Aug 1st:
THERE is a lot of players ex-kit at the club still available for purchase. This includes Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, Shorts, Boots etc.
These can be viewed by contacting Joan or visiting Jane at the club shop. Any sensible offer for these items will be considered.
There are also 2 full sets of Black and White Quartered Team Shirts for sale. Again, Any Sensible offer will be considered.
All items are on a first come first served basis.
Call the club for details on 01432 276666 for more details.
BOLDMERE St. Michaels 1 - 4 Hereford United
Boldmere's Church Road was the setting for Hereford United's third pre-season friendly, following one win and one defeat so far.
And Rob Elmes scored against his old club to help United make it played three, won two, lost one in a space of under a week. The local Sutton Coldfield schoolteacher will have been pleased to net his first goal in his first game of the pre-season campaign.
For the match, United were without Steve Piearce, Scott Cooksey, Phil Robinson, Matt Clarke and Ian Wright, whilst Jimmy Quiggin hadn't recovered enough from his recent operation to play.
The first goal came after five minutes when Paul Parry received a ball from the Boldmere goalkeeper after he spilled an effort from on-trial former Leek Town striker Danny Davidson, and Parry was on-hand to put United 1-0 up.
Half an hour was on the clock when Rob Elmes, playing his first pre-season match since returning from holiday, doubled the score. Scorer turned provider as Paul Parry swung in a perfect cross for Elmes to net one of his trademark headers.
The second half arrived with four changes being made for United, with all four substitutes coming on. Two of them managed to add to the score as they turned out an impressive display.
Gavin Williams made it 3-0 just a couple of minutes after the restart. A cross came in from the wing and Danny Davidson did the hard work with a good header down. Gavin Williams was then on hand to volley in from seven yards out, giving the goalkeeper now chance.
If the United faithful thought that goal was good, they were delighted with the fourth. Recent signing Scott Goodwin, of Hednesford, passed a couple of defenders before hitting a sweet curling shot into the top right corner of the net.
Shaun Derry could have made it 5-0 with a few minutes left but the Boldmere goalkeeper did well to push his shot from just outside the box onto the crossbar.
United were comfortable at 4-0, and it was a bit of a shame when on-trial Nick Plotnek hand balled when sliding in the area, and Matt Baker went the wrong way from the resulting penalty shootout. Nevertheless the crowd which amounted to about 250 will be pleased with the footballing show on offer, and the small United travelling contingent will have gone home happy.
Boldmere were not as impressive as expected but it gave the trialists to show off what they're capable of. No one failed to impress with Derry and Jackson impressing, and also the performance of Rob Elmes was good to see considering it was his first match of the season.
Aug 2nd:
FORMER Hereford United club doctor Andrew Reed has retired as a GP in the city after twenty six years. He first became doctor for United in 1971 and watched ten managers come and go over twenty five years with the club.
"I watched Hereford United beat Newcastle United in the 1972 FA Cup and I've been a club supporter ever since," he told Heath Aston of the Hereford Times. "It was after this when the team got into the league that Colin Addison asked me to be team doctor because they thought it wasn't appropriate to continue having a gynaecologist in charge.
"Players like Eric Redrobe, Dixie McNeil and Terry Paine, who had eleven caps for England in the mid-70s, are some of the characters of whom I have fond memories. Eric Redrobe would have a whiskey at half-time while many of them would have cups of tea, there was none of the drinking Gatarade.
"I was always against smoking but Eric's tot of whiskey seemed to suit his style. He would chat up the referee and never get booked."
Reed is still friends with the likes of George Mallender and Tommy Hughes, and revealed that he would hypnotise players who had imagined injuries and convince them that they were fit enough to play. The sixty four year old will be fondly remembered by Hereford United fans, and will hopefully be seen at Edgar Street for years to come.
Meanwhile, the Hereford Times reports that officials from the Nationwide Conference are planning a legal challenge against the FA decision quashing the proposed end-of-season play-offs to Division Three. An extraordinary general meeting takes place in London later this month.
GRAHAM Turner expects a crowd of over 4,000 to turn out for this Saturday's match at Edgar Street against a Manchester United XI.
He is pleased with the ticket sales so far and is expecting people also to play-on-the day. He spoke to Ian Morgan of the Hereford Times and said that it will be a huge game. "Manchester United are a tremendous club, their record speaks for itself, and they have an outstanding youth set-up," he said. "We are all expecting to get a glimpse of the next David Beckhams or Paul Scholes. The success of their youth policy suggests that future internationals will be on show.
"A number of Manchester United's present players have progressed through their ranks and although we know it will be a young side, we are hoping there may be one or two more experienced players in their squad. But it's a very exciting game for us to see the next group of rising stars coming off the club's conveyor belt.
"We want to give them a good game and they are likely to pose different problems to us than the ones which Conference clubs do. I expect the Manchester United lads to be much sharper, more skilful and better on the ball than those we usually come up against."
The Manchester United squad has now been confirmed to include Ronnie Johnson, Quentin Fortune, David May, Jonathan Greening and Michael Clegg. A total of ten players have Premiership experience, according to the official website.
Team news for United is that Ian Wright (calf) and Matt Clarke (hamstring) are expected to recover in time for the game. Rob Elmes, who came off at half time against Boldmere with a strained lower back, will also recover in time. Scott Cooksey, though, is out for six weeks due to the occurrence of septicaemia after his initial wrist operation, according to the official website (www.herefordunited.co.uk). He is not likely to make the start of the season, and Matt Baker is expected to deputise for at least the next six weeks.
Aug 3rd:
MANCHESTER United have released their squad for tomorrow's game at Edgar Street, and Graham Turner will be delighted that it includes no fewer than ten big names who have been vital to the Red Devils and their successes over the past few years.
Whilst David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Juan-Sebastian Veron, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes and Jaap Stam will be playing in Brian Flynn's testimonial at Wrexham tomorrow, a Manchester United XI at Edgar Street is likely to field some of United's other first teamers. England internationals Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Andy Cole are expected to play, as is £12,600,000 striker Dwight Yorke.
Other players due to be seen at Hereford include Dutch goalkeeper Raimond Van Der Gouw, young stars Wesley Brown and Quinto Fortune, and Irish duo Denis Irwin and Roy Keane, the United captain.
The squad in full is: Raimond Van Der Gouw, Nick Culkin, Lee Roche, Wesley Brown, Ronny Johnsen, Phil Neville, Bojan Djordjic, Nicky Butt, Michael Stewart, Quinton Fortune, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Mark Lynch, Danny Webber, Paul Tierney, Gary Sampson, Alan Tate, Michael Clegg, Roy Keane and Denis Irwin.
Graham Turner's wish that a 4,500 crowd may turn out looks to have been boosted by the news. The initial squad was just expected to include youngsters and reserves, but the news has delighted Hereford fans everywhere.
"We were completely stunned when we saw the squad released to us," told Hereford United director George Hyde to the Nationwide website. "We had been expecting a young talented side with one or two experienced players, but the inclusion of Keane, Cole and Yorke is a big bonus for us."
Prior to the announcement, Graham Turner told the Evening News: "I have no idea who they are sending but they have just returned from a Far East Tour and played Celtic but it is possible they will send one or two recognised names. I know all about their stars like Beckham, Scholes and Giggs but what will interest me is the stars of the future that could be on show.
"Manchester United always produce international players and I have no doubt with their academy and youth policy we will be looking for the first time at the next generation of Beckhams. It will be exciting to pick out the stars and it should be a terrific game.
In fact with Everton and Barnet on Sky as well we have got a terrific build up ahead for the next fortnight."
However, Hereford have one or two injury worried for themselves. Goalkeeper Scott Cooksey is out, so Matt Baker will stand in. Baker once played for Hull City against Liverpool in the League Cup so is used to the big occasion! Phil Robinson is also missing, but Rob Elmes should recover from a strained lower back to be in contention. Captain Ian Wright (calf strain) and Matt Clarke (hamstring) are also expected to be fit.
The game is NOT all-ticket, so one can pay at the turnstyles. Prices are
Stand : Adults £10 Child £8
Terrace: Adults £8 Child £4
Just a reminder to everyone attending tomorrow, please wear Hereford United gear and not Manchester United shirts, unless you intend going in the away end. The more Hereford United fans that support the team tomorrow, the better! The club shop is open before hand for you to buy all your Bulls merchendise.
Aug 4th:
ROB Elmes has been talking to the Evening News about his hopes for next season following his goal at Boldmere St. Michaels on Tuesday. Playing his first game of the season, Elmes played the first half and netted United's second goal in the 4-1 victory.
In the new season, Elmes reckons that dropping behind early on will leave a season with nothing to play for. "We are looking to get a good start like we did last season because it sets things up nicely," he said. "Unfortunately, still only one team goes up, so even if we are fifth or sixth very often you can end up playing for nothing so obviously it is important to make a good start. It would also be nice to go on a cup run like we did in my first year here and also in the FA Trophy which was a great experience albeit one that ended in failure."
There have been three new signings at Edgar Street and with others on trial, there could be more to come. However, Elmes was impressed by the ones Graham Turner has acquired. "I have only played 45 minutes with them but they looked very useful," he said. "Mark Williams looks very competent, Scott Voice has got an exceptional goalscoring record, which is something we haven't had over the last couple of seasons, and Scott Goodwin has made a good start to his career here."
United have to play both Bilston Town, one of Elmes' former clubs, and Premier League side Everton after today's clash against Europe's biggest club Manchester United. "Pre-season games are important and it doesn't matter who you play against because you get out what you put in," said Elmes. "I'm looking forward to playing Bilston as much as Man Utd or Everton. You can do all the running in the world but nothing compares to playing matches."
HEREFORD United 0 - 6 Manchester United
Hereford United played their fourth pre season friendly this afternoon, at home against a very strong Manchester United side. Initially, Alex Ferguson confirmed that a reserve side would be travelling to Edgar Street, but yesterday a first team lineup was announced.
Hereford United had several injury worries going into the game. Captain Ian Wright, defender Matt Clarke, coach Phil Robinson and goalkeeper Scott Cooksey missed out on the starting lineup. Therefore, Matt Baker started in goal and Leon Jackson and Tony Collings were named in the starting eleven, both on trial. Rob Elmes partnered Gavin Williams in attack.
Ten Manchester United players in the squad has international experience. England internationals Phil Neville, Wes Brown, Nicky Butt and Andy Cole started, as did Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke, Denis Irwin and Quinton Fortune, much to the delight of the young Manchester United supporters. The squad was split in half and managed by Jim Ryan, whilst Alex Ferguson took Beckham, Giggs, Van Nistelrooy and Scholes to Wrexham.
There was a torrential downpour before the game but it wasn't enough to make the pitch over-wet or boggy. The rain continued throughout the game but failed to dampen the spirits of those coming to see the Premiership Champions in action.
For the opening fifteen minutes, Hereford did well to match Manchester in most areas, with the Red Devils failing to break into the Bulls half of the field within the opening two minutes. Paul Parry impressed, as did Gavin Williams, and Rob Elmes had a shot at Van Der Gouw. Youngster Jimmy Quiggin had an effort go wide, as did Tony James, Elmes and Williams.
However, it was not all Hereford! Wes Brown headed over from a corner, Dwight Yorke hit just wide of Baker's goal after good work from Keane and Butt, and Butt had a screaming thirty yard effort that just went over the crossbar. Phil Neville also came forward to hit across the goal, although no one could get the killer touch.
Dwight Yorke went close after twenty minutes, and seconds later at the other end, Jimmy Quiggin linked well to provide a cross for Elmes, who hit into the side netting. Had any of Hereford's early shots been scored, the game could have been a completely different story.
