Bulls News has helped raise over £50,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support
Related BBC links:
Fixtures
& Results
League
Table
H U Official Website
Bulls Banter Forum
Archive
Website
BBC Highlights
BN Fantasy Football
Football Latest
By viewing this
website,
you must agree to the
following terms:
The opinions
expressed here are not
those of Hereford United
and should not be
considered as such.
Hereford United FC is
not responsible for the
content of this website.
This website is not
connected in any way
to any football club,
league, organisation, forum or
sponsor.
Bulls News is not
responsibile for any
external links
If copying any
material from this
website, please mention
Bulls News
Email us
|
Sunday, November 08, 2009 - By Organic Bull - Sutton Manager Comments on Cup-Tie Paul Doswell, the Sutton United manager, has given his reaction to yesterday's Cup Game at Edgar Street which the Bulls won 2-0.
"I'm not disappointed at all," said Doswell.
"I think the players gave a great account of themselves as a Ryman Premier Division team, the supporters were brilliant and came along in their numbers and I think overall it’s been a credit to the club.
"To concede after only five minutes was a bit hard to take, but I thought the boys recovered very well from that and then the sending off gave us a big chance to get back in to the game. If we’re being really honest, which I always try to be, we weren’t quite good enough to fashion that one outstanding chance that we needed, and the second goal was neither here nor there in the end, because by then I don’t think we were going to get the equaliser. I tried everything that I could think of to get us back in to it, and I think we gave a great account of ourselves in terms of the passing game that we play and the pressure and number of corners that we had, but ultimately we weren’t good enough to make that one clear chance."
Doswell spoke about the penalty shouts and his remarks were similar to those of Bulls winger Marc Pugh reported on BN yesterday.
"If I’m being honest I don’t understand what’s handball any more. The first one has definitely hit Sonny (Cobbs) on the hand and deflected away, and under the current interpretation should have been a penalty, but the second one was never a penalty and I think the referee evened it up there. But I don’t think that goal killed the game. It might have prevented a more exciting last five minutes, but I don’t think by then we were going to make that one golden chance."
- By Organic Bull - The Appeal of the FA Cup A disappointing, but perhaps not surprising, crowd of just 1713 watched yesterday's FA Cup first round tie at Edgar Street. This contrasts with a gate of 5924 when the Bulls took on Leeds in the first round two seasons ago.
Below are the attendances for Hereford United's last four first round games, all of which have been played at Edgar Street. Figures show total gate, away fans and home fans.
Nov 09 - Sutton United 1713.. 205.. 1508
Nov 08 - Dagenham and Redbridge 1825.. 104.. 1721
Nov 07 - Leeds United 5924.. 1070.. 4854
Nov 06 - Shrewsbury Town 5574.. 1414.. 4160
The percentage drop in the home support from last year, given two opposing sides with not too much appeal, to this year is 13% which is not as high as the drop in support at League games.
However at least this season the Bulls won their first round game which will bring £18,000 for the club.
But what is so noticable is that it all depends on the opposition. To have a team such as Shrewsbury or Leeds at home in first round ties is so much more profitable, even if the Bulls lose, than playing against a lesser outfit.
This afternoon the Bulls will find out who they will meet in round two. An easy home draw which could result in the possibility of a round three clash against a Premiership side may be the ideal.
Or would it be better to be playing at a club like Leeds knowing that should one be defeated the receipts will be very welcome and probably somewhat higher than the £27,000 on offer for a win?
We'll find out around 3.35pm.
Saturday, November 07, 2009 - By Bobo - Ex-Bull Watch Sammy Igoe and Alan Connell, with two, scored Bournemouth's goals as they dumped Chesterfield out of the FA Cup. Febian Brandy was handed man of the match with a goalscoring performance as Gillingham beat Southend. Moses Ashikodi scored again for Kettering as they beat Hartlepool. Nick Chadwick scored twice as Chester beat Grays to move within 19 points of safety in the Conference.
