar Street will be unchanged for next season, and there is a discount for season tickets purchased by May 31st.
Area of ground Price before May 31st Prices after May 31st
Main Stand (Block B, C, D) ADULT £154 £180
Main Stand (Block B, C, D) CONCESSION £96 £110
Main Stand (Block A) ADULT + CHILD £208 £240
Main Stand (Block A) ADULT + 2 CHILDREN £242 £280
Main Stand (Block A) ADULT + 3 CHILDREN £312 £357
Main Stand (Block A) 2 ADULTS + CHILD £397 £453
Main Stand (Block A) SENIOR CITIZEN £96 £110
Len Weston Stand ADULT £154 £180
Len Weston Stand CONCESSION £96 £110
Behind Goal ADULT £116 £140
Behind Goal CONCESSION £53 £65
After a meeting of the liaison board at the club, the webmasters of the official site have released the following details:
There will be another 'Painting Weekend' this year. More details as and when it's arranged.
Tickets are on sale for the tribute night.
Tickets are still on sale for the Balloon race.
If there are second place play-offs in the Conference then Sky have offered a fee around £100,000 to cover them.
There is likely to be a Sportsman's dinner with John Motson and Ricky George (more details when available).
On top of Manchester United, the club are in talks with Cardiff City, Bristol City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton for pre-season friendlies though Graham Turner has stated that he will only play first teams.
Pre-season training starts on 9th July.
Midfielder Craig Hanson has left Hereford United for 'disciplinary reasons', according to boss Graham Turner. His contract was due to run out in the close season but he has left the club a month early. This season, Hanson started just three Conference games for the club.
Graham Turner has admitted that reaching an LDV Vans Trophy place will be very hard and wants to focus on next season as this term draws to a close. He told the Hereford Times: "I know that there is now little interest in the last matches. Consequently, it does take someone who is greatly interested in the future of the club to turn out."
With the second promotion place to Division Three looking unlikely to be implemented or nect season, Turner remains adamant that the plan will come to fruition. "It's the first time I have seen the word `offer' come from the Football League," he said. "What has now to be negotiated is the `parachute payments' to clubs relegated at all levels. But the parties concerned are facing a tight deadline to get it resolved and agree increased promotion places for next season."
April 27th:
GRAHAM Turner has asked for a victory from his side in the final home league game of the season, against Morecambe. After ten league draws at Edgar Street, Turner has admitted that a challenge at the top has been prevented by the home results.
He said: "We have had a disappointing season at home, and it will be nice to finish with a win. We haven't necessarily played badly but we haven't taken advantage of our periods of domination. We have had chances and not put them away."
Morecambe are managed by Jimmy Harvey, a former Edgar Street player, and Turner added: "They are a decent side and it's surprised me to see where they are in the table."
Talking to the BBC, Turner continued: "Morecambe have had a tough programme with a lot of games recently, but they're a very good footballing side and I'm somewhat surprised they're not doing better."
On this season, he said: "We're disappointed with the way we've finished the season. We were third or fourth in the table for a long period, but we've dropped off in the second half of the season. We haven't scored enough goals to be one of the top teams."
GROWN men wept the day Hereford United suffered the fate which awaits the side who finish at the foot of the Third Division a week tomorrow says the Independent.
According to Hereford's chairman-manager, Graham Turner, relegation to the Nationwide Conference was more than a crying shame, it was a financial hammer blow.
For one season after their relegation in 1997, the famous giantkillers received half the sponsorship and television money available to League clubs. This summer, when each member of the Third Division banks £390,000, Hereford will receive £8,000 from the backers of the top non-League competition.
"It's been a rude awakening," explains Turner, the former Wolves and Aston Villa manager. "Going down wasn't the end of the world, although it seemed it, but has been difficult financially. It has become a major issue because it's only one up and one down.
"The fact that ourselves, Doncaster, Scarborough and Chester (the last four demoted sides) haven't even come close to bouncing back despite staying full-time proves the strength of the Conference. To make it fairer, and even more competitive, three up and down would be ideal. Right now, League chairmen view us as the abyss and won't vote to tip themselves over by agreeing to another relegation place or two."
Hereford's demise was particularly traumatic because, like Lincoln 10 years earlier, they did not hit rock bottom all season until 4.45pm on the final Saturday. Needing to win, they scored early, but Brighton, who required only a draw after propping up the table for months, equalised to send Turner's team down on goal difference.