On twenty three minutes, the deadlock was broken. Nicky Butt had a good run into the box and as Matt Baker approached him, Butt chipped the ball over his head and into the net. Manchester had the lead. Three minutes later, Baker did well to punch away a corner and reacted well to the rebounding shot from Quinton Fortune.
Within a minute, Ronny Johnsen had clashed with Gavin Williams in a bad challenge by the Norweigan. Whilst Johnsen had a bad shoulder, he played on whilst Hereford's star man Williams was taken off for an ankle injury. He was replaced by Danny Davidson, a striker on trial.
Scott Goodwin showed up well in defence throughout the first period, going in hard but fairly, and doing well to prevent Dwight Yorke on one occasion. Baker did well to keep Manchester at bay, whilst Jackson had a good run at the other end, and Davidson had a header cleared off the line by Wes Brown.
Just as half time appeared on the horizon, Manchester doubled their advantage. Quinton Fortune had a good run into the box and unleashed a cracking shot which Matt Baker could do nothing about. Half time 2-0, but Hereford will have felt a little hard done by.
The second half started with two substitutions. Trialist Ian Richards came on for Collings, whilst Manchester swapped Paul Tierney for Ronny Johnsen. It started with an early Hereford effort from Richards, which went straight at the dominating Van Der Gouw, and a corner was cleared by Brown.
The extra fitness and skill of the Premiership side shone through as the game progressed and despite a Dwight Yorke miss and good work from Matt Baker, Manchester increased their lead on sixty five minutes. A cross from Michael Stewart was flicked in by Fortune who was on the Hereford goal line, with Matt Baker left helpless.
Four minutes later, it was 4-0 thanks to Dwight Yorke. The Trinidad and Tobagan international striker who cost £12,600,000, opened the Hereford defence before netting whilst one-on-one. However, Parry responded with a curling free-kick which just missed Van Der Gouw's post, and Danny Davidson had the physical presence but not the luck when in front of goal.
The introduction of Steve Piearce did little to inspire Hereford, who were tired and overwhelmed by Manchester, On seventy eight minutes, Andy Cole scored whilst one-on-one with Baker, but the former Hull goalkeeper did well to save later from Cole. Danny Davidson went close for Hereford, but Cole sealed the match at 6-0 with three minutes to go. Baker stood no chance as Andy Cole netted a scorcher from the right.
So, Manchester United won 6-0, but Hereford were not humiliated and the scoreline reveals the gap in fitness and skill, but not passion. The crowd of 4,625 included many Manchester supporters, and hopefully some will return to Edgar Street for future matches at their local club. The gate is anticipated to raise around £40,000 for the club - well needed cash for the Bulls.
Hereford's players impressed all over, including Gavin Williams until he had to come off. Paul Parry did very well, as did Scott Goodwin and John Snape for their commitment. Had the injured players been available for Hereford, who knows what a different game it could have been.
Hereford United Manchester United
Matthew Baker Raimond Van Der Gouw
Leon Jackson Denis Irwin
Scott Goodwin Philip Neville
Tony Collings Wesley Brown
Tony James Ronny Johnsen
Mark Williams Roy Keane (captain)
Jimmy Quiggin Quinton Fortune
John Snape (captain) Nicky Butt
Rob Elmes Andy Cole
Gavin Williams Dwight Yorke
Paul Parry Michael Stewart
Hereford Subs:
Danny Davidson (on, 31 minutes)
Ian Richards (on, half time)
Christian James (on, 62 minutes)
Steve Piearce (on, 74 minutes)
Nick Plotnek (on, 84 minutes)
Scorers: Nicky Butt (23), Quinton Fortune (45, 65), Dwight Yorke (69), Andy Cole (78, 87)
Man of the Match: Paul Parry
Attendance: 4,625
Referee: Andy Williams, Hereford
Aug 5th:
NEW Hereford United defender Scott Goodwin, recently signed from Hednesford Town, spoke to BBC Hereford & Worcester's reporter Steve Miller following yesterday's 6-0 friendly defeat against Manchester United.
The Premiership Champions were expected to bring a youth team but turned up with a strong squad of first teamers. "They were absolutely superb," said Scott. "We got the team sheet on Friday and it just gives you a lift. The one-twos that they play are unbelievable. They're not frightened to pass it, their movement is superb and at the end of the day, you've got to go into the dressing room and learn from it."
"They're world class players and you're going to learn a lot from it. We had a team talk at quarter to two and Graham Turner said Yorke's playing. Everyone just lifted and had a laugh and said let's enjoy it."
Hereford United started well and had the Bulls converted one of their efforts on Raimond Van Der Gouw's goal, Scott reckons it could have been a different game. He said: "In the first fifteen minutes we couldn't have asked for a better start. We had chances and chances and if just one of them had gone in it could have been a different story. I'm not saying we would have won but if we had got that early goal then you never know. You are never going to get a team like that in the Conference. I honestly believe we played some good football. Second half we tired, obviously, but it's a good lesson."
Looking ahead to next season, Goodwin is confident that Hereford can challenge at the top of the league despite the financial constraints hanging over the club.
"First game you couldn't ask for a better one," he commented. "On Sky Sports, everyone is buzzing about it and we're looking forward to it. We have a really good chance; there's a good team spirit and a good set of lads. There are no major injuries, just little niggles here and there. Come the 18th (Barnet) we should have a full strength squad."
"This is a professional club. I believe it shouldn't be in the Conference. The squad that we have, I really do believe that we could do it."
Meanwhile, Mr. Miller also caught up with Manchester United's manager for the day, Jimmy Ryan.
Ryan's first comment referred to the attitude the Reds took going into the game. "If they get working hard then they enjoy their work but they weren't coming down for the pleasure, they came to work hard."
Much of the Manchester United first team played the whole game, much to the delight of the young support out to see the Reds. "That was the idea," he said. "We wanted the first team squad to play the whole game and fortunately no one was hurt. Ronny Johnsen had a slight knock on his shoulder but they all played the whole game."
"We had a little problem in as much that we had returned from the far east which turned out to be quite a tiring tour. We felt that players looked a little bit tired and we wanted to get a game where we were ran hard for the whole game. It was a sort of recovery game, and they got it I think."
Games like the one at Hereford are vital to even Manchester United's pre-season build-up. "We train pre-season but it's not the same as playing a game. The real test is if you can bring that fitness to games, and I think they did today. They showed they're in pretty good condition. Maybe they need another week's work but all in all I'm pretty pleased," said Ryan.
Hereford United director of football Graham Turner was quick to praise Reds' boss Alex Ferguson for sending down an experienced side to Edgar Street. He said: ''I can't thank him enough for the team he sent down to play us. It was a wonderful experience for our players to play against some of the best in the world.''
Finally, it appears that the two new trialists who played yesterday, Ian Richards and Tony Collings, were drafted in at short notice by Graham Turner. Ian Richards played twenty four times for Halifax Town last season following a traineeship with Blackburn Rovers, and is a midfielder. As yet, I have no information on Collings.
Aug 6th:
HEREFORD United could be set to benefit from the new prize pot of £30,000,000 for the FA Cup next season, assuming they win a game. Every club entering the competition, from the extra-preliminary round to the final, will get some money if they win a game, and Conference clubs could stand to receive several thousand pounds.
Whilst the winner will receive a total of almost £4,000,000, any club making the first round draw for non-league football will receive a £20,000 prize for winning their fourth qualifying round tie, an amount which is again received for a first round victory, and the prize is £30,000 for reaching the third round.
Then the money rises steeply. Had Kingstonian received prize money last year, a third round win gains £50,000 and fourth round £75,000, Geoff Chapple's former side would have earned £120,000 in prize money alone. When adding on gate receipts and television money, which receives a higher premium, the whole run could be extremely lucrative.
If a club receives a minimum of twenty minutes airtime, either on Sky Sports or the BBC, they will receive a larger amount. A live first or second round match will earn £100,000, up by £25,000, and highlights will gain £40,000, up from £18,750. In the third or fourth round, live television coverage would gain £265,000 and highlights £40,000. Therefore, Hereford United's cup run in 1999 would have made £220,000 in television cloverage alone, instead of just £131,250 they actually received. Add prize money of £70,000, and Hereford United would have made £310,000 before the extra publicity, gate receipts and merchandise.
F.A. Chief Executive Adam Crozier said: "This is a unique way of ensuring that The F.A. Cup is used to redistribute money across every level of the game. It means that the entire game gets a chance to share in the revenue generated by the world’s most famous domestic cup competition. The F.A. is committed to investing and helping all levels of football and to ensure the long term health and success of The F.A. Cup itself."
GRAHAM Turner has reacted to his selection for the Manchester United friendly whereby he missed out on the injured Scott Cooksey, Phil Robinson, Ian Wright and Matt Clarke.
Talking to the Evening News, he said: "The disappointing thing was that we could not put out our strongest team.
"Leon Jackson has never before played at right-back. We had four players injured who could have played in that position and we finished the game with six trialists on the pitch. But it was a good workout, a terrific occasion, and I cannot thank Sir Alex Ferguson enough for the side he sent down."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Matt Baker told the Nationwide website today that despite having to pick the ball out of the net six times against Manchester United, he was delighted to pit himself against top opposition.
"When the team list came through from Manchester we were so excited at playing against some of the best players in the world," said Baker, who is understudy to Scott Cooksey. "Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole were on a different wavelength but I don't expect to play against the likes of them when the Conference season starts.
"At the end they were playing possession football in our penalty area."
FULL-time teams in the Nationwide Conference, such as Hereford United, Chester City and Doncaster Rovers, are fighting a losing battle for survival, according to Southport chairman Charlie Clapham.
The Sandgrounder's are part-timers and Clapham said: "If Celtic can't make money after winning the Scottish Premier League, then who can? It puts it into perspective and those full-time sides in the Conference are potentially in a difficult area. All nine full-time clubs are probably operating outside of their income - they will lose money chasing one prize.
"It is like a game of roulette when a minimum of eight know that it won't happen and I'm certain their supporters won't think it is that clever. I'm not too sure whose ego they are satisfying. You are okay if you have £1 and spend 99p - but spend £1.01p and you are in trouble."
Aug 7th:
PAUL Gascoigne could be about to make his latest return from injury on Saturday, in a friendly at Hereford United. After rumours that 'Gazza' was to quit football, Everton boss Walter Smith said that he could be ready to play at Edgar Street in the Everton XI.
Talking to the official Everton website, Smith said: "There is always a bit of speculation surrounding Paul. He has had a tough summer period and he is just coming out of that now and hopefully he can stay injury free."
A thigh injury has hampered his progress this pre-season, but he may be considered for the Hereford game. "After coming on for us in the last 10 minutes of the Preston match he came back and trained most of the week but unfortunately picked up a thigh strain," continued Walter. "He is back into training this morning and hopefully there will be no recurrence of the injury.
"The game against Wigan will come a little bit early too quick for him but we have a game at Hereford and if everything is OK with his thigh, I am sure he will be available for that."
THE injured Hereford United trio of Ian Rodgerson, Ian Wright and Matt Clarke should return to first team action on Saturday, according to the Evening News.
"Wright, Clarke and Rodgerson all took part in a training session last night but it is a little bit too soon to risk them in a competitive match," said player/coach Phil Robinson.
"But they will train all week with a view to playing against Everton."
Aug 8th:
ACCORDING to the official website, www.herefordunited.co.uk, Everton will bring a provisionally strong squad for Saturday's friendly at Edgar Street.
