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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.


- By Organic Bull -  

New Mayor of Hereford is Bulls Supporter

Kevin Wargen is the new Mayor of Hereford. He takes over from Chris Chappell.

Wargen has been a supporter of Hereford United for many years. He was chairman of HUISA, the Hereford United Independent Supporters Association, for a spell earlier this decade.

He is a Liberal Democrat councillor for Belmont.


- By Bobo -  

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.


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

The Australian-born defender is currently with the Olyroos in the Malaysian Intercontinental Cup.

“When you’re at a bigger club I suppose you get noticed more and more publicity. In a sense maybe you do have to work harder and have to prove yourself a little bit more," McClenahan told au.fourfourtwo.com

“Players go through different stages in their career. Along the way you just have to make sure you keep improving.

“It was fantastic to end last season winning promotion with Hereford. It was a massive thing back there. We had one of the smallest budgets in the division and had been one of the favourites for relegation. It was great to prove people wrong.

“So, yes I’m on a bit of a high still because of that. My contract there is up so I’m just waiting for them to contact me. It’s fair to say my options are open at this stage.

“I’ve been involved with the national team since the Under 20s and to be in the Under 23s is a great honour.

“Every game at international level is a shop window.

“Can I see myself in the A-League? Of course. I’m an Australian and I want to play in Australia one day.

“Whether it’s right now, in five years or 10 years, I don’t know. You just want to choose the best option open to you.”

Asked what his teammates know about Hereford McClenahan commented:

“I can tell you how many of the players would know where Hereford is on a map. A big zero. None of them.”


- By ExLandlord -  

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.

It is a change of tune from when his side was beaten at home by Carlisle in the first leg, only to recover to win in the second and go through to Wembley. He said: "I wouldn't want to sound over-confident, but in my own way I'm quietly cocky. I'd expect it to be a very difficult game, but we're going into it on the back of a classy performance at Carlisle. I've got a lot of faith in Gary McAllister and his squad.”

Bet he's glad Lionel doesn’t play for Donny!

CHELTENHAM TOWN could be about to lose one of their players as sources close to Swindon are reporting a keen interest in striker Stephen Gillespie. The former Bristol City player found the net on 14 occasions in 35 starts for The Robins last season. Swindon boss Maurice Malpas had stated that he was looking at bringing another striker into the club and is on record as saying that his target is currently at a League 1 Club.

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.

Another youngster said to have caught the eye of higher clubs is BOURNEMOUTH's 18 year old striker Sam Vokes. The Newcastle Chronicle are reporting that "knee high to a grasshopper" Dennis Wise is an admirer and that it would be a "done deal" were it not for the south coast club's administration difficulties. However, Wolves boss, Mick McCarthy, is said to be trying to snatch the player from under the nose of the 1972 FA Cup third round losers.


- By Bobo -  

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.


- By ExLandlord -  

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."

Millwall are reported to have signed Cardiff striker Warren Feeney to a two-year deal following discussions with Kenny "whose coat is that" Jacket. The 27 year-old, who spent four months of last season on-loan at League One champions Swansea City, has made just 5 starts for the Bluebirds since his move from Luton Town last summer. The Belfast-born forward netted 5 times in just 10 appearances for The Swans, before an ankle injury forced him to return to Ninian Park in December.Formerly with Bournemouth, Feeney has made 24 appearances for the Northern Ireland national side, scoring 3 goals since making his debut in 2002.

More importantly, Millwall have rubbished claims that Babyshambles singer, QPR fan and Kate Moss medical advisor Pete Doherty was kicked out of The Den following a charity football match. A report claimed Doherty, whose team lost in the final to dance act Faithless, was thrown out for his behavior after the tournament. But a statement on the Lions' official website read: "Contrary to a newspaper report, Pete Doherty would be more than welcome back at The Den following his first-ever visit to the ground on Saturday." It is not known if Millwall are looking for a "shot in the arm" for their flagging attendances.


- By Bobo -  

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.


- By Bobo -  

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.


- By Bobo -  

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.

Meanwhile, the Spotlands club have so far filled 45 coaches for their trip to Weobley Stadium and have commissioned a supply of commemorative shirts for sale to fans prior the final.

For their part, Stockport have produced a special T-shirt, which is selling in hundreds at £10 each through the club shop. Queues for tickets were today said to be extending to over an hour and a half. Problems exist regarding coaches with all available having been already filled. The club are trying to find additional coaches from outside of the immediate area.

Don't you just miss the fun of the Play-offs.


- By Organic Bull -  

Benjamin leaves Bulls

Much travelled striker Trevor Benjamin is leaving Hereford United according to the club.

Also moving on are youngsters Marcus Palmer and Jordan Fitzpatrick and recently recruited goalkeeper Ryan Esson.

Benjamin will now be looking for his seventeen club. He may have to take a pay cut as he was believed to be one of the highest paid players at Edgar Street this season.

This season he made 15 League starts for the Bulls and six FA Cup starts. In all he scored eleven goals. Recently he missed several games with an eye problem.


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

Mid-fielder Jennings played eleven times for the Bulls whilst on loan from Tranmere during the latter part of the 2006/07 season.

According to recent reports in the North West press, Tranmere are operating with losses of around £1million a season and may have to reduce their expenditure on players.


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

The Olyroos will now play in the semi-finals.

According to SportsAustralia.com:

Against the run of play, in the 25th minute, Under 23 midfielder Trent McClenahan broke free down the right sideline and placed a deep cross into the box which was met by Matt Simon, who atoned for his previous miss, with a well-timed finish to give his team the vital one-goal lead.