April 28th:
THE Football Association have annouced that a further meeting will take place regarding the restructuring of the Conference and its feeder leagues.
"A meeting of the FA National League System Committee was held on the 24th April to discuss further proposals for Restructuring of the FA National League System," say the FA." It has been decided to review these proposals at a meeting with the management of all 4 leagues; Conference, Northern Premier, Isthmian and Southern on 14th May." .
Yeovil Town will face their third match in four days when Hereford United visit Huish Park on Tuesday night in their penultimate Conference match of the season.
Thanks to postponements this season, the Conference have re-arranged the semi final of the Nationwide Variety Trophy between Kingstonian and Yeovil to be played at Huish Park on Monday 30th April, just two days after Yeovil's trip to Telford United and twenty four hours before Hereford visit the Somerset side. However, Rushden & Diamonds could wrap up the title before the match if they win today at home to Dover Athletic and Yeovil fail to win at Telford United.
Striker Barrington Belgrave will be back for Yeovil as he will complete his suspension against Kingstonian.
HEREFORD UNITED 2 - 2 MORECAMBE
Referee Mr. S. Castle stole the headlines as he disallowed a last minute goal from Ian Rodgerson for no apparent reason as Morecambe gained the point to stay in the league for another season. Hereford gained home league draw number twelve for this season with another display in which they dominated proceedings but failed to put the opposition away.
Graham Turner named a line-up which was without Matt Clarke, who was suspended, and Ian Wright, who was out with possible appendicitis. Rob Elmes returned up front but didn't look completely fit, and Phil Robinson dropped back into Wright's role at the back. John Snape was captain.
Morecambe, managed by Jimmy Harvey, was without defenders Jamie Murphy and Paul McGuire and strikers Garry Thompson and Mark Quayle but 'keeper Mark Smith shrugged off an injury.
The game began in dramatic fashion and it didn't take long for the referee to make his mark on the game. After just six minutes, Andy Fensome, the Morecambe full-back, was adjudged to have fouled Rob Elmes and was sent off by Castle, apparently for using foul and abusive language. Morecambe, just six minutes into the match, were down to ten men and Hereford surely had the advantage.
United took advantage of their extra man with good play from Paul Parry in particular, who played his best match of the season as he attacked the Morecambe goal. On twenty two minutes, Hereford found a gap in the Morecambe back line to go in front. Ian Rodgerson fired home from close range on the back post thanks to a cross from young winger Parry. Ian Rodgerson netted his second goal in as many matches and will hope to continue that run.
Gavin Williams went close soon after but failed to double the advantage, and on thirty three minutes Steward Drummond equalised for the away side. Scott Cooksey saved the inital shot well from Drummond, but the corner which was a result of the save was headed into the back of the net by Drummond.
At half time, Hereford were level despite having dominated for long periods and making the most chances and gaining the most possession. Their campaign to secure a second goal continued, and it came as a bit of a shock when Morecambe went in front eight minutes into the second period.
Colin Hunter hit a good shot as Cooksey, and the goalkeeper fumbled the effort. Robbie Talbot fired Morecambe in front into an empty net, and Cooksey must take full responsibility for the mishap.
Paul Parry continued his good form by hitting an effort goalwards which was blocked, and another Parry effort went just over, this time a header. Hereford, though, were creating less opportunities and found the Morecambe defence more sturdy as a unit.
Steve Bull and Kerry Giddings came on to add some weight to the front line, and Bull rewarded Graham Turner for his commitment by gaining United an equaliser. There were just six minutes left when Hereford finally scored; Bull volleyed home from twenty yards out past Mark Smith to put United back on level terms. A classic goal which satisfied the Hereford faithful.
In the final minutes, Phil Robinson hit just wide before Hereford thought that Ian Rodgerson had given them all three points. Mark Smith fumbled with the ball before throwing himself over Steve Piearce, and with the ball free, Ian Rodgerson was on hand to fire home. Celebrations began but for some bizarre reason, the referee cancelled out the effort. Perhaps a penalty should have been awarded because of the goalie's dive over Piearce, but a free-kick was indicated instead.
Referee Mr. S. Castle of Wolverhampton made just one booking in his contriversial game, cautioning Morecambe's Stewart Drummond eight minutes before the break for unsporting behaviour. An attendance of 1,437 turned out.