The squad is Steve Simonsen - 'keeper, Thomas Myhre - 'keeper, Idan Tal - Left Wing/Midfield, Joe Max-Moore - Forward, Alec Cleland - Defender, Danny Cadamarteri - Forward, Gary Naysmith - Defender (Left Back), Damien Curran , David Eaton, Thomas Kearney, Ryan Valentine, George Pilkington, Sean O'Hanlan, Nicholas Chadwick, Kevin MacLeod - Attacking Midfielder, Peter Clarke, Tony Hibbert, Matt McKay.
However, Everton have used their website to say that Gary Naysmith and Abel Xavier could return from injury against Hereford.
Manager Walter Smith said: "The other players we will bring up to speed in the game against Hereford and we will play everyone again in the Monday night game against Espanyol."
BILSTON Town 1 - 1 Hereford United
Your trusty webmasters couldn't make the game, so here's a report from the Evening News.
A PAUL Parry header sealed a hard-fought 1-1 draw for Hereford United at Bilston Town last night.
The Queen Street side took the lead in the friendly after just three minutes when a Lee Rollason cross from the right was finished off by Jason Smith at the far post.
Justin Ellitts struck the bar with a 25-yard shot for Bilston on 39 minutes but four minutes later, Parry headed home after a deep right-wing cross from Scott Goodwin.
Former Bilston hero Scott Voice, who signed for the Bulls during the summer, did not feature in the game.
But according to player-coach Phil Robinson, it would have been too risky to play Voice who plundered more than 40 goals for the Dr Martens Premier League outfit last season.
"Scott was disappointed he didn't play but he understood we couldn't risk him getting a knock," he said.
"It was a physical game and especially with Scott going back to his old club it could have been risky."
The Bulls did, however, suffer an injury blow when midfielder Jimmy Quiggin was forced to limp out of the action with a knee injury.
"Jimmy's knee was still quite sore after the game and he is going to have to get it looked at," said Robinson.
Hereford were also without Ian Wright, Matt Clarke and Ian Rodgerson, who also missed Saturday's Manchester United game.
"They're all fit and we will train them hard all week but, again, we didn't want to risk them," added Robinson.
Aug 9th:
KEVIN Wargen, the chairman of HUISA, has gained support for his campaign that all Hereford United fans should rally behind the club.
Richard Howards, the chairman of the Hereford United Vice Presidents Club, has written to the Hereford Times to convey his support.
"I know the struggles of fund raising for the football club and how difficult it is to drum support," he said in his letter. "The generation of supporters we have at the moment must try and instil some pride into being Herefordian and supporting Hereford United. If we don't, we will follow the likes of Newport County and Aldershot."
"To put this into a clear context, the Vice Presidents Club now had the lowest membership in its 29-year history."
"We would welcome nay new applicant to join us (subject to confirmation of acceptance) and take advantage of its many facilities."
Meanwhile, there is to be a red card protest at the Barnet game, live on Sky Sports, kick off 12.05pm (18th August). Kevin Wargen has clarified that the protest is purely regarding the two-up, two-down issue. Fans are asked to bring red cards to the game to show to the cameras.
Aug 10th:
MARK Williams, Hereford United's recent signing, is relishing the chance to meet his former employers when Everton travel to Edgar Street tomorrow, kick off 3pm.
A Toffee's fan, Williams was a youngster at Goodison Park and is ready to show them that they were wrong to release him. "I didn't know we were playing Everton but I'm made up but I think half of them will be cheering Hereford on because I'm playing," he told the Evening News.
The BBC today revealed the Hereford United hope Paul Gascoigne is in the side, and, despite playing just ten minutes of pre-season football and missing several games with a thigh injury, Gazza's boss Walter Smith has said that there is a possibility of his appearance. Mark Williams told the Evening News that he hoped the former England star would feature. "He's my idol I've got his tops from training," he said. "I was going to watch them last season and Gazza was unbelievable, even if he plays half a season he will be great benefit to Everton."
The provisional Everton squad includes Danny Cadamarteri, Thomas Myhre and former Rangers star, Alec Cleland. Hereford face injury worried over both Jimmy Quiggin and Gavin Williams.
FORMER England hero Paul Gascoigne will not be playing for Everton at Edgar Street tomorrow as he has failed to sufficiently overcome a thigh injury.
Despite making a return to training at the Liverpool-based side, Gascoigne has been ruled out by Walter Smith, the Everton boss, who told their official website: "It is a little bit early for Paul. He has a thigh strain and is extremely doubtful at the present moment, though we are hopeful he would be fit for Monday."
Gary Naysmith, a Scottish international, Former England U21 striker Danny Cadamarteri, Israeli international Idan Tal and Alec Cleland, formerly of Rangers, all feature, as do goalkeepers Thomas Mhyre, a Norweigan international, and Steve Simonsen, a £3.3 million signing from Tranmere in 1998.
The squad in full is: Thomas Myhre, Steve Simonsen, Hibbert (reserve player), Gary Naysmith, Pilkington (reserve player), Clarke (reserve player), Kearney (reserve player), Alec Cleland, McKay (reserve player), Chadwick (reserve player), Idan Tal, Danny Cadamarteri, Valentine (reserve player), Curran (reserve player), Eaton (reserve player) and O'Hanlon (reserve player).
Aug 11th:
THE brand-new Talking Bull, the first edition of the new season, will be on sale from 10am on August 18th, the game at home against Barnet.
This edition is one of the heaviest ever and there's plenty to read too! Find out about the protest, and also some latest news...
Alex Ferguson's been sacked after defeat at Edgar Street! Oh, and by the way, Talking Bull has evidence, indeed living proof that dinosaurs still exist!
All will be revealed in the new issue. Still just £1. Buy your own copy. Don't read a friend's issue until we are sold out.
SCOTT Goodwin and Mark Williams have underlined their reasons for signing for Hereford United this summer - a real chance of promotion to the Football League.
Goodwin spoke to the Evening News, and said after just one meeting with Graham Turner, he was persuaded to sign. "It is a big club in the Conference, and after meeting with the gaffer I made up my mind straight away," he said.
"I think the squad we have got is definitely Nationwide League standard, I think we are too good for the Conference especially with a lot of young lads. You need a string of results and it is all about being consistent because there are 10 to 12 clubs that could win it."
Mark Williams was at Rotherham for two years in which he failed to play, missing fifteen months with a cruciate ligament injury. "I'm really enjoying it, it is the first full pre-season I have done for two years and I'm feeling really sharp and just need a few more games," he said.
"I came to Hereford to get back into people's eyes. I was out for 15 months with a cruciate and was a bit of a forgotten man. The last two years have been promotion years for me and I have never felt so confident in a pre-season in the short career I've had."
HEREFORD United 1 - 2 Everton XI
Hereford United got a good run-out against an Everton XI this afternoon and were unlucky to be defeated by the odd goal in three. With a crowd of 2,590 at Edgar Street, many young fans again turned out to see their local side in action against a Premiership team.
Everton named seven players in the side with Premiership experience. Israeli international Idan Tal was named in the side, as was Scottish players Gary Naysmith and Alec Cleland. Goalkeeper Thomas Mhyre, a Norweigan international, started in goal.
The home side were without front two Gavin Williams and Rob Elmes, so Danny Davidson and Scott Voice started in attack. Scott Cooksey and Phil Robinson were also still missing due to long term injuries.
For much of the game, Hereford matched their Premiership opponents on the pitch, and there was very little between the sides. In the opening period, both teams looked as if they had the opportunity to win the game and it was Everton who took the lead after eleven minutes. Idan Tal received the ball which Ian Wright made a mess of, as his attempted back header fell straight to young striker Nick Chadwick. The Evertonian did well to chip the advancing Matt Baker who was left helpless.
Matt McKay went close for the Blues soon afterwards as he hit just over the crossbar, but Hereford were having a better time attacking in the Toffees' half. After twenty four minutes, Paul Parry did well to equalise for Hereford. Ian Wright shot at goalkeeper Mhyre who cleared but only to Parry, who was in space on the edge of the area. His left-footed volley beat Mhyre hands down.
Danny Davidson and Scott Voice did little in attack for Hereford but Paul Parry was extremely impressive on the left wing. Matt Baker did well to stop a Chadwick effort, whilst at the other end Davidson failed when one-on-one with Mhyre.
The second half saw two changes for Everton, most significantly in goal where Thomas Mhyre was swapped for former England U21 international Steve Simonsen. Matt Baker continued to perform well in the Hereford goal, whilst Danny Davidson flapped a Parry cross as he failed to connect when just seven yards out. Scott Voice forced Simonsen to save, whilst Everton substitute David Eaton looked impressive when pressurising the Hereford goal.
Danny Davidson was removed on eighty minutes for Steve Piearce, a substitution which brought Scott Voice to life. Davidson didn't impress at all and with Voice, Piearce, Williams and Elmes at the club, is there really room for another striker who doesn't look like a twenty goal a season man?
On eighty one minutes, Idan Tal scored the winner as he received a good ball, made a strong run and slid the ball under Matt Baker from the edge of the box. The goal was no particularly Baker's fault, but more a superb piece of skill from Tal. Scott Voice had a couple of late chances but to no avail as the Everton defence stood strong.
Overall, a good game for Hereford who probably didn't deserve to lose. There were a few dubious moments in defence but on the whole, a good preparation match. Only one trailist started - Danny Davidson - who may not be retained after a poor performance in front of goal.
A strong crowd turned out, over 2,000 being Hereford United supporters, who will hopefully return next Saturday, 12.05pm kick off, for United's opening league encounter against Barnet. And for those of you who can't travel? Well, there's always Sky Sports!
Hereford United Everton
Matthew Baker Thomas Mhyre
Mark Williams Tony Hibbert
Matt Clarke Gary Naysmith
Scott Goodwin Peter Clarke
Ian Wright (captain) George Pilkington
Tony James Tom Kearney
Ian Rodgerson Alec Cleland
John Snape Matt McKay
Scott Voice Nick Chadwick
Danny Davidson Ryan Valentine
Paul Parry Idan Tal
Hereford Subs: Steve Piearce (on, 80 minutes) Lee Evans Christian James (on, 71 minutes) Leon Jackson Nick Plotnek
Scorers; Paul Parry (23 minutes) Nick Chadwick (11 minutes), Idan Tal (81 minutes)
Man of the Match Paul Parry
Attendance 2,590
Referee Mr. S. Moggs
Aug 12th:
THE official Morecambe FC website (www.morecambefc.com) have published the following:
Having sought professional advice, the Directors of the Nationwide Conference confirmed that under Conference Rule 11, play-offs would remain the method by which the Champion Club would be determined.
The decision of the FA League Sanctions & Registrations Committee of 23rd July 2001 cannot be ratified or otherwise by the FA Council until 20th September 2001. The Conference have already submitted, via legal advisors, notice to the FA that should they ratify the decision on the 20th September, the competition will seek to challenge the decision by way of arbitration in accordance with FA Regulation K.
The Directors have acted in accordance to club wishes in respect of play-offs and will keep all member clubs informed of progress in the matter as issues occur.
Meanwhile, the 'red card campaign' which is due to take place on Saturday at Edgar Street against Barnet has gained more support. The Hereford Journal, who have been at the centre of the promotion, have agreed to provide fans with free red cards to show the cameras during the game. The protest is at the Football League and FA's rejection of the two-up, two-down proposal between the Conference and Division Three.
HEREFORD United captain Ian Wright told BBC Hereford & Worcester's sports editor Trevor Owens of his optimism for the new season following yesterday's narrow 2-1 defeat to an Everton XI.