- By Bobo - 3.35pm For Cup Draw The Second Round draw for the FA Cup is to take place on Sunday at 3.35pm on ITV1. Nottm Forest fan Carl Froch and former Forest striker Tony Woodcock will make the draw after the televised Northwich-Charlton game. The Bulls have been given no.13 with the games to be played on the weekend of November 28 and 29. Selected Draw Numbers:
- By Ledburybull - A STEP ON WEMBLEY WAY AS BEAST SEES RED Despite a generally unconvincing performance in a game marred by a sending off and some curious refereeing decisions, Hereford eased past Sutton to ensure a place in the second round of the FA Cup.
With Jonny Godsmark returning to the fray, and Edrissa Sonko in the starting line-up, the Bulls started brightly with lower graded Sutton on the defensive. Craig King played some intelligent one-touch football to create early chances for strike partner Mattieu Manset. With Marc Pugh and Godsmark attacking on the flanks, an early goal seemed likely, and duly arrived on six minutes. Kenny Lunt played the ball through to Manset who bundled the ball home from close range with Godsmark in close attendance.
Adam Bartlett dealt comfortably with a couple of long range efforts and a glancing header from Sonny Cobbs. Sutton's main threats resulted from long throws by Billy Hawes. Hereford had one or two promising moves but were unable to supply the finishing touches. Much of the game was being played out in midfield, with some strong tackling, over elaboration and frustrating interpretation of the laws by Mr Rushton.
A game changing incident occurred in the twenty-seventh minute. After a midfield melee, Adam Pouton appeared to tread on a prone Manset, who reacted with the sort of kick up the backside normally employed by clowns a la cirque, and the Sutton player certainly gained top marks for artistic impression. With a spectacular double rainbow over Edgar Street, Mr Rushton engaged in protracted consultations with all and sundry before delivering la carte rouge.
With the main attacking force missing, the nature of the game changed forthwith. James Hawes further incurred the wrath of John Trewick for over elaboration after a coming-together, but this time no action was taken. Half-time arrived with the chance to calm down.
HT: HUFC 1 SUTTON UTD 0
A couple of late tackles by Sam Gargan and Billy Hawes led to free-kicks, though puzzlingly no cards. In no danger, the former Stevenage foe Jason Goodliffe shepherded one ball for a corner and dealt with an awkward bounce by instinctively palming the ball over the line. It was no surprise the offence was not spotted. Midfield dynamo Matt Hann was creating chances for Sutton, including one for Billy Hawes, whose far post shot was punched to safety by Bartlett. Hann himself shot wide when well placed as Hereford's nerves began to show. Despite some good passing in midfield, the final ball and shot eluded them as they tried to put the tie to bed.
Keith Lowe played a terrific ball to Godsmark, whose pinpoint cross was headed for a corner and Lunt wrong-footed opponents with a clever turn, but delayed the pass and two Bulls were caught offside. Sonko was hauled back by Danny Phillips, where upon it became clear that Mr Rushton had a yellow card in his pocket all along. Lowe was again pivotal in the move leading to the second goal. He released Pugh who jinked into the box on eighty-six minutes, and in the ensuing scramble, Goodliffe handled on the ground. Penalty! Much debate. Further showing of the yellow to Pouton for dissent. Ball dispatched to net by Ryan Valentine. 2-0 to the Bulls and game over.
There remained the chance for Gavin McCallum, on as a last minute sub, to embarrass his old colleagues. And we thought it was cold in Canada, so speculation as to the need for the black gloves was rife. A tribute to Danny Williams was one suggestion. In any case he had but one chance, set up cleverly for him by King, but his shot was blocked. Four minutes of added time were played out without incident as the rain poured down.
FT HUFC 2 SUTTON UTD 0
HUFC: Bartlett, Valentine, Blanchett, Jones, Lowe, Pugh (Done 89), Lunt, Sonko, Godsmark (McCallum 89), Manset, King
Subs not used: Adamson, Green, Rose, Tolly, Constantine
SUTTON UTD: Scriven, Hawes, Bray, Goodliffe, Thomas (Perkins 46), Cobbs, Hann, Pouton, McKimm (Phillips 72), Hawes (Joseph 46), Gargan
ATTENDANCE: 1713 with 205 from Gander Green Lane
- By Organic Bull - I didn't enjoy the game said Trewick Whilst delighted to be through to the second round of the FA Cup, Hereford United manager John Trewick admitted he didn't enjoy the game.
