Friendlies start with Kidderminster away on July 14th.
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Friendlies start with Kidderminster away on July 14th.
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - By Bobo - News Round Up Darlington have released three of twelve out of contract players at the Darlington Arena. Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu, John Brackstone, and Kevin Burgess have been deemed surplus to requirements. Chester have missed out on a second transfer target with Wrexham's Carl Tremarco opting to stay with the newly relegated side. Port Vale's signing of Brentford's released PFA Team of the Year player Craig Pead is in doubt after Brentford dismissed their claims that he had signed. Pead is claimed to be 'keeping his options open'. Stockport captain Gareth Owen will wear a mask during the play-off final after being diagnosed with a fractured cheekbone. Dagenham have released three following their narrow escape from relegation. Heading the departed list is former Conference hotshot Chris Moore. First out the door in the purge at Shrewsbury is likely to be defender Darren Kempson. The ex-Morecambe man is being chased by five League Two sides, with the Shrews wanting a fee. Crewe's keeper worries may be slightly eased by the cash earned from reserve stopper Owain fon Williams. The Welsh u-21 man is wanted by a pair of Premiership clubs that should see a good six-figure fee come their way. Cambridge have released five after their play-off loss, including three of their top earners as rumours of financial problems at the Abbey Stadium continue. Oldham have signed Gretna keeper Craig Fleming and Man Utd utility man Kieran Lee. Yeovil are to sign Everton striker Aidan Downes on a two year deal after a successful loan spell. Millwall have signed Man City forward Ashley Grimes. Ex-Bull Jamie Pitman has agreed a new deal at Forest Green. Simon Travis' future is in doubt after his Nuneaton side confirmed they would enter Administration later this week.
New Mayor of Hereford is Bulls Supporter Kevin Wargen is the new Mayor of Hereford. He takes over from Chris Chappell.
Four More Offered Deals Hereford United have confirmed that four more of the current players have been offered new deals. Dean Beckwith, Simon Johnson, Jack McLeod, and Trent McClenahan have been offered new deals to join those already with offers for next season. Last summer boss Graham Turner gave all the players offered deals a month to consider their options, but there is no confirmation of a date when the current offers need to be accepted by. The latest offers leave no contracted players awaiting news of their fate for next season. Six players are contracted into next season, seven have deals on the table, and Luke Webb will remain on the payroll until his injury clears and he can be suitably assessed. Assuming all the players offered deals accept, it will mean a squad of 14 to build on with only Toumani Diagouraga understood to have been offered terms to join the squad on a permanent basis.
McClenahan waits for Offer from Hereford Trent McClenahan hasn't received an offer from Hereford United manager Graham Turner and appears to be considering a move back to his homeland.
League 1 Chatter LEEDS UNITED chairman Ken Bates admits he's cocky about his team's chances of beating Doncaster Rovers in Sunday's League One Play Off final. CREWE could very soon find themselves missing a couple of 'keepers with current first choice stopper, Ben Williams rumoured to be on the move and his expected replacement, 21 year old Welshman Owain Fon Williams, attracting the attention of Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Swansea and Cardiff. Williams, who has yet to make a League appearance, has rejected a new deal at Gresty Road but will command a fee due to his age.
News Round Up Ex-Bull Phil Gulliver has signed a new deal at Rushden for a further year. The 25 year old played 40 times in his first season at Nene Park after choosing to end his Edgar Street stint early. Cheltenham have transfer listed Lee Ridley and Aaron Legister. Ridley spent the latter part of the season at Lincoln and still has two years left on his contract after failing to settle in the area. Macclesfield have released keeper Tommy Lee, who is currently on loan at Rochdale. The 22 year old former Man Utd trainee is expected to play at Wembley for Dale this weekend. Boston have exited the CVA that cost them their League place after reaching agreement over a payment plan. The deal hinges on the redevelopment of parts of York Street for housing. England's 'C' squad, the non-league side, beat Gibraltar 1-0 in the opening Four Nations tournament match. Wales drew 1-1 with Scotland thanks to a goal from ex-Bull Graham Evans. Peterboro have confirmed seven players are transfer listed at the club. They say they need to offload them in order to bring in new faces despite having a £1.5million a year sponsorship deal from their owner swelling their wage budget. Bristol Rovers will entertain Dutch side ADO Den Haag in their first match at Whaddon Road. The Pirates are interested in released Coventry striker Wayne Andrews. The 30 year old lasted just 20 minutes of a loan spell with them in March and is yet to recover from the cruciate ligament injury picked up in that game.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - By Bobo - Lambert Quits Wycombe Paul Lambert has quit as manager of Wycombe after failing to win promotion for the side. Lambert spent two seasons in charge of the Chairboys, taking them to a Carling Cup semi-final last season before this season's play-off loss. Wycombe have started the search for a new manager.