The Everton side included several first team players and Wright said: "They put a reasonable team out and we matched them; we got something from the game. Both teams were getting stuck in and when both teams had the chance, they would bring it down and play so it was a decent game to watch."
The pre-season schedule has included the visits of Manchester United and Everton, and Wright felt that those games were extremely exciting. "We've had some good games for the fans, especially at Edgar Street but we've played a couple of lower teams and scored a few goals," he said. "Hopefully, that will get the confidence up for the strikers."
A Conference victory is not ruled out by any means, according to United's club captain: "This is my fourth season and I think every year the squad has got stronger. Everybody knows we were lacking goals in the last couple of years and we've signed Scott Voice from Bilston who scored fifty goals last season. If we rectify that problem, we'll have a very good chance. Hopefully we can get a good start and draw a few more people to watch us."
The season kicks off against Barnet on Saturday, and with optimism high Wright was quick not to underestimate the task in hand. "That will be a tough game," he said. "They've just come down from the league and with it being live on Sky, there should be a good crowd. Hopefully it will be a good game and we'll win."
ON-trial striker Danny Davidson has been offered a one-year contract with Hereford United, according to a source close the club. The former Leek Town and Burton Albion frontman has yet to sign but the deal was offered prior to yesterday's game against an Everton XI.
Davidson is just twenty years old and at the end of last season, scored two goals in nine games for Leek Town, who finished just clear of the relegation zone in the Unibond League Premier Division.
Aug 13th:
THE Hereford United Independent Supporters Association XI side will take on the Hereford United first team tonight at Edgar Street, kick off 7pm.
Admission will be £1.00 and then afterwards, in Legends, there will be a free cabaret and refreshments. All the players will be attending. Many thanks to Keith Dodd for providing the cabaret and also to Andy Morris for the food.
There will also be an auction of a new away shirt which has been signed by all of the players.
Meanwhile, there has been no further information regarding Danny Davidson's contract offer, which has not been confirmed by the club, and no news on the possible signing of any of the other trialists.
HEREFORD United could be worth a flutter at Surrey Racing, with the Bulls at 10/1 for the title. Favourites Boston United are 100/30, with Stevenage Borough, Doncaster Rovers and Yeovil Town at 11/2. United are 10/1 with Scarborough and Dagenham & Redbridge. If you're feeling vry adventurous, rank outsiders at Stalybridge at 80/1, with Hayes and Northwich Victoria at 66/1.
If you're feeling very pessimistic about the new season, the United are 50/1 to go down, with the outsiders Doncaster Rovers at 200/1, along with Stevenage Borough. Odds on to go back to the Unibond League are Stalybridge Celtic at 5/6, with Northwich and Hayes at 5/4. Nuneaton and Forest Green are 13/8, with Dover and Telford at 11/4.
Poor old Graham Turner is 33/1 to be sacked first out of all of the Conference bosses this season, with the rank outsider Garry Hill of Dagenham at 66/1. Telford United's Jake King is favourite at 4/1, with barnet's John Still at 5/1 and Gordon Hill of Chester City at 6/1. The puzzling factor is can Graham Turner be sacked? If so, by whom, himself? Surely he has the safest job in the Conference!
Onto cup hopes - or more Trophy hopes - with Surrey Racing quoting Hereford United at 12/1 winners, higher than any of the other semi finalists last year (holders Canvey Island are 16/1, runner-up Forest Green are 33/1 and other losing semi finalist Chester City are 20/1). Stevenage are favourites at 6/1, with Doncaster at 7/1 and Yeovil Town and Boston United at 8/1. Local rivals Worcester City are quoted at 150/1, along with ten other clubs
NATIONWIDE Conference chiefs are to push ahead with their plan to decide their champions via an end-of-season play-off - despite the Football Association having already rejected the idea according to the Press Association.
In June the Football League turned down a proposal to increase the number of promotion and relegation places to and from the Conference to two.
The Conference then put forward a scheme whereby the top five clubs at the end of the season enter a play-off to determine their 'Champion Club' who would be promoted to the League.
The scheme was initially snubbed by the FA on July 12, and ruled to be dead in the water 12 days later after the Conference's unsuccessful representation to the FA's Sanctions and Registration Committee.
However, Conference chiefs now claim that as the FA cannot ratify the decision until September 20, they will start the season as determined by their 22 member clubs.
That would mean the team who finishes in first place would automatically qualify for a final, where they would play the winner of a series of games between the clubs who finish second to fifth for the right to be promoted to the Football League.
A statement from the Conference said: "Following a board meeting the Nationwide Conference confirmed its intention to commence the new season with the rule amendment in place to decide the 'Champion Club' by end of season play-offs.
"Having sought professional advice, the directors were clear that as the FA are unable to ratify the Sanctions and Registration Committee's recommendation until September 20 the season should commence as determined by member clubs.
"Notice has already been issued to the FA that should they ratify the decision on September 20 the Conference will seek arbitration to challenge the decision under FA regulations.
"The Conference chairmen are determined to create excitement and enjoyment from August to May for the whole season and ensure that fans are treated to top-class football throughout the season."
Aug 14th:
THERE is a Balloon Race due to be held this Saturday against Barnet, kick off 12pm. Tickets can be bought from the club shop before 11am, and are priced at £1. The prize is £100.
The balloons are all going to be red to protest about the promotion situation and released as the players run out.
Meanwhile, in last night's game, Hereford United beat a HUISA XI 9-1, although the second half when the teams mixed finished 1-1.
STRIKER Danny Davidson and midfielder Christian James, both of whom have been on trial with Hereford United, have been offered deals at Edgar Street.
James is a left sided defensive midfielder who was released by Swansea City in May, whilst Davidson, a striker, formerly played for Leek Town and Burton Albion.
"Both have got raw potential and the gauntlet has been thrown down for them to see how they can improve," said Hereford boss Graham Turner to the Evening News. "Davidson is six foot five inches tall but is quite mobile for a big man. Christian James is nineteen and was released by Swansea but I see him as a player with a lot of potential but with still a lot to learn."
James has been offered a full-time contract while Davidson, a trainee accountant, is on a part-time contract.
"We have been searching for another midfielder and I was very disappointed not bring another player in this week but we are still looking," Turner added.
Aug 15th:
GRAHAM Turner has been interviewed about his time at Hereford United by Sky Sports for their website (http://www.skysports.com), in time for Saturday's season opening against Barnet, live on Sky Sports.
The interview, by Joe Bernstein, is featured below:
You can't think of Hereford United without the image of Ronnie Radford's goal and a jubilant pitch invasion by hundreds of fans, all wearing Parka coats, flashing through the mind.
Trouble, is that famous - nay, legendary - FA Cup win against Newcastle was 30 years ago and life has been rough at Edgar Street since then.
This season marks their fifth attempt to regain Football League status, snatched away by Brighton's Robbie Reinelt on a dramatic May afternoon in 1997.
Graham Turner was the manager then and, despite offering his resignation within hours of relegation, remains the manager today - and he is now chairman as well.
"Every time a potential cup giantkilling is featured on TV, they show the Hereford goals against Newcastle. We're not sick of it at all, we have a picture of Ronnie Radford's goal hitting the net in the boardroom," he says.
"Like many clubs, Hereford have found it difficult to survive in the modern era. We've had to live on our wits, and will have to carry on doing the same."
It was only Turner's personal intervention that kept the club afloat. After the club were loaned £1million by property developers - money that Hereford still owe - the chairman decided he wanted out. With nobody else willing to buy his 35 per cent stake, Turner stumped up the money to become the club's major shareholder and chairman.
"I wake up every morning and think it was a ridiculous thing to do," admits Turner.
"I'm a football man but circumstances meant I had to do something or the club really looked as if it was going to fold. I thought a few years later, I would be able to sell the shares but so far nobody wants them!
"The real reason I got involved was for the fans. When we dropped out of the league, I felt responsible despite not being allowed to sign players for a lot of that season.
"The fans sent a delegation around to let me know they wanted me to stay on. I doubt that happens to many managers whose team drop out of the league. It was the start of a fantastic relationship with the supporters.
"Hereford have among the largest support in the country based on population. If we do well in the Conference this season, we would average 3,500 and the town's population is only 65,000. Our supporters are involved in the decision-making process.
Turner believes his side can mount a serious promotion challenge this season and Barnet - who dropped out of the League in May - will be a good test on Saturday in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
"We have a couple of players who catch the eye," said Turner. "I have managed at a high level and in my opinion one of our youngsters Gavin Williams is capable of being a First Division player. He will play as a striker on Saturday, he's very quick and mobile and came through the youth ranks.
"Paul Parry looked the part a couple of years ago before he got glandular fever. But he's got a lot of ability wide on the left and scored a good goal against Everton in pre-season.
"Two years ago, we played Leicester in the FA Cup and Paul went on a terrific run past two defenders and hit the post with a shot. If it had gone in, he might have become as well-known as Ronnie Radford!"
Although Hereford are in the Conference, their manager Turner has an impressive CV.
He took Shrewsbury from Division Four to top eight in the old Division Two with a young side that included Steve Ogrizovic and Nigel Pearson.
He then went on to Aston Villa in 1984, Doug Ellis' first managerial appointment in his second spell at Villa Park.
"The timing wasn't great because the European Cup-winning side was breaking up and our good young players like Steve Hodge, Martin Keown and Mark Walters weren't quite ready," he recalls.
Turner went from Villa Park to spend nearly eight years at Wolves, again taking them from the bottom rung of league football into the First Division and then paying the price for missing out on promotion to the Premiership.
"The first two or three seasons at Wolves were great and then Sir Jack Hayward came in and expectations went through the roof," he admits.
"In my first two years, we won two championships, went to Wembley and put a million pounds in the bank. But the money went into a magnificent stadium and I started getting flak from the fans because we weren't challenging for the Premiership.
"We had an FA Cup quarter-final at Chelsea in 1994 and decided I would resign if we lost. We were beaten 1-0 and I decided I'd had enough.
I'm still friendly with Sir Jack and visited him in the Bahamas this summer. I think his biggest mistake was he didn't get actively involved, he really wasn't around that often, and I think he would accept that now."
With promotion play-offs from the Conference looking likely - there is a proposal on the table that Conference teams who finish between second and fifth go into play-off matches and meet the Conference champions for the right to win promotion -
there may be a couple of chapters to add in Turner's Football League book.
GRAHAM TURNER CHATLINES
Playing Career: Chester 1967-72, Shrewsbury 1972-83
Managerial career: Shrewsbury 1978-84, Aston Villa 1984-86, Wolves 1986-94, Hereford 1995-
Predict the Conference champions: If not us, Doncaster Rovers. They were destitute when they were relegated into the Conference but have re-organised, moved ground and look a good side now
Star Conference player: Gavin Williams of Hereford. And Ken Charlery, who is with Boston. He has a good pedigree for a striker in this division.
Best player you worked with: Steve Bull at Wolves was the best at what he did, which was scoring goals. He was a coach here at Hereford last season.
Your dream for this season: There is prize money for winning games in the FA Cup from the very first qualifying round. So it would be financially so important for us if we could have a cup run like two years ago when we took Leicester to a replay.
Aug 16th:
HEREFORD United will be without several vital first team players as they enter the new season at home against Barnet on Saturday, kick off 12.05pm.
The live televised game will see the Bulls without first choice goalkeeper Scott Cooksey (wrist) and player/coach Phil Robinson (wrist), whilst there are doubts concerning the fitness of Matt Clarke (ankle), Rob Elmes (groin) and Gavin Williams (ankle). Jimmy Quiggin is also fighting to make the game.