A disappointing result for Hereford who will feel that they were robbed of the three points. Morecambe, though, will be pleased just to be playing in the Conference next season, something which they have now won the right for.
Hereford - Cooksey, Shirley, Robinson, James, Sturgess, Quiggin, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, Williams, Elmes
Substitutions - Bull (59), Giddings (79), Piearce (89).
Man of the Match - Paul Parry.
IAN Rodgerson was left is disbelief at the referee's decision to disallow his last minute effort against Morecambe today. He has scored two goals in two games and said: "It should have been three. The referee said it was a foul on the 'keeper but I didn't see a foul. The 'keeper lost it and it bobbled out to me and I put it in. It should have been three points to us.
"The referee sent a lad off and in a way, it didn't help us because they only need a point and they defended in numbers. We put one or two balls in and in the end, we should have won the game."
United have drawn more than most at home this season and Rodgerson said: "We've drawn twelve games at home and that's just not good enough. You've got to win the majority of your home games and if we had we'd have been up the table."
On his new found scoring form, he commented: "It's being in the right place at the right time really. We've changed the system recently and it's a three man midfield and it's allowed me to get more central positions in the goal. I've made runs and lucky enough that the ball's come to me."
Today's goal was satisfying for Rodgerson, he said: "It was a good strike. The left back left it and it bobbled up nicely for me. I hit it on the volley and it went in."
United face Yeovil on Tuesday night and if Hereford win, the title is as good as Rushden's. Rodgerson is ready to hand the title to the Nene Park side: "They're our local rivals so we're looking forward to going down there and hopefully we can spoil the party. Saying there's nothing to play for is wrong."
Former Hereford star Jimmy Harvey was relieved that his Morecambe side got a point at Edgar Street yesterday to secure their Conference survival. Despite having Andy Fensome sent off early on, Harvey was delighted that their bad run had ended.
"We have had an awful run and it was paramount that we got a point at
Hereford," said Harvey. "A month ago we were pushing for a place in the top-six but we got behind with our league fixtures and have been playing a game every two days. The FA Trophy and FA Cup runs cost us dear and nearly got us relegated."
Meanwhile, congratulations to Farnborough Town who will be playing in the Nationwide Conference next year following yesterday's 2-1 win over Billericay Town. The result means that they have clinched the Ryman League title and the John Roberts Ground will host Conference football following a three year absence.
In the Dr. Martens League, Margate and Burton are still competing at the top but with Margate six points clear with two matches left, the Kent side will clinch the title if they gain a point at home to Newport County next Tuesday. If they lose and Burton win at Crawley Town, Burton will need to win on Saturday at home against Margate to gain the championship. Should goal difference be required to seperate the two, Margate's is two goals better.
The Unibond League is very close at the top with just one point seperating Stalybridge Celtic and Emley, but Stalybridge have a game in hand and one point more. In fact, victory for Celtic on Tuesday night at Droylsden will secure them a Conference place.
April 30th:
HEREFORD United supporters have been advised to arrive early for tomorrow's match at Huish Park as a large crowd is expected, according to Yeovil Town FC. With a 7.45pm kick off, away fans will not be allocated any seats and will be in the Bartlett Stand terracing.
Supporters are advised to allow plenty of time for parking and entrance into the ground.
Meanwhile, the former Hereford boos Colin Addison who is now in charge at Yeovil is hoping for three points to go level at the top with Rushden. He told the BBC: "It will encourage the players to have these two games at Huish Park. They've dug in well recently and kept their nerve after the goalless draw against Rushden when everyone said it was all over.
"But since then we've come up with two magnificent performances away from home and though it's not our style to shout about it from the rooftops, it's all in the melting pot now."
Talking to the official Yeovil Town website (www.ytfc.net), Addison said: "We've had a great ten days. A lot of people had written us off when we had to travel to Leigh RMI and Telford and Rushden had two home games during that time. But we have had two magnificent wins and we are still in there fighting. We're hoping for a nice big crowd to come in and back us."
"Warren Patmore is improving all the time," said Addison. "He's coming down today for more treatment, and we will have a look at him on the day, but we are hoping we might be able to get him on the bench for tomorrow. Also James Bent, who came off at half time during the Telford game, is not as bad as we thought. He's been in light training today and we think he will be fit for tomorrow."
"Martin Barlow's specialist has advised him to continue building himself up but not to rush into anything," Addison explained. "I can't really see either playing any part in the remainder of this season's plans now."