League 1 Gossip Rumours continue regarding a possible move to Crewe for former Bull Stuart Fleetwood despite interest being reported from other clubs. The Club's first team coach, Steve "of course I’m the boss" Holland, says he has identified a striker that he believes is good enough to go straight into the first team next season. The Crewe Official Site is reporting that Holland remains hopeful that a deal can be struck with the unnamed player’s club as a transfer fee would be involved. Crewe had to rely on other club’s results at the end of the season to retain their League 1 status and are said to be considering changes in all areas of the field. Huddersfield boss Stan "The Man" Ternent claims he will not be rushed into making any signings. Ternent joined the club in April and wasted no time in getting Andy Booth, Matt Glennon, Joe Skarz and James Berrett to sign new deals at the Galpharm Stadium. He told the club's official website: "We will be making signings, but we won't be rushing into anything because it's obviously crucial we get the right people on board. "There are plenty of players seeking clubs but there's no point bringing someone in for the sake of it. We've been busy identifying potential targets, but some of the people concerned are away on holiday." Orient skipper Stephen Purches, the former Bournemouth teammate of Bulls' Karl Broadhurst, is sure they can put a disappointing second half of the season behind them and push for promotion in 08/09. "We'll learn from our mistakes last season and come back stronger next year." "We all want to progress and play at the highest standard we can so there's always that drive to do well."
News Round Up Ex-Bull Richard Teesdale has joined Chasetown after being released by AFC Telford. Brighton coach Ian Chapman has quit following Mickey Adams' appointment as manager. Millwall veteran striker Neil Harris will sign a new one year deal at the New Den, but the club face an EGM on takeover proposals. Southend have released five following their play-off failure. Heading the list in long serving midfielder Kevin Maher after ten years, and 450 games, at the club. Charlton striker James Walker joins for a small fee after a loan spell, while five more are offered new deals. Halifax have seen the pair of Supporters Trust representatives resign from the club board as the Trust and Consortium grow further apart. Chester have appointed Huw Griffiths as their new assistant manager. The 32 year old previously held a similar post at Southport after cutting his playing career short. Accrington are lining up a summer friendly with Chinese side Chengdu Blades, the side owned by Sheff Utd. Shrewsbury are to have a four day training camp in Spain in mid-July. Crewe are back in pre-season training after just 17 days off. The players are in two days a week while most sides are not back for another month. Bournemouth's takeover should be clearer in the next couple of days with the Administrator due to make an announcement. He has denied press speculation linking Harry Redknapp to a buyout, saying he has not spoken to him about it.
So Long, Big Trev Trevor Benjamin's departure is surprising, but not quite as surprising as that of John McCombe. The cases for Marcus Palmer and Jordan Fitzpatrick were, probably, fairly done and dusted. They were signed to a newly promoted Conference side returning to League Two after a long absence and, two years down the line, had not made an impression of any note on the first team since. Both will probably get opportunities at the Conference South level, maybe higher, and should flourish in a good footballing side with the education they have received. Ryan Esson, despite a decent debut, was always likely to be looking for a no.1 spot somewhere rather than one as second fiddle like he had played for the last two months. The same can be - quite obviously - said of Mike Ingham. Big Trev arrived with raised eyebrows - not only from a contingent of the Bulls faithful but a string of League Two pundits. They claimed it was a nothing signing, a non-replacement for the likes of Alan Connell and Andy Williams. For the much travelled striker it was club 17 for the side who liked 17th place so much. But he only started 15 League games all season despite his 11 goals. A telling number despite his ability to win free kicks and penalties by dragging a series of defenders into the right place before crumbling like an ancient monument. Graham Turner is well known to like a player that is 100% fit and - unfortunately - a near three months of inaction from Benjamin probably did for his chances of a new deal. John McCombe's departure was the surprise, the biggest so far at least, for one that came with such pre-season optimism from Turner: "He comes highly recommended from our people in the North West, also the people at Huddersfield. One or two felt he was unlucky not to be offered a new contract." Given the no.5 shirt, he was expected to have a big impression during the season but his impact was in fits and starts. It took two months for him to break the Beckwith-Broadhurst partnership, but he admirably held his own after a mildly shaky start for three months before being dumped prior to Christmas. Regular, and generally solid, performances through February and March left many expecting him to be the next central defender to be moulded but a sudden disappearance from first team matters saw only one start and a brief end of season sub appearance in the last seven games. Good luck to all six of them. Just don't score against us.