"I've got to say I didn't enjoy very much of it," Trewick told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We are through into the next round. We know we can play better. I thought we put up a good effort but the sending off (of Manset) was always going to change the game and we had to re-adjust to that and play in a certain way in order to get a result. And we did that.
"It's always nice to score early, we haven't done it too often in the season. But unfortunately the game was a bit stop-start, a few niggly things going on, then the sending off and we never really got a flow going to our game.
"But we stuck at it and worked ever so hard so I pleased with a lot of aspects of it."
Trewick spoke about the officals.
"I thought there were so odd decisions and I felt there was a lot of persistent fouling by them and it took a long time before a yellow card was shown.
"All you want is fairness for both sides and consistency in the decision making."
- By Organic Bull - Very Pleased To Get Though - Pugh Hereford United's Marc Pugh was pleased to get through this afternoon's cup-tie and thought Sutton had played well.
"We've ground out a result in the end despite the sending off," Pugh told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"They put us under pressure during the game but didn't really create any great chances. I thought we defended well and were solid as a team.
"All ten of us left on the field gave 100% and King worked the channels well. He worked hard, battled hard up there. It was hard work for him.
"I've had a couple of chances, Jonny's had a chance. On another day we could have had four or five.
"No disrespect to them, they came here gave a good performance of themselves and credit to themselves."
There were two claims for handball late in the game. The second was given but the first, which looked the more definite to most of the crowd, wasn't given.
"I couldn't tell (about the one that was given) but the one before it where I gone past Goodliffe was a penalty but I'm not too sure about the penalty which was given.
"It was one of those things where the ref probably tried to redeem himself."
- By Organic Bull - The Cup Game Stats from Edgar Street Below are the stats from this afternoon's FA Cup game between Hereford United and Sutton United which ended 2-0 to the Bulls.
Possession: Bulls 51% Sutton 49%
Shots on Target: Bulls 4 Sutton 4
Shots off Target: Bulls 3 Sutton 3
Corner: Bulls 6 Sutton 5
Fouls: Bulls 9 Sutton 15
Bookings: Manset - red card
Attendance: 1713 with 205 following Sutton
Referee Rushton: Not a good game
- By Organic Bull - Manset and the Referee Despite a 2-0 win for the Bulls against Sutton United this afternoon in the FA Cup the main talking points from the game were the sending off of Hereford's Mathieu Manset and the performance of the referee.
Manset was red carded after reacting to Sutton's Alan Paulton. The two were on the floor with Paulton across part of Manset's body. It looked as though Paulton had a hand across Manset's mouth and a knee across his middle.
Excellent pictures of the incident were taken by Hereford Journal photographer Andy Compton which no doubt could be copied for Bulls manager John Trewick should he decide to appeal against the card.
"If the referee deems that Mathieu had committed a sending off offence I feel that the other guy also committed a sending off offence because I think the DVD will show that Mathieu was on the floor and he was being man-handled by the other guy," said Trewick in his post match interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"I think he had his hand in his face, he had his knee across his chest and unfortunatley it's one of those things when the officials don't see the first offence but it's easy to see the reaction to it.
"I can't condone what Mathieu did but he just sort of flailed his arms and his legs and I not sure he made contact with anybody.
"The lad got up and he carried on and played for the rest of the game.
"So I feel it is a little bit harsh but I've spoken to him (Manset) after the match and just explained he's got to try and keep a cooler head in future and not react in a similar way."
- By Bobo - Results Round Up In the FA Cup there were five League sides dumped out by non-league minnows. Shrewsbury dipped out to Ryman side Staines 1-0 at home, while Kettering beat Hartlepool 1-0. Bath City won 2-0 at Grimsby, while York dumped Crewe out 3-2 at the Kit Kat Crescent. The other giantkilling so far was Yeovil, who lost 1-0 at Oxford. Other non-leaguers making the next draw include Cambridge Utd, 4-0 winners over Ilkeston, Barrow, who beat Eastleigh 2-1, and Wrexham, 1-0 winners over Lowestoft. Cheltenham's failed to overcome Torquay, losing a man and an early lead in conceding two penalties, losing 3-1 in the end. Forest Green face a replay after drawing 1-1 with Mansfield.