Graham Turner told the Hereford Times: "It's a huge game for us and one we will be aiming to win. We could not have asked for a better and more attractive match in which to start the season. It's against a newly-relegated club, so they will feel that they have something to prove.
"It's important that we get off to a winning start but it won't be easy. Barnet have got some quality in their side and a good manager in John Still, who will know what to expect from the Conference."
HUISA are gearing up for their 'seeing red' campaign this Saturday in protest at the Football League's decision to scrap a proposed second promotion place from the Conference.
The game is an ideal chance for red cards to be shown with banners to be erected around the ground. "With the game being televised live, we have a tremendous opportunity to get our message across," said HUISA chairman Kevin Wargen to the Hereford Times.
"We do not want to embarrass Hereford United or the Conference," he added. "Just the FA and Football League into reviewing the situation. We believe Hereford United are the best known non league team in the county. With the clubs having failed to secure a second promotion place, we thought it was time the supporters took over."
Meanwhile, Two Hereford favourites have died, it has been announced through the Rothmans Football Yearbook. Cyril Beech, a left winger in the 1950s, played under Joe Wade and has passed away aged 75, whilst Billy Liddell, the famous Liverpool and Scotland, has also died. He played once for United in 1945/46 in a Southern League Cup tie at Bath City, in a season that over eighty players turned out for United.
THE Hereford Times have today revealed that on-trial striker Danny Davidson has accepted his contract with United and joined for the new season. A trainee accountant technician, Davidson was formerly with Leek Town and also had a spell with Nigel Clough's Burton Albion. He joins on a year long part-time contract.
Fellow trialist Christian James has been offered a full-time one year contract, but has yet to give an answer, whilst Sean Derry has a chance to prove himself in the reserve side. Nick Plotnek is also to play in the reserves and could well feature for the first team as he could be signed on non-contract forms.
Meanwhile, Hereford United's famous fan base has increased from just Graham Heffer and John Motson! Malvern-based violinist Nigel Kennedy, one of the biggest stars on the world music scene, has confirmed that he has become a Hereford United fan.
He said in an interview in Classic FM Magazine: "I don't like the Premiership now. It's so corporate. I'm gonna start supporting Hereford."
Aug 17th:
JON Wells, an avid Hereford United supporter, is to pedal a thousand miles from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise some much-needed funds for Hereford United FC, but he needs your support!
Sponsor forms are now available in the Club Shop and will also be inside Talking Bull, which will be on sale at tomorrow's game. In the next few days there should also be a downloadable form available in the Fundraising section of the official website.
All sponsorship/donations will go straight to the Club; Jon will be covering all the trip expenses personally. So please help United by either sponsoring him per mile for all or just part of the trip (i.e for the full thousand miles @ 1p a mile = £10, or @ 0.5p a mile = £5 and so on) or simply make a donation, however small.
A special "HUFC Bike Ride" account has been setup to collect the funds. Sort code is 77-49-07 and a/c no. 78898660 if you wish to make a direct payment.
Or send him an e-mail to jonwells@hotmail.com and he'll send you a sponsor form.
THE Football League say they will not accept the winner of the Football Conference's play-off system into the Football League.
The body believes such a step would be contrary to League regulations.
Football League spokesman John Nagle said: "Under League rules only the champions of the Conference can be promoted into the Football League.
"It is the view of the board that the definition of 'champions' should be applied to the winners of the Conference's League competition rather than its play-off competition."
However, the Football League plan to meet up with the Football Conference to discuss several issues, including increasing promotion and relegation into the Football League.
"It was also agreed at the board meeting that we should meet with the Football Conference as early as possible to discuss mutual areas such as the issue of increasing promotion and relegation and the possible incorporation into the Football League of the Football Conference," added Nagle.
Nationwide Conference chiefs had claimed earlier this week they were to push ahead with their plan to decide their champions via an end-of-season play-off - despite the Football Association having already rejected the idea.
The Conference put forward a scheme whereby the top five clubs at the end of the season entered a play-off to determine their 'Champion Club' who would be promoted to the League.
The scheme was initially snubbed by the FA on July 12, and ruled to be dead in the water 12 days later after the Conference's unsuccessful representation to the FA's Sanctions and Registration Committee.
But with the FA unable to ratify the decision until September 20, Conference chiefs said they would start the season as determined by their 22 member clubs.
That would mean the team who finished first would automatically qualify for a final, where they would play the winner of a series of games between the clubs who finish second to fifth for the right to be promoted to the Football League.
TOMORROW's league opening against Barnet tomorrow will be a tough affair for concerned, and one that both sides will want to win.
Barnet, who were relegated from the Football League last May, will have a squad of nineteen players to pick from. John Doolan, Wayne Purser, and Frazer Toms are ruled out with injuries.
The Bees have had to make cuts since relegation and close their centre of excellence, including the loss of 188 youngsters. Hereford have not lost to Barnet at Edgar Street in the last five meetings when both sides were in the Football League.
Turner admits they could not have asked for a better match to kick off their season.
"The fact they are newly relegated and the cameras are here adds a bit of spice to the match," said Turner. "We've had them watched early in pre-season and they've got a number of experienced players with league experience who will be eager to get over the disappointment of being relegated."
"It will be nice to test our skills against ex-League players and there are three points at stake but nothing more - the result of the first game won't be any indication for the rest of the season.
"We can't wait to get underway, we've worked hard in pre-season and would like to get off to a good start which adds to the tension but players have to cope with that."
Hereford's injury list includes Scott Cooksey, Phil Robinson, John Snape and Steve Piearce. Snape, Gavin Williams, Elmes and Clarke may make the game, but the others are doubtful. Scott Voice may start in attack, whilst Mark Williams and Scott Goodwin could make their debuts in defence.
The Evening News has also revealed tonight that Christian James has joined on a year-long full time contract.
Hereford United (from): Baker, Clarke, M. Williams, Voice, Elmes, Parry, T. James, Goodwin, Shirley, G. Williams, Quiggin, Rodgerson, Wright, C. James, Davidson.
Aug 18th:
HUISA have several announcements to make for today's match against Barnet, which kicks off at 12.05pm.
The red card protest, which is in anger at the FA and Football League for rejecting the second promotion place, has been supported by the Hereford Journal. There will be red cards on the turnstiles for fans to show at the game.
The idea is to hold up the cards for two minutes from the time the referee starts the game.
HUISA have also got some placards. If you would like to hold up one of these then please see Kevin Wargen or Steve Bayliss, who will be around the ground with them before the match starts. Unite behind the protest and help bring Justice to the Conference.
Also, there is the balloon release at 12pm, with five hundred red balloons being released as the players come out. Tickets are available from the club shop up to an hour before kick off.
Finally, the new issue will be on sale at today's game. Please buy yourself a copy and remember that all profits find their way to the club.
HEREFORD United 2 - 1 Barnet
Hereford United opened their 2001/02 season three hours before the rest of the Conference against newly-relegated Barnet, and earned a 2-1 victory at Edgar Street.
The televised game meant a 12.05pm kick off, and the long, early trip for Barnet obviously didn't help their cause. The Bees also had the added handicap of being without John Doolan, Wayne Purser, and Frazer Toms, who were all ruled out with injuries. Graham Turner was without Hereford's first choice 'keeper Scott Cooksey (wrist) and player/coach Phil Robinson (wrist), whilst Matt Clarke, Rob Elmes, Gavin Williams and Jimmy Quiggin were fit enough for the game.
The last time the two sides met on the opening day of the season was August 1995. Chris MacKenzie, the United goalkeeper, scored as United won 4-1 in Graham Turner's first game in charge. Six years on, the game was played at a lower rung of the ladder and much has changed at both clubs since.
Balloons were released at the start of the game and red placards held up to the cameras by both sets of fans in protest of the FA and Football League's rejection of the second promotion place from the Conference.
The game started at 12.05pm and the relegated side were immediately on the attack, with the Hereford defence looking slightly disorganised and Barnet capitalising. Matt Baker saved well early on from Ben Strevens, and Barnet went extremely close to taking the lead when Neil Midgley hit a superb shot against the crossbar.
Hereford had to sharpen up as Barnet looked by far the better side. Scott Voice hit a close range effort at Lee Harrison, who tipped it over, soon after, but Voice appeared to require more time to settle at this level - two leagues above last season's opposition where he scored fourty seven goals for Bilston Town. Gavin Williams hit over the crossbar and Voice went close again, but Hereford couldn't find the killer touch.
Until the sixteenth minute, that is! John Snape netted Hereford's first goal of the season as his shot was wickedly deflected past Harrison to give United the lead. Barnet were stunned, and obviously hadn't recovered two minutes later. Young striker Gavin Williams received a superb pass from veteran midfielder Ian Rodgerson, went on a direct run and beat Harrison whilst one-on-one, slotting the ball sweetly into the net.
Within sixty seconds of the restart, Stuart Niven had set up a reply for Barnet. His cross from the right met Mark Gower, a former Tottenham trainee, who headed past Matt Baker from six yards out. The United side hadn't finished celebrating from their goal and the goal came somewhat unexpectedly.
Neil Midgley had two efforts which failed to trouble Matt Baker in the Hereford goal, and his third chance had to be hacked away by Matt Clarke, who put the ball behind for a corner. Ben Strevens went close when one-on-one with Baker, but failed to hit the target. Strevens and Midgley linked well for Barnet, whilst winger Paul Parry and striker Gavin Williams both looked impressive when attacking.
The second half started in the most dramatic fashion as after just thirteen seconds, Hereford were awarded a penalty. Lee Gledhill was judged to have handled a cross from Paul Parry, but Gavin Williams' effort was well saved by an agile Harrison in the Barnet goal.
With just over twenty minutes left, Rob Elmes was introduced for Scott Voice, and looked fitter than at the corresponding stage last season. However, despite the striker's introduction, Barnet went close when Strevens had a shot charged down by the United defence. The Barnet frontman, formerly of Finchley, went close again with five minutes to go as the Hereford defence looked stretched, but his effort went well wide.
Neil Midgley and Mark Gower both had chances in the closing stages but failed to hit the target, as Hereford United held out for three points.
Barnet's boss John Still must be disappointed as his side failed to collect a point, but can be encouraged by his side's performance. A crowd of 2,210 turned out for the game, perhaps slightly down because of the live television coverage. Nevertheless, three opening points on the board put Hereford top of the table for the first time in the Conference, albeit for three hours!
Starting XI: Matt Baker, Mark Williams, Matt Clarke, Scott Goodwin, Ian Wright (capt), Tony James, Ian Rodgerson, Scott Voice, Gavin Williams, Paul Parry.
Subs: Rob Elmes (72 for Voice), Lee Evans, Christian James, Danny Davidson, Jimmy Quiggin.
Cards: Goodwin, Snape, M Williams
Man of the Match Matt Clarke
Attendance 2,210
Referee Mr. J. Singh, Hounslow
HEREFORD 2 Barnet 1 (From the Telegraph)
FIRST impressions can be notoriously misleading. For the first 10 minutes at Edgar Street on Saturday Barnet looked like a team capable of bouncing straight back into the Nationwide League from the Conference.
The decision to retain a full-time staff, lacking only their two leading scorers from last season and the player of the year, looked a sensible one as Barnet pulverised Hereford. But then reality set in along with last season's familiar flaws.
Hereford, no strangers to agonising last-day failures following their own demise four years ago, now possess enough of the Conference's essential savoir-faire to withstand opening onslaughts. Their director of football, Graham Turner, resisted the temptation to change the structure of his shaky side and came up trumps, so much so that his side's 2-0 lead after 18 minutes was almost inconceivable.