More 'Awards' For The Bulls More awards have come the way of the Bulls, from the slightly less prestigious Notts County Mad site. It named Graham Turner as manager of the season for his work with 'Little Hereford': "You would have expected MK Dons and Peterborough United to be in the mix this year but to see Hereford up fighting for the title is a true sign of the great work Turner has done this season. To have led the Bulls to the play-offs would have been deemed an over-achievment by many last summer, but to earn 'top three' status is a truly remarkable triumph." Lionel Ainsworth was named 'The one that got away', while the Bulls were named the most improved team after earning the 'Nothing' award last time round: "The Bulls were maybe harshly labelled the 'nothing' team of League Two by NCM last season, failing to score in their final ten games of the season. Well, they managed to muster a third-placed finish this season to prove their critics, including myself, wrong. Graham Turner has done a fine job and deserves all the credit. Good luck in League One!" The 'Nothing' award this season went to Accrington, while Barnet were named as over achievers, and the site's very own County named as under achievers in the full article that can be seen here.
Monday, May 19, 2008 - By ExLandlord - League 2 Play-Off Chatter Rochdale have appealed the red card issued to former Morecambe midfielder David Perkins. The hearing is set for tomorrow with Dale saying they have provided the best possible representation in an attempt to get the card rescinded.
Benjamin leaves Bulls Much travelled striker Trevor Benjamin is leaving Hereford United according to the club.
Jennings offered new deal at Tranmere Steve Jennings has been offered a new contract at Tranmere by manager Ronnie Moore. However speculation continues that he may not agree a new deal and look for a new club.
McClenahan assists Olyroos to Victory Hereford United defender Trent McClenahan was instrumental in the first goal for the Olyroos in their 2-1 win over Chile in the Intercontinental Cup - Malaysia 2008 last night.
"Promised Land" Still Claims Victims Torquay are offloading their saleable assets after they failed to gain promotion back to the League at the first attempt, making them another victim of the chase for the 'promised land' of the Football League. The financial situation at Plainmoor is said to be poor with striker Lee Phillips, first out the door in a £17,500 move to Rushden after a similar move from Exeter 12 months ago, telling the Non-League Paper: "They needed to sell their most saleable assets and I was the one sold". Ex-Bull Tim Sills, who has just collected the Goal of the Season award in the Conference, is also on Rushden's shopping list while several other high earners are expected to be offloaded. Cambridge are also believed to be in difficulties following failure of their play-off campaign, and may be forced to offload players to balance the books. Rushden themselves are gearing up for an expensive tilt at the title with the captures of Phillips and Daryl Clare, while they also made a £100,000 bid for Stevenage striker Steve Morison.
News Round Up Crewe are on the lookout for two keepers with first choice Ben Williams rejecting a new deal and reserve Owain fon Williams expected to rejected his new offer in favour of regular football elsewhere. The Railwaymen are expected to have a pre-season Bulgarian trip after they were invited by the owner of FC Maritsa. Hartlepool are chasing former England striker Michael Bridges after he was frozen out at Hull. Winger James Brown is again being linked to Norwich. Halifax's fans trust is to press ahead with moves to form a new club with the consortium silent on their plans. Both sides have expressed interest in forming a new club but have had no talks together. The supporters trust is to meet with the council over the future of the Shay, with a view to playing there next season. Bradford have been told by Watford that young keeper Scott Loach is not going out on loan next season. Barnet's ground development has been held up as the site needs extra power to it - and contractors EON are dragging their heels over even giving the club a quote for the work. Recent floodlight failures are down to power needs exceeding the current capacity, but EON have taken over six months to offer even a rough quote for the work. Chesterfield have signed Port Vale captain Paul Harsley on a two year deal. Chester's £30,000 bid for Vauxhall Motors striker Paul Taylor has been rejected. Peterboro are considering an offer from Brentford for full back Adam Newton. The 27 year old is not first choice, but is not one of the six contracted players the club want to get rid of. Ex-Bull Ian Foster is to leave the physio job at Kidderminster to take up a similar position at Galway United. Walsall's appointment of a new manager has been further delayed by the emergence of a sixth candidate. The shortlist of five were interviewed last week, but a sixth name has just unexpectedly approached the club and chairman Jeff Bonser will meet him later in the week. Northampton have slapped a £1million valuation on wanted goalkeeper Mark Bunn. The 23 year old is being chased by several Championship clubs.