- By Bobo - Bulls Into Second Round The Bulls are into the Second Round of the FA Cup after a 2-0 win over Sutton United at Edgar Street today. The match seemed something of a formality when Mathieu Manset scrambled the ball home for an early lead, but referee Stephen Rushton had other ideas. He sent Manset off for retailiation, a Beckham-esque flick of the boot on a Sutton player after he had been trod on, and then proceeded to dish out a series of bizarre decisions that left both sides furious at his antics. Ryan Valentine eventually settled the game with a late penalty, the second of two clear handballs by Sutton players, to send the bulk of the 1,713 crowd - with 205 from Sutton - home happy. Full report later.
- By Organic Bull - No Live Commentary from Edgar Street According to the FA there will be no live commentary from Edgar Street this afternoon when two of this countries best known giant-killers meet in the first round of the FA Cup.
Hereford United take on Sutton United with a 3pm kick-off.
Many other ties are being broadcast. In some cases two different local BBC stations will be broadcasting from the same ground. For example the Torquay versus Cheltenham game is being broadcast on both BBC Radio Devon and BBC Radio Gloucester and it's on the internet
Meanwhile BBC Hereford and Worcester's schedule suggests the only 'live' game being broadcast this afternoon is Worcester Warriors v Newcastle Falcons.
However there will be reports from the game on Radio Marsden (87.7FM) and BBC Surrey (104 -104.6FM) and, of course, BBC Hereford and Worcester (94.7FM).
- By Organic Bull - McCallum hopes for a chance against Sutton Former Sutton United striker Gavin McCallum is hoping Hereford United manager John Trewick will give him a chance to play when the two teams meet this afternoon in the FA Cup at Edgar Street.
"I got 19 goals for them last season but I should have got a few more," McCallum told the Worcester News.
"I did quite well and the manager Paul Doswell was good to me.
"I would love to play today. I think every player in the world wants to play against their former club and I would be delighted to take part.
"It doesn’t matter what league you are in when the first round of the FA Cup comes around, it is always a massive day.
"We are definitely looking for a win which will kick-start our season and get the crowd going."
Friday, November 06, 2009 - By ExLandlord - Tonights FA Cup Results Huddersfield beat Dagenham and Redbridge 6-1 with Lionel Ainsworth and Theo Robinson both coming off the bench in the second half.
At The Memorial Stadium, Andy Williams played the whole game and collected a booking as Bristol Rovers lost 2-3 to Southampton.
Finally, Notts County beat Bradford City 2-1 with Ade Akinbiyi playing all but the final 10 minutes for County while Karl Hawley scored their opener.
- By Organic Bull - The Away View at Edgar Street 
From the Wenger View - A selection of some of the best Wenger Views ever captured on camera.....
IT'S WALES ENOUGH SAID.
Nope, this isn't 2001: A Space Odyssey. It's an all-time classic Wenger View, this is the view away fans saw circa 2002 from their seats at Edgar Street, home of Hereford f...ing United.
Given the size of this post, someone who has never visited this sorry excuse for a football ground might wonder exactly what it is supporting. A tank? Mount Everest? Chris Moyles?
Sadly, unlike Celtic, there are no TV screens helpfully erected to assist those sat squarely behind the post - the stewards simply hand out colouring books and crayons to keep you occupied for the 90mins.
Oh Dear!
Update: Since publication of the picture a well-known Hereford United supporter has added his own message.
- By Organic Bull - Hobsons in Radfords As a special incentive to boost the crowd at Edgar Street tomorrow to watch the FA Cup-tie, Radfords will have some offerings of Hobsons Ales.
"Tomorrow we shall have on a couple of bright real ales from the Hobsons brewery," says James who runs Radfords, the Hereford United club house.