"We could have got overrun," he admitted, "but it was a case of `let's see if we can impose our formation on theirs'." Hereford rapidly did so, having survived a second-minute scare when Neil Midgley struck the bar after Ben Strevens had forced Matt Baker into a full-length save.
John Snape's deflected drive brought Hereford's first goal and Gavin Williams scored the second. Barnet, who hit back immediately through Mark Gower's diving header, were further encouraged by Lee Harrison's penalty save from Williams.
HEREFORD United captain Ian Wright is ready for a challenge at the top of the Nationwide Conference after today's 2-1 opening victory against Barnet.
"Hopefully we can start like we did last year but maintain it because we were top three last year until January but tailed off a bit," he told the Evening News. "I think the squad altogether is stronger at any time than in the last three years I've been here."
Scott Voice is Hereford's summer signing and Wright hopes he can maintain his impressive strikerate. "Last season Scott scored nearly 50 goals and if he can get half of that he will be doing well," said Wright. "As we showed last year we can beat the top teams but we need to get more consistent and with the squad being stronger than last year hopefully we can maintain it."
Phil Robinson also praised Voice's exploits at Bilston Town. "You need to be organised, strong and a fit outfit in the Conference and you've got to score goals," he said. "If you look at the teams that were successful they had a couple of strikers that scored a lot of goals with also contributions from around the pitch.
"Last season we created a lot of chances, with crosses and shots on target and this season we have to convert them into goals. Anybody who has seen Hereford has seen us create the chances but there have been some frustrating afternoons because we haven't turned that pressure into goals."
Robinson continued: "Goalscorering is a natural thing and I think if you can score goals to a certain extent at any level, if you are a decent player and reasonably fit, you can step up and score goals. Looking at Scott in training his finishing has been tremendous, they seem to go in off his knee, elbow - they just go in."
GAVIN Williams, who netted Hereford United's second goal in today's 2-1 victory over Barnet, was delighted with the victory which his goal secured.
"The game at the start was unbelievable," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester's Peter McMillan. "They've gone down to our end and hit the bar and it's just end to end from the start."
On his goal, he told of his pleasure at such a clinical finish. "I was quite happy with the finish. I was a bit disappointed as they went up the other end straight after I scored and got their one goal. Had we held onto the one goal lead for a little bit longer, it would have been a bit more comfortable."
Just thirteen seconds into the second period, Williams had a penalty stopped by Barnet goalkeeper Lee Harrison following a hand ball by Lee Gledhill. "It was a good save from the 'keeper," said Williams. "It's disappointing not to have scored two goals. It's always difficult on the first game of the season, and luckily for us we've got the three points."
The next trip for Hereford United is to Nuneaton Borough's Manor Park on Tuesday night, carrying a 7.45pm kick off. "We should go there with alot of confidence and take the good things out of that game, and hopefully get three points there as well," concluded Williams.
Aug 19th:
GRAHAM Turner, the Hereford United director of football praised his side's performance in yesterday's 2-1 victory at Edgar Street over Barnet. The game was live on Sky television and Turner thought it was a good spectacle to watch.
"There was some quality football from both sides in the first half," he told the Nationwide website. "We took the lead with two good strikes from Snape and Gavin Williams. Ian Rodgerson's through ball to Williams was an excellent delivery.
"Barnet also looked sharp in attack in the first half. It became a little ragged after the break but we defended well when Ian Wright began to get his timing right."
Despite their loss, John Still also said that Barnet had a good game and were probably a little unlucky to be defeated. "I am pleased with all aspects of our performances against Hereford," he said to the Nationwide website. "We have still got a lot of work to do but so have all sides.
"We created some good opportunities in and outside the box but did not make the best of them. There was a lot of encouraging things after the disappointment of being relegated last season. It was a fully committed display and if we carry on like that we will pick up a lot of points."
THREE members of the Hereford United first team have been ruled out of any competitive action for several weeks through injury.
John Shirley, Scott Cooksey and Phil Robinson will all miss the opening sector of the season, with goalkeeper Cooksey getting his wrist operation infected which prevents him handling the ball. Player-coach Robinso also has a wrist injury, but should be back by October. However, he also has a wrist injury which will require a scan.
John Shirley's injury was explained by player-physiotherapist Ian Rodgerson in the new-look Bullseye matchday magazine. "An anti-inflammatory injection for his chronic ankle ligament sprain looked to have settled it down," said Rodgerson. "But he opened up his ankle joint again after a tackle and this time another injection has not worked as well so he will have an MRI scan."
Meanwhile, away travel is to be run again this season by HUISA, with buses going to both Nuneaton Borough and Stalybridge Celtic. However, bookings must be made as early as possible as there must be at least twenty people to travel or a loss may be made.
Aug 20th:
NUNEATON Borough manager Steve Burr has said that his side need get some points soon to kick off their season, following their defeat at Morecambe on Saturday. Nuneaton host Hereford United at Manor Park tomorrow night and Burr is expecting a hard tie.
"It's going to be a tough game but hopefully we can start getting some points as soon as possible," he told BBC Ceefax. "We were disappointed with Saturday's result but not the display."
Boro' could welcome back Jamie Williams to the side after he missed the 1-0 defeat to open the season with a slight hamstring strain. Former Hereford 'keeper Chris MacKenzie, who won the player of the year award at Nuneaton last season, will definitely miss the game through injury.
The Bulls should name an unchanged side for the game, with no fresh injury worries for the game. A club spokesman said: "I think it will be a tough game. They lost on Saturday and they'll be looking to get a good start at home. Obviously we are hopeful, especially after the win against Barnet."
After the Barnet game, Graham Turner told the Evening News how his side managed to hold on to win. "We worked hard and stuck to our task, but we needed the penalty to go in and give us a bit of a breather," said Turner. "It's always difficult on the opening day of a season, but we have come out with a victory, which is the most important thing. I think our fans noticed there is a better spirit and endeavour in the side."
Aug 21st:
NUNEATON Borough 2 - 0 Hereford United
Hereford United made the short trip to Warwickshire side Nuneaton Borough on Tuesday night and, despite not playing to the best of their ability, were confident of gaining their second victory in four days. However, it all went horribly wrong as Boro' picked up their first three points of the season.
United named the same team as the one that beat Barnet on Saturday with one exception - Scott Voice picked up a slight knock so Rob Elmes started in attack. On the bench were two players from the youth team, one of which was to play a big part in the game later on. Goalkeeper Lee Evans and midfielder Mark Wilkes were the two named, alongside Steve Piearce, Danny Davidson and Christian James.
Nuneaton selected former Hereford United goalkeeper Chris MacKenzie in the starting eleven, along with former Fulham man Terry Angus and Marc McGregor, the ex-Forest Green striker.
The opening fifteen minutes were pretty even, with both sides getting plenty of possession and Hereford making one or two good chances. Chris MacKenzie saved from Elmes, whilst John Snape has a long range effort go wide. Matt Baker at the other end had most Nuneaton chances under control, but in the tenth minute the home side almost gained the lead. After a corner was only just cleared, the ball was swung back in. Several reflex saves in succession from Baker kept the ball out, before it was headed onto the Hereford crossbar and rebounding away. The ball was eventually hit wide by Nuneaton.
Nuneaton kept the pressure on as Mark Williams fouled under pressure and was cautioned for the offence. Three minutes later, Gavin Williams was in full flight before Terry Angus made a superb tackle to prevent the Hereford man going one-on-one with MacKenzie.
Nineteen minutes was on the clock when Nuneaton opened the scoring. Defender Andy Thackeray received a good cross from Alex Sykes and proceeded to volley the ball home from twelve yards into the bottom left. It really was a superb finish that Baker could do little about.
Anything that Hereford could throw at Nuneaton attacking-wise was stopped, particularly by defenders Michael Love and Angus, and also by goalkeeper MacKenzie, who was extremely dominant. At the other end, McGregor headed just wide of goal from eight yards out whilst Steve Whitehall hit a long range effort straight at Baker.
United continued to pressurise in an evenly matched game firstly when Rob Elmes headed from the left at MacKenzie, and then a cross-cum-shot from Scott Goodwin was acrobatically saved by the goalkeeper.
Half time saw the sides separated by just one goal and very little in terms of possession. However, the difference between the two was Hereford's poor attacking and suspect defending, whilst Boro's defence was organised.
A travelling Hereford support of three hundred, a fifth of the 1,544 in the ground, were left dismayed just five minutes after the second half had begun. Nuneaton striker Marc McGregor was one-on-one with Baker in the area when the goalkeeper rushed out and brought McGregor down. The referee awarded a penalty and there was really only one punishment that was going to occur from Baker's moment of madness - a red card. However, as Baker is only in the side deputising for the injured Scott Cooksey, the Bulls' only other recognised goalkeeper is Lee Evans, a player from the youth team who was only on the bench for his second competitive game. He had never played first team football before. Nevertheless, he was brought on for Baker and immediately faced a penalty, and could do nothing as McGregor doubled the score at 2-0.
Hereford, despite being down to ten men, started to play better! John Snape had a shot deflected wide of MacKenzie's goal, whilst defender Mark Williams blocked a shot from Nuneaton's Alex Sykes. Gavin Williams hit just off target as Hereford began to improve their play.
Tempers flaired though soon after on seventy three minutes when John Snape clashed with defender Michael Love. The two pushed each other about before the referee calmed things down.
Hereford needed extra power in attack and brought off Scott Goodwin for Danny Davidson but it had little impact. Gavin Williams hit wide again and Nuneaton went close when a shot was deflected off target from Steve Whitehall.
In about minute three of the five minutes of injury time (where did it all come from!), two players clashed again and the referee had to calm things down, and after the game as the players left the field, an argument erupted among two players and the officials had to restrain them.
So, all in all, a good win for Nuneaton Borough but simply not good enough for Hereford United. No one really deserved the man-of-the-match award for Hereford so it was a close call between Terry Angus and Chris MacKenzie in the Nuneaton side. Things better improve on Saturday at Stalybridge, who incidently beat Morecambe 4-3, the side that beat Nuneaton 1-0 on Saturday.
Hereford United: Matt Baker (off, 51 minutes) Matt Clarke Mark Williams Scott Goodwin (off, 75 minutes) Ian Wright (captain) Tony James Ian Rodgerson John Snape Scott Voice Gavin Williams Paul Parry
Subs: Steve Piearce Lee Evans (on, 51 minutes) Christian James Danny Davidson (on, 75 minutes) Mark Wilkes
Yellow cards: Mark Williams (13 minutes, foul) John Snape (90 minutes, unsporting behaviour)
Red cards: Matt Baker (51)
Attendance 1,544
Man of the Match Terry Angus
Referee Andy Penn (West Midlands)
Aug 22nd:
NATIONWIDE Conference chief executive John Moules has welcomed the Football League's suggestion that the Conference could be incorporated into the overall League structure, according to the Press Association.
The Football League have so far rejected the Conference's plan to find their champions via a play-off system.
But they are still keen to hold a meeting with Conference officials to discuss the issue of increasing promotion and relegation.
The suggestion, put forward by League spokesman John Nagle, remains in its infancy, and the two sides are still to sit down to discuss the implications such a move would have.
But Moules has already indicated that the Conference are very interested in the proposal, and are keen to hold further discussion at the earliest possible opportunity.
He said: "The Conference have responded positively to the statement by the Football League that they would like to continue discussions regarding increased promotion, and the new element of incorporating the Conference into the Football League."
At present, only the Conference champions are elected to the Third Division, with the bottom club in the Nationwide League moving in the opposite direction.
Conference officials, who have already had a two-up, two-down, proposal rejected, are determined to ensure that more teams are involved in the end of season run-in to increase the level of interest and excitement in the competition.