Sunday, May 18, 2008 - By Bobo - Exeter Back In The League Exeter City are back in the league after a 1-0 win over Cambridge United in today's final at Wembley. Defender Rob Edwards, the player-coach, scored the only goal with a far post header midway through the first half. Adam Stansfield played the bulk of the game before being given hefty applause for his performance while being subbed but neither of the other ex-Bulls, Bertrand Cozic and Mark Beesley, made it onto the pitch from the bench.
Stansfield at Wembley for Conference Final Adam Stansfield is expected to lead Exeter's attack against Cambridge United this afternoon in the Conference play-off final at Wembley. It will be the second season running he has played at the new stadium.
Saturday, May 17, 2008 - By Bobo - Theo And Lionel To Get Hornets Chance The chances of Theo Robinson returning to Edgar Street are slim, with boss Aidy Boothroyd expected to trim his squad for next season. Failure to return to the Premiership at the first attempt will see budgets cut at Vicarage Road, with Boothroyd admitting that he'll have to look to the flourishing youngsters in his extended squad: "I've got to look at the squad, see what needs adjusting and maybe be a bit more ruthless. "I need to have an assessment of players we have got and see where we can raise some money and perhaps give youth its head. We've got Tamas, Theo, Al Bangura, O'Toole, Ainsworth and Loach. They have all got a really good chance." Robinson, whose contract was initially to have run out this summer but is believed to have been extended, has spent the bulk of the last two seasons out on loan scoring 13 times in 18 games in the Ryman Premier before bagging 16 goals in stepping up three divisions to the Bulls. Lionel Ainsworth played in just ten of 34 games following his switch to Vicarage Road, not once starting and finishing the same game, after featuring in 19 of 21 games with the Bulls.
Stockport to play Rochdale in Final Stockport County defeated Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 (2-1 on aggregate) this evening and so will play Rochdale in the League Two play-off final on Bank Holiday Monday at Wembley.
News Round Up MK Dons have released five players following their promotion. Gareth Edds, Drewe Broughton and Matt Carbon are joined out the door by two youngsters. Several others, including veterans Colin Cameron and Keith Gallen, are negotiating new deals. Luke Webb's younger brother Joshua has signed his first professional contract at Weymouth after leaving Reading's youth academy. Peterboro have sold over 3,000 season tickets already for the coming season. They are aiming to increase their average gate by 1,600 to 7,500 this season - with a 10,000 target in the Championship. Mansfield want to sell transfer listed defender Alex John Baptiste on the cheap ahead of their proposed sale. The £200,000 rated man has allegedly been touted round for a £70,000 fee on orders of owner Keith Haslam, who appears to want to cash in before he cashes out on the club.
Harry's not Parry's Day Paul Parry and Tony Capeldi were on the wrong end of a 1-0 victory for Portsmouth in this afternoon's FA Cup final.
No Wembley for Purdie Former Hereford United player Rob Purdie will not be playing at Wembley this season.
Parry and Capaldi expected to start for Cardiff Two former Hereford United players are expected to start for Cardiff City this afternoon in the FA Cup final game against Portsmouth at Wembley.
Turner's Award upsets Ince Supporters Last Sunday Graham Turner was awarded the League Two manager of the season. However Steve Kutner, who is Paul Ince's agent, thinks the MK Dons manager should have received the award.
Friday, May 16, 2008 - By Organic Bull - League One Taking Shape With Doncaster comprehensively defeating Southend 5-1 this evening, there are only two gaps remaining in the Leaque One line-up for the coming season. But it will be another week or so before the final teams are known.
Another Tribute to Hereford United This week Hereford United and Graham Turner have received tributes from both Isreal and New Zealand. Now Martin Hill, a Newcastle supporter living in the USA, has written a glowing article entitled Hereford United - Punching Above Their Weight.
No Devon Tournament for Bulls Hereford United will not be taking part in a pre-season tournament in North Devon after all. Manager Graham Turner admitted he had been interested in the event but circumstances had changed.
Turner confirms enquiries about McCombe Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that one or two clubs have already shown interest in defender John McCombe who will not be offered a new deal at Edgar Street. To see earlier news, look at the archive on the left-hand side of the screen and select a month. |