"So come on down and sample either their best bitter or twisted spire for only £2 pint. Go on, give it a try!!"
- By Organic Bull - Sutton United's Squad Below is a list from the Surrey Comet of Sutton United's squad from which manager Paul Dodwell will select the team to play Hereford United tomorrow.
Kevin Scriven goalkeeper, 23 Tiler
Billy Hawes defender, 20 Law student
Alan Bray defender, 23 Warehouse man
Jason Goodliffe defender, 35 Distribution manager
Karim El-Salahi defender, 23 Student
Bradley Thomas defender, 23 Nike football body double
Steve Perkins midfielder, 31 Teacher
Matt Hann midfielder, 28 Accountant
Sonny Cobbs midfielder, 20 Football coach
James Hawes midfielder, 22 Swimming instructor
Alan Pouton midfielder, 32 No other job
Steve McKimm midfielder, 33 Cabbie
Sam Gargan striker, 20 No other job
Billy Dunn striker, 18 No other job
Bradley Woods-Garness striker, 23 Painter & decorator
Steve Watts striker, 32 Poker player
Danny Phillips striker, 21 No other job
Jerson Dos Santos striker, 18 No other job Dos Santos may be the player to watch of the lot. He left the club after being their 2007/8 top scorer to pursue a professional career after being watched by a string of Premier League and Championship scouts but, despite a number of trials, he returned to Sutton this week, scoring a hat-trick in 15 minutes in Tuesday's reserve match.
- By Organic Bull - Forget about the past says Trewick Both Hereford United and opponents tomorrow Sutton United have been giantkillers in the FA Cup but Bulls manager John Trewick does think that will matter.
"Those cup wins are in both clubs’ past and I don’t think you can equate that to now,” Trewick told the Worcester News.
“But we have to be careful that we don’t underestimate them.
“We have to continue with our own form and look to go out there to win the cup tie.”
As reported earlier the Bulls have only lost one game at home this season and have recently defeated top of the table Bournemouth.
“Going into this match on our current run, we are fifth in the form guide,” Trewick continued.
“Since the start of the season, I have been able to bring in some new faces and that has brought a new energy to us.
“There is also a greater level of commitment and we have to continue with all that when we take on Sutton.
“I have been happy with the performances of late and I’m relatively pleased with the last few games.”
- By Organic Bull - We'll give Sutton every respect says Trewick John Trewick has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that whilst the Bulls might be favourites to win tomorrow's FA Cup-tie they must treat Sutton United with all due respect.
"We are well aware that the result is the b-all and end-all," said the Hereford United manager.
"If we can play attractive football and score a few goals along the way then fantastic, but a scrappy 1-0 win is also acceptable - if that's what it's got to be.
"We'll be going out and giving them every due respect and try to put on a good performance but also a winning performance.
"I am a great believer in that it's all about our preparations and what we do.
"If we are positive and go about things the way we can, then we'll win the game.
"If you're not right and you have got two or three individuals who aren't performing to the level that they should be then you can come in for a nasty surprise."
- By Organic Bull - Bookies Back Bulls The bookies do not appear to think there will be a giant kiliing by Sutton United tomorrow when they take on Hereford United at Edgar Street.
Latest Odds from SkyBet:
Hereford 2/5 Draw 16/5 Sutton Utd 15/2
Sutton United are probably the second best known FA Cup giantkillers after Hereford United. They defeated Coventry in 1989 and both Colchester United and Torquay United in 1993.
The Ryman League club are undefeated on the road in their last five outings having last lost at the end of August.
However despite being in 17th place in League Two the home form of the Bulls is good. Only Bury have visited Edgar Street this season and come away with three points.
- By Organic Bull - Plenty of Players to Pick Hereford United manager John Trewick has all but three of his squad to select for tomorrow's FA Cup Tie against Sutton United.
Definitely missing out are Craig Jones with a back injury which has seen him side-lined for several weeks and Sam Gwynne who had to leave the pitch during last Saturday's match against Darlington. He was said to have suffered a dead leg.