And they are yet to give up on the scheme of electing a 'Champion Club' via a play-off system involving the top five teams.
That would see the team who finished first automatically qualifying for a final, where they would play the winner of a series of games between the clubs who finished second to fifth for the right to be promoted to the Football League.
NUNEATON Borough manager Steve Burr admitted that he felt that Matt Baker's sending off in last night's victory over Hereford was harsh.
"He had to go under the current rules - but I don't agree with it," he said. "But on the night I have to be satisfied because we played well. There's a good team spirit within the club but we don't have a lot of money at the club and we know it is going to be a tough season."
Meanwhile, the Official Hereford United website (www.herefordunited.co.uk) have revealed that manager Graham Turner is looking for two loan signings - a goalkeeper and a midfielder.
THE next two seasons at Hereford United will decide their fate as £1,000,000 has to be repaid to creditors in May 2003 and Graham Turner is still hoping that an investor will put money in the club.
"I have repeatedly said that I would step aside if somebody made a serious approach to take over the chairmanship, and those were for football reasons," said Graham Turner. "But one of the stumbling blocks is the future of Edgar Street and the one million pound debt owed to the developers."
"When I bought the shares from the previous chairman I thought someone would want to buy them and take over the club. Unfortunately, that has not happened. The ultimate goal is to have Edgar Street developed, with the football club as part of those plans."
THE HUISA AGM last week revealed that the organisation has given over £9,000 to Hereford United within the past twelve months, according to the Hereford Times.
Kevin Wargen was re-elected as chairman for a second term with Peter Povall (membership secretary), Richard Burkin (vice-chairman) and Nicky White (treasurer) also re-elected. There is a position for secretary, and also on the board due to the departure of Dave White and Keith Dodd.
Wargen has also told the Hereford Times that the red-card campaign held on Saturday to protest at the rejection of the second promotion place to Division Three went well.
"The demonstration went down well with both sets of supporters, and prompted a lengthy discussion between the commentators covering the game," he said. "Supporters from Hereford will now be picketing at international matches and encouraging other clubs to join the campaign. The Football League has blocked the chance of two clubs being promoted and we want to know why the FA has not stepped in."
He continued: "The whole area is a tremendous opportunity, with about twenty six acres in total and one of the largest potential development sites anywhere in the country."
A spokesman from Chelverton, Simon Morgan, told the Hereford Times that "the club, Chleverton and the BS Group are concerned about the repayment of that loan. But a lot more discussions about the future of the Edgar Street site will be taking place over the next eighteen months or so."
HEREFORD United hope to name an unchanged side for tomorrow's trip to Stalybridge Celtic, kick off 3pm.
Graham Turner has no fresh injury worries following Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Nuneaton, but Scott Cooksey, Phil Robinson and John Shirley are definitely out. Also facing late fitness tests are Jimmy Quiggin and Scott Voice. Added to the squad is Paul Webb, today's loan signing from Kidderminster Harriers.
Stalybridge Celtic striker Winfield Steele could be promoted from the bench after scoring twice in midweek. Midfielder Kevin Parr will definitely miss out as he serves the final game of a three-match suspension, and Paul Futcher is expected to name an unchanged side.
"We've had Stalybridge watched and like most sides they work hard," Graham Turner told the Evening News. "They were 3-1 down with 12 minutes to play and scored three goals to win 4-3, showing a lot of resilience and determination which we have got to be aware of."
"We didn't play well at Nuneaton although we did seem to perform better after Matt Baker was sent off," said Turner. "He'll start his ban, probably for three matches, in two weeks time, and I've already made provisional calls to bring in another keeper on loan."
"Last season we were drawing too many games and we've already got three points from two games. But we've got to improve our performance although we've got a quarter of our players out with injury."
Hereford (from): Baker, Clarke, M. Williams, Goodwin, Davidson, Wright, T. James, Rodgerson, Snape, Elmes, G. Williams, Parry, Evans, Piearce, C. James. Wilkes, Webb.
HEREFORD United have announced the signing of midfielder Paul Webb on loan for a month from local rivals Kidderminster Harriers.
Webb was captain during Kidderminster's final season in the Conference, and is now thirty three years old as Phil Robinson is out injured. However, Webb has not played in the Harriers first team this season.
Graham Turner is still looking for a loan goalkeeper to cover when Matt Baker is suspended.
Aug 23rd:
STALYBRIDGE Celtic 0 - 2 Hereford United
Hereford United made just their second ever trip to Bower Fold today to play Stalybridge Celtic and in both encounters have collected maximum points after 3-0 and 2-0 victories. Graham Turner's side had to get back to winning ways following their humiliating 2-0 defeat at Nuneaton Borough on Tuesday night.
Stalybridge Celtic boss Paul Futcher named an unchanged side from the one that beat Morecambe 4-3 on Tuesday night, whilst Hereford's director of football Graham Turner made two changes, with Scott Goodwin dropping out injured and John Snape just dropping out for recent signing Christian James and on-loan midfielder Paul Webb.
The game started brightly with both sides putting themselves about, but it was soon clear that Hereford United were to be overrun by Stalybridge Celtic. The opening few minutes saw half chances from Elmes and Gavin Williams but Celtic soon started pressurising Matt Baker's goal. Ged Courtney squared the ball to Matt McNeil, and the striker hit it just wide.
Matt Baker was called into real action after twelve minutes when Courtney got in front of the Hereford defence, and Baker was forced to make a point blank save to prevent Celtic taking the lead. In midfield, Paul Webb did alot of shouting but little passing and tackling, although he did increasingly become promenant in the game later on. The defence also appeared suspect allowing too many Celtic attempts on goal.
Steve Bushell tested Baker again midway through the half, a low shot from twenty five yards being stopped by United's goalkeeper, and five minutes later Courtney narrowly missed a header with it flying just wide of the post. On the half hour, Bushell was one-on-one with Baker and was sure to take the lead, but hit narrowly wide as again poor finishing turned out to be United's saviour.
Stalybridge striker Matt McNeil was removed a minute later with a slight knock, and Andy Evans replaced him but the change made little difference to Hereford as on thirty two minutes, Paul Futcher's son Ben headed just wide from a free kick in an acute position to the right of goal. Celtic's domination of the game at this point was almost 70% of the possession.
A minute after Futcher's effort, Ian Rodgerson went down with a knee injury. Graham Turner had options on the bench so chose to remove him, and replaced him with John Snape who, so far, had been sorely missed in midfield. Initially the move made little difference. Matt Baker had to make a agile double save from a Celtic corner to keep Ben Futcher's headed effort out which was eventually cleared. It was only Baker's goakeeping and the excellent movement by the young Paul Parry which kept the travelling Hereford support of 200 or so content.
Ian Wright went close with three minutes left and in injury time, Hereford again defended desperately to keep Celtic out. Something had to change at the break.
And so it did. Midfielder Christian James was removed for Steve Piearce which gave United an extra attacking option. There were few chances in the opening minutes from either side but Stalybridge must have felt hard-done-by not to have been leading at half time after completely dominating the play.
On fifty eight minutes, Gavin Williams made a good cross for Rob Elmes to head goalwards beyond the far post. However, the ball roled in front of goal with nobody on hand to tap in the effort. Two minutes later, Hereford had a corner. Paul Parry whipped it in from the left hand side for Rob Elmes to connect onto with his head. The effort was clean and strong, leaving goalkeeper Gary Ingham with no chance from six yards out.
Hereford suddenly came to life. Paul Webb headed over from a corner, Mark Williams missed the target by inches following a Gavin Williams cross, and Matt Baker had no problems when Futcher headed straight at him. With sixteen minutes left, Steve Bushell ran one-on-one past the Hereford defence to face Matt Baker, and somehow, the goalkeeper tipped the ball wide for a corner when it seemed almost easier to score.
A minute later, Stalybridge were made to pay for their missed effort. A long ball from the right hand side from Gavin Williams following good play between him and Clarke was to provide a challenging catch for the goalkeeper. He rushed out, missed it, and Rob Elmes was on hand to tap in from close range.
A late rally from Celtic could do nothing as Hereford United held on for their second win in three games. Stalybridge's inability to convert chances into goals cost them dear and Hereford managed to make the best of their efforts when they didn't play particularly well. A mention must go the referee Hatkins, who did well to keep the game flowing.
Hereford are just a point behind leaders Northwich Victoria on six points, whilst Jimmy Quinn's side have seven. Stalybridge have won one game out of three, but look good enough to stay up despite being favourites for the drop.
Starting XI: Matt Baker, Matt Clarke, Mark Williams, Paul Webb, Ian Wright (captain), Tony James, Ian Rodgerson (off, 31 minutes), Christian James (off, 45 minutes,) Rob Elmes, Gavin Williams, Paul Parry
Subs: John Snape (on, 31 minutes), Lee Evans, Steve Piearce (on, 45 minutes), Danny Davidson, Paul Marshall
Yellow cards: Ian Wright (57 minutes, foul,) Steve Piearce (90 minutes, foul)
Scorers: Rob Elmes (59 minutes, 74 mintues)
Attendance: 851
Man of the Match: Paul Parry
Referee: Mr. G. Hatkins (Bradford)
UNITED striker Rob Elmes was delighted with his two goals at Bower Fold against Stalybridge Celtic yesterday in the Nationwide Conference.
"I was on the spot to take advantage of Gary dropping the ball," said Elmes. "But to be fair it was a good cross from Gavin Williams that made him stretch. I checked my run in and pulled off to the back post. Their defence missed it and I just headed it in."
Stalybridge boss Paul Futcher was clearly disappointed with the defeat after dominating the game for the first half and most of the second.
"When you should have been two up at half-time losing the way we did is hard to take." said Futcher.
Meanwhile, Jan Molby has told the official Kidderminster Harriers website about Paul Webb's move to Hereford. “The period at Hereford should do him the world of good. Webby is the type of player that needs matches to get fit and I think he has around eight matches in the next month at Hereford in which he can do that”, Molby said.
“Webby knows he has a lot of work to do to push himself back into contention here and playing reserve football will not help his case”, Molby said, “I know Graham Turner is a big fan of his and I’m confident he will do a good job there.”
Aug 26th:
SOUTHPORT travel to Edgar Street tomorrow to face Hereford United in the first Bank Holiday clash of the season, kick off 3pm.
Former United defender Chris Lane will play his first game at Edgar Street since his move to the Sandgrounders in January for £12,500 and many fans will be eager to see him again. Over the summer, manager Mark Wright and several key players have moved onto Oxford United but new boss Phil Wilson has joined from Stalybridge.
Hereford boss Graham Turner told the Evening News: "They've seen a lot of change and lost four or five players plus their manager but that doesn't mean to say it won't still be a tough match. We've already won at home against Barnet and we have to try and continue."
Meanwhile, United's boss has been searching frantically for a loan 'keeper to cover whilst Matt Baker is suspended. However, Turner is pleased with his current stopper.
"It was unfortunate Matt was sent off because he's been keeping goal well," said Turner. "But he showed what he could do last season and he's got a great deal of confidence and competence."
Player-coach Phil Robinson said: "He started at Hull with Ian Wright where he used to clean his boots although not very well according to Wrighty! He came here when he was released from Hull and impressed during a long trial spell," said Robinson. "He's a very good shot-stopper, very mobile and good on the ball and kicks well with either foot which is an important part of goalkeeping these days. He was unlucky to be sent off on Tuesday, the lad went through and I think Matt just caught him."
First goalkeeper Scott Cooksey is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall after picking up an infection in a wrist injury.
Robinson said of the injury: "Scott picked up a nasty infection in his wrist which was painful and caused a lack of mobility in his hand but he's been responding to treatment.
Aug 27th:
HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner has just one fresh injury worry following Saturday's 2-0 win over Stalybridge Celtic.
Ian Rodgerson, who limped off on the half hour mark, faces a fitness test to see if he will be able to take part in today's game.
Hereford boss Graham Turner has one injury doubt for the game against Southport. Ian Rodgerson hobbled off towards the end of the 2-0 win at Stalybridge on Saturday and was replaced by John Snape. According to the BBC, Matt Baker is suspended for today's game, and with regular goalkeeper Scott Cooksey also out, Lee Evans may well be recalled from the youth team to play. Phil Robinson and John Shirley are also absent.
Southport lost 5-2 at home against Farnborough Town on Saturday and will be eager to get back to winning ways. Boss manager Phil Wilson welcomes back the suspended striker Kevin Leadbetter.
HEREFORD United 0 - 0 Southport
The strain of two matches in three days took its toll as a dull 0-0 draw was the result in today's Nationwide Conference match at Edgar Street. Neither side really deserved to win as defences came out on top, although Hereford will think themselves hard done by the referee on a few occasions; Mr. Hapgood from Swindon had an awful match.
United boss Graham Turner made two changes to the side that beat Stalybridge 2-0 on Saturday. Ian Rodgerson was injured and replaced by Steve Piearce, and he partnered Rob Elmes in attack as Gavin Williams fell back onto the right wing. John Snape returned to play alongside Paul Webb in the centre of the park. Contrary to earlier reports, Matt Baker was not suspended in the Hereford goal and started at number one.
Southport named two ex-Hereford players on the substitutes bench. Chris Lane, who moved to Haig Avenue last January, was amongst the reserves as was Brian McGorry, a summer signing by manager Phil Wilson from Telford United.
The game started in hot conditions at Edgar Street and neither side created much in the way of chances. Hereford, though, attempted to attack but Steve Piearce's early weak shot was easily saved by Sandgrounder's goalkeeper Steve Dickinson, and Gavin Williams went close a minute or so later. Ian Wright headed over from a corner a little later, whilst Matt Baker did well to punch away a cross from Simon Parke.
Fifteen minutes were on the clock when Hereford captain Ian Wright went close, only for Barry Jones to clear his header away. At the other end, Martin Clark hit wide when one-on-one with the confident Baker, but the first goal of the afternoon was to follow at the other end. A Gavin Williams corner was headed past Dickinson by Wright but the referee disallowed the effort after an infringement from Rob Elmes.
Two minutes later, with twenty seven on the clock, Southport had the ultimate chance to reply. From the edge of the box, Simon Parke turned well and his left-footed volley sailed narrowly wide of Matt Baker's right hand post. A few minutes later, Baker was in good form to save a shot from Steve Jones with his legs and after a scramble in the final third of the field, Lee Elam hit over for a goal kick.
In added time at the end of the half, Hereford United will have felt hard-done-by not to have gained a penalty when Steve Piearce was blatantly pushed on his back in the box. The referee must have been the only person who didn't see it - and awarded no penalty. However, after Hereford's recent penalty form it could have been a blessing in disguise!
The start of the second half was delayed by five minutes after the teams had appeared due to a lack of officials! When proceedings did eventually restart, Hereford created the first attack which Dickinson rushed out to clear following a move involving Elmes and Piearce. Four minutes later, a Matt Clarke cross was headed over by the unmarked Parry from ten yards out, and Paul Webb made Dickinson dive low to stop a long range effort.
Danny Davidson soon replaced Piearce and made a swift impact. After Parry had tested the goalkeeper with a close range header, Davidson had a shot tipped over the bar.
Southport needed to respond to the added threat, and Steve Jones hit a close range effort at Baker. Then, Hereford were mighty lucky to have got away with poor defending when Neil Grayston hit a superb thirty yard effort against the far post, with Baker beaten. The ball rebounded away and was cleared.
With eleven minutes left, Shaun Teale gave the away side the lead but the referee was obviously on a roll - and disallowed that goal too! Simon Parke was the man adjudged to have made a foul. United responded well when Gavin Williams tested Dickinson from thirty yards, and the goalkeeper was only able to tip the effort over the crossbar. Simon Peake and Rob Elmes went close for their respective sides as the full-time whistle approached but neither could break the deadlock.
Southport will not be disappointed with a point, but the home side will be annoyed that for the amount of possession and chances that they had, they couldn't gain that illusive goal. The hard fought battle is clearly evident because the number of fouls recorded. The total - a mere thirty nine!
Starting XI: Matt Baker, Matt Clarke, Mark Williams, Paul Webb, Ian Wright, (captain) Tony James, Steve Piearce (off, 57 minutes), John Snape, Rob Elmes, Gavin Williams, Paul Parry
Subs: Scott Goodwin, Lee Evans, Christian James, Danny Davidson (on, 57 minutes), Paul Marshall
Yellow cards: Matt Clarke (43 minutes, unsporting behaviour), Paul Parry (90 minutes, foul)
Man of the Match Matt Baker
Attendance 2,010
Referee Mr. S. Hapgood (Swindon)
HEREFORD United's on loan midfielder Paul Webb has given his view of today's 0-0 draw with Southport.
Speaking to Trevor Owens of BBC Hereford & Worcester, he said: "I think it was a fair result in the end. It was not a very good game; it was like watching a tennis match for the crowd. It's our second game in fourty eight hours and both games have been very hot so the lads have done well to get through it."
"It was cut and thrust for ninety minutes," he continued. "It was disappointing that we couldn't get the ball down and give it to the lads who can get some crosses in. I suppose for the fans it was a dour nil nil."
The month-long loan move will benefit him as well as Hereford United, according to Webb: "I can play nine games in a month here. Hopefully I can go back to Harriers in a month and be pushing for a first team place."
Since Kidderminster were promoted a year ago, Webb has returned to the Conference. He said of the league: "It's as difficult as ever. There is still a lot of good quality in the Conference and it's still a difficult league to play in."
On Hereford United's chances at the top, Webb commented: "There are some very good players here especially some younger players who can go onto better things. I came into the side to try and help these youngsters with my little bit of experience and there is no reason why Hereford shouldn't be up there for most of the season."
Aug 28th:
IN yesterday's matchday magazine, Ian Rodgerson outlined the injury situation at the club. Since the notes were written before Saturday's game at Stalybridge, he failed to mention the injury he picked up during the game.
However, Tony James and Scott Goodwin's groin strains should now have cleared up, according to Rodgerson, and Scott Voice has a swollen ankle which he sustained against Barnet.
John Shirley's ankle injury is outlined by player/physio Ian: "We are still awaiting the result of the MRI scan on John Shirley's chronic ankle ligament problem and it will be a little while before he will be back in action."
"Scott Cooksey has spent a week in rehab at Lilleshall, working hard to regain the mobility and strength in his wrist he needs before he can resume training," Rodgerson continued. Phil Robinson has had a scan on his back which has shown no injury, but his wrist strain means he will be out for several weeks yet.
On the Away Travel front, there are two upcoming Hereford United away games which HUISA Away Travel coaches will be visiting. The first is at Margate this coming Saturday, 1st September, 3pm, whilst on the 11th there is an evening game at Dagenham, 7.45pm.
Aug 29th:
HEREFORD United are now quoted at 11/1 to win the Conference title, according to bookmakers Surrey Racing and William Hill.
William Hill have Boston United as favourites at 10/3, with Hereford sixth favourites to gain promotion to the Football League next May. Stalybridge and Hayes are rank outsiders at 200/1.
Surrey Racing have Boston as 3/1 favourites, with Hereford again sixth favourites behind Stevenage, Doncaster, Yeovil and Dagenham. The Bulls are 80/1 for the drop, with the five aforementioned sides fighting for the title all at 100/1.
FORMER Hereford United defender Matt Gardiner, who was released from Edgar Street last May to join local rivals Worcester City, has made a swift exit from St. George's Lane.
After just four competitive games for City, the twenty eight year old had his contract cancelled by mutual consent.
Manager John Barton said: "He hasn't shown the Matt Gardiner that we've been watching for the past 18 months and he's as disappointed as anyone. He's been disappointing and that's the end of the story, we wish him well."
It is thought that Gardiner hadn't completely recovered from a hernia operation which kept him out of the Hereford side at the back end of last season.
SCOTT Cooksey and John Shirley are making progress with their respective injuries to get back into the first team.
First choice goalkeeper Cooksey has made progress with his wrist injury and can now handle the ball. However, he will need more recuperation and will remain sidelined for the near future. There is more good news as John Shirley, the midfielder who has been suffering with a niggling injury, will resume training very soon.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Matt Baker, who was sent off in a 2-0 defeat at Nuneaton Borough, has received a one match ban. The rules are that suspensions for red cards can vary from between one and three matches. Therefore, Graham Turner's search for a loan goalkeeper to cover whilst Baker is absent can now be relaxed.
Aug 30th:
MOVES to relocate the cattle market and renovate the Edgar Street area are being prepared and were revealed in today's Hereford Times.
The blueprint that could shape Hereford's future includes an overhaul of the current traffic system in the city. The cattle market could move to the Tillington area of the city but there are no plans for what could fill the existing site.
However, the Hereford Times has suggested that the council should suggest a new council office, residential development, a stall market, a supermarket (something which councillor Terry James has already played down) and a bus station (despite the station behind the cinema in Commercial Road having been renovated recently).
GRAHAM Turner has signed a loan goalkeeper to cover for Matt Baker when the youngster is suspended for the Forest Green match next Tuesday night.
United's director of football has swooped to capture Neil Barnes, an eighteen year old from the Birmingham academy.
Baker's ban, for just one match, will mean he misses the upcoming game at Edgar Street and manager Graham Turner has told the Hereford Times that an experienced loan signing was out of the question.
"We are looking for a replacement but it won't be an experienced player. Clubs are unlikely to release a senior 'keeper for just one game," he said prior to signing Barnes.
Therefore, Baker will play against Margate on Saturday but the Bulls will be without John Shirley, Scott Cooksey and Phil Robinson whilst there are doubts over Ian Rodgerson and Scott Goodwin, who is not yet fully recovered from a groin strain.
Aug 31st:
HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner is cautious before tomorrow's long trip to Margate in the Nationwide Conference, kick off 3pm.
The Hartsdown Park side are Southern League Premier Division champions and Turner told the Evening News: "Margate are a big, strong side with plenty of six foot plus players."
"They're a hard working side who won up at Scarborough with an impressive performance. They are still riding on the back of the euphoria from winning the Dr Martens League and have made a decent start and it won't be easy.
"We have definitely got to improve because we have not played well. We had a disappointing performance in the first half at Stalybridge and again against Southport with no cohesion or real understanding. But that sometimes happens and it is not surprising with the amount of chopping and changing we've done due to injuries."
Hereford are without midfielder Ian Rodgerson (thigh), striker Scott Voice (ankle), John Shirley (ankle) and midfielder Jimmy Quiggin (knee), as well as Scott Cooksey and Phil Robinson, whilst Scott Goodwin (groin) is a doubt.
Rob Elmes has scored twice this season and is likely to start. "He's off the mark and any striker that scores gets a confidence boost," said Turner.
Hereford (from): Baker, Clarke, M. Williams, Webb, Wright, T. James, Piearce, Snape, Davidson, Elmes, G. Williams, Parry, Goodwin, Evans, C. James.
Margate have no new injury worries but boss Chris Kinnear is without Iain O'Connell who has a groin problem and striker Phil Collins.