Also unavailable is on loan winger Mark Marshall.
Trewick tried again yesterday to persuade parent club Swindon to let me play but it appears they wish to keep him available for the Cup.
Ryan Green is reported to have recovered from his illness and should be available.
"We've one or two to come back but we're hoping everybody else is okay," Trewick told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
Thursday, November 05, 2009 - By Organic Bull - Young Bulls can watch their next opponents Hereford United's under 18's can watch highlights of their next opponents in the FA Youth Cup.
The FA site is carrying highlights of the Aldershot/Southampton game which was played last night. Go to: http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFAYouthCup/NewsAndFeatures/2009/aldershot_southampton_051109.aspx
The video will give youth team managers Colin Williams and Gary Stephens a chance to watch their opponents, something that seldom happens in football at this level.
- By Organic Bull - Jackson training with Whitby It's full circle for Richard Jackson. The former Hereford United defender has returned to the town where he was born and is currently training with their football club.
29 year old Jackson spent much of his career at Derby before spells with both Luton and Hereford United but has been without a club this season.
"Richard has got the pedigree," said Whitby manager Harry Dunn.
"He's without a club at the moment so we're hoping we can help us out."
- By Bobo - News Round Up Grimsby have reported a loss of £625,220 for last season. Gate receipts fell by around 50% on the previous season, while wages rose to £1.8million. The club now owe a total of £2.5million, most of it to the current board members. Port Vale chairman Bill Bratt wants to step down from the club by the end of next year. He has to stay for 12 months once investors Harlequin complete their 24.9% share purchase, but will quit soon after that time is up. Notts County are chasing 50-cap Portugese international Jorge Andrade. The free agent 31 year old left Juventus in the summer after an injury plagued 2 year spell there after a €10million transfer. Sol Campbell has denied Sven Goran Ericsson's claims that he walked out of the club in the middle of a training session. Former Bulls loanee Marcus Browning has joined Bournemouth as a part-time youth coach. He will combine the role with playing for Bath City. Torquay have loaned midfielder Michael Brough to Mansfield until January, after a similar spell with Stevenage. Histon have agreed a deal to loan then sell youngster Danny Simpson to Peterboro to ease their financial worries. Weymouth expect to be in Administration for only a few days as the Administrator will look for an immediate buyer for the business, which the board believe is currently unviable. Carlisle have been fined £3,000, half of it suspended, for fielding an under strength side in the Johnstones Paint Trophy. They still beat Morecambe in the game but fielded only five first team regulars.
- By Organic Bull - All Pay on Saturday Hereford United supporters are reminded that it is all pay on Saturday for the FA Cup-tie against Suttuon United at Edgar Street. Normal prices apply.
However under 10's can watch the game for just £5 if they purchase a ticket in advance, always provided an adult purchases a ticket at the same time.
These advance tickets can be purchased in person or on the phone (08442 76 1939) and can be collected from the club on Saturday.
Also available from Edgar Street are tickets for both the Leyton Orient away Paint Trophy game next Tuesday (November 10th) and also the League Two game at Barnet the following Saturday.
Neither of these games are all ticket.
- By Organic Bull - Goodliffe has never lost at Edgar Street In life there is a first time for everything and hopefully on Saturday it will be the first time Sutton captain Jason Goodliffe has been on the losing side at Edgar Street.
In his previous visits to Herefordshire his sides have always come away with something.
"It is a great opportunity for the younger players here to play against higher level opposition. There is no reason why we can’t have good day and they have an off one. There is no pressure on us," Goodliffe told the Staines Guardian.
"I’ve played at Edgar Street on numerous occasions and can’t remember ever losing there. I even won a Blue Square Premier play-off semi-final tie there when I was at Stevenage Borough.
"It is an achievement in itself to get to the first round. We’ve got players in the team who have played at that level and it is up to everyone to perform if we are to get into the next round.
"It is important we don’t freeze, go out and enjoy ourselves and give it good go. Hopefully, I can keep my run going."
Meanwhile Sutton manager Paul Doswell should have a full squad available to pick from for the cup-tie.
"I genuinely think we have a chance. We are not going there to defend. They like to get the ball down and play, and I think we have the players to match them, but we are going to have to be at our very best," he said.
"It wouldn’t shock me if we won. It is our cup final and that is the way we are approaching it.
"If we can take the sting out of the game in the first half an hour then we give ourselves a chance. Their fans are talking about a five or six goal win, but if we can hold them anything can happen."
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - By Organic Bull - Trip to Southampton for Young Bulls Hereford United under 18's face a long trip to Southampton for their second round FA Youth Cup-tie.
Earlier this evening Southampton defeated Aldershot under 18's 4-0 in their first round tie.
The date for the Young Bulls tie has yet to be confirmed but it should take place in the week beginning November 16th.
- By Organic Bull - Smoking Bulls urged to Quit Hereford United supporters who smoke are being urged to quit the habit and help their team.
SMOKERS URGED TO SIGN UP TO QUIT
AND HELP THEIR TEAM
A new NHS campaign is calling on football fans in the West Midlands to help their team win the league – by giving up smoking.
When smokers sign up online to Smokefree United they are also helping their team rise up the sites’ virtual Premier League, Championship, League 1, League 2 or Blue Square Premier in return for advice and support about quitting. The more fans who register at www.smokefree.nhs.uk/united, the higher their team’s position.
Top of the Premier League in the region so far is Villa with Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Stoke behind. In the Championship the leader is West Bromwich Albion, who actually have more quitters than Premier League rivals Wolves, followed by Coventry City. In League One the leading local team is Walsall and League Two it’s Shrewsbury Town.
Nationally, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal fans lead the way so more quitters are needed from the West Midlands to move their club up the table and above their Midlands rivals.
Any smoker signing up will get a free football and be entered into a draw to win the opportunity to play football on their favourite team’s pitch. Smokefree United is supported by talkSPORT presenters and ex Republic of Ireland and England players Andy Townsend and Ian Wright. Fans can check out their hints and tips online and take part in forums and web discussions with other quitters.
Paul Hooper from the Department of Health said: “The NHS stop smoking service is free and you’re four times more likely to quit with our support. There are teams of people who can help you while you go through the process and Smokefree United is a great way to get ongoing advice and support. You’ll get more out of your game in the long run and it is the best thing you can do for your family and your health.”
In addition to visiting www.smokefree.nhs.uk/united those looking for further information can call the free NHS Smoking Helpline any day of the week on 0800 022 4332. The helpline can provide information on what stop smoking medicines are available, advice on managing cravings and details of your local stop smoking service.
The standings in the West Midlands ‘mini league’ at 04 November:
Team No of quitters
Aston Villa....36
West Bromwich Albion....14
Birmingham City....13
Coventry City....9
Wolverhampton Wanderers....8
Stoke City....6
Shrewsbury Town....5
Walsall....3
Hereford United....2
Port Vale....2
Burton Albion....0
Kidderminster Harriers....0
Tamworth....0
- By Organic Bull - George Warns Bulls about Sutton Ricky George, football pundit and former Hereford United player, has warned that the Bulls must take Sutton seriously next Saturday in the FA Cup-tie.
"Sutton could quite easily be the giantkillers of the first round," George told the BBC.
"They are going well in the Ryman Premier and are well capable of pulling off a shock at Edgar Street just like we were at Newcastle all those years ago.
"These shocks can still happen. Sutton will have heard all about Hereford and will be right up for it.
"They will not travel to Edgar Street thinking of anything else than getting a result."
Meanwhile Sutton supporters have filled two coaches for the game on Saturday.
- By Organic Bull - Brandy to Gillingham Fabian Brandy, the pint-sized Manchester United striker, is to join Gillingham on a three month loan deal.
"This kid comes with good potential and he’s a professional at Manchester United.," said Gills manager Mark Stimson.
"He’s gone to Swansea and Hereford and done really well and we can’t wait to work with him. To take him for three months should be a good scoop for us."
Whilst with the Bulls he scored four goals.
To see earlier news, look at the archive on the left-hand side towards the top of the screen and select a month. |