- By Bobo -  

"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.


- By Bobo -  

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.


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

The former Hereford United striker is quite used to play-off games as he played for the Bulls against Halifax two seasons ago and last year for the Grecians against Morecambe.

Back in 2001 when with Yeovil he played in the Trophy Final at Villa Park and scored in their 2-0 win against Stevenage.

In 2005 whilst with Hereford he played in the Conference semi-final games against Stevenage which the Bulls lost on aggregate.

In 2006 Stansfield lead the attack against Halifax in the Conference play-off final at the Walkers Stadium. The Bulls won this game and so returned to the Football League.

Stansfield left Hereford and then joined Exeter in June 2006.

In 2007 Exeter lost out to Morecambe 2-1.

This afternoon will be his second play-off final game for the Grecians.


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.


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

It is likely that the two ex-Hereford United players Michael Rose and Stephen Gleeson will start for Stockport in the final as they did this afternoon.

Gleeson was subbed midway through the second period.


- By Bobo -  

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.


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

However the two ex-Hereford United players can look back on the day knowing that Cardiff City had gone to Wembley as the outsiders and until Kanu capitalised on an Enckelman mistake, close on half time, had been equal to all Portsmouth had thrown at them.

Parry might have put the Bluebirds ahead in the 12th minute but his shot was well blocked by keeper David James.

But as the game went on Harry's team took command of the game and finished deserved winners.

It is thought that this is the first time two players who had been at Edgar Street together had gone on to play for the same team in an FA Cup final.


- By Organic Bull -  

No Wembley for Purdie

Former Hereford United player Rob Purdie will not be playing at Wembley this season.

Darlington went out of the League Two play-offs as they were defeated on penalties by Rochdale after the teams were level on aggregate at the end of extra-time.

Purdie scored with his penalty kick but Jason Kennedy's was saved by Dale keeper Tommy Lee.

Rochdale's David Perkins was sent off early in the second period of extra time and may miss the final against either Stockport or Wycombe.


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

Paul Parry and Tony Capaldi has been regulars in the Bluebirds squad and whilst Parry has missed a few games recently both should feature.

If Cardiff win the game it will be the first time the Cup has left England for over 80 years.

However the politics of football should be put to one side today. What happens on the pitch is what really matters.

Meanwhile several other former Hereford United players will be in action today in the League Two play-off second leg games.

Rob Purdie should start for Darlington against Rochdale. Because of injury problems he may play at left back.

Both Michael Rose and Stephen Gleeson are expected to be in the Stockport line-up against Wycombe.


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

"I consider it sinister that every manager who won a league title — from the Premier all the way through — was named LMA manager of the year, except Paul," Kutner told the Sun,

"He has done an incredible job at MK Dons this season, winning League Two having spent very little on players.

"I have nothing against Graham and I’m sure he’s done a first-class job.

"I just can’t understand how Paul could have been overlooked for this award given the season he’s had. I’d like someone to explain it to me."

So how does the voting work?

"The votes are cast by each manager in the individual leagues for one of their peers," said LMA chief executive, Richard Bevan.

There is little doubt that Turner's award was partly due to the recognition that he was working on a very tight budget as opposed to some other managers in League Two.

However others such as Luther Blisset, a former English striker, see it from a different angle.

"Paul has the ability to become the first black English manager in the Premier League," said Blisset.

"If he had won, it would have sent out a very encouraging message to young black coaches."

Turner spoke about his award earlier this week.

"It's a reflection on the whole club and how hard everybody's worked to conclude a successful season. I think that's reflected in the award that we received," he told the Worcester News.

"I have got to have some sympathy with Paul, who did the double, but, in the end, I think resources have been taken into consideration and that's held sway. But I was absolutely delighted, among some distinguished guests, to receive 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.

The League One play-off final will be an all Yorkshire affair as Doncaster will meet Leeds at Wembley.

And by later tomorrow it will be known which teams will be in the League Two play-off final as the two second leg games take place - one either side of the FA Cup final.

Meanwhile Gary Hooper, who played on loan for Hereford United recently, did not feature for Southend this evening.


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

Not since the 1972 FA cup have people outside of the Wye Valley uttered the words Hereford United.

As a Newcastle fan myself i'm fully aware (albeit ten years before I was born) of Hereford's cup exploits in the third round and that 'goal' by Ronny Radford to level the scores at 1-1. In the 103rd minute, Herefords sole substitute Ricky George sends 16,000 fans and a 26 year old John Motson (his first ever commentary) into raptures as he knocks Newcastle out!

36 years later and the good times have returned to Edgar Street.

Two promotions in three seasons has seen Hereford jump from the conference to League 1 and now the joys of games against Leicester City and hopefully Leeds United.

On the back of a FA cup run last season which saw Hereford reach the 4th round for the first time loosing to eventual finalists Cardiff City, the Meadow end fans now have major cause to be over the moon.

Full credit to The MK Dons (Paul Ince) and Peterborough United (Darren Ferguson) for being heads and tails above the rest of the league as they cemented their places in League 1 with weeks rather than games remaining. But with the money available to Ince and the goal scoring abilities of Aaron McLean at Peterborough it's no surprise to see these two teams being promoted in 1st and 2nd.

Hereford on a shoestring budget, a new team with loan players and free agents in most positions and a Manager (Graham Turner) who also boasts the titles of Chairman, Director of Football and club owner would admit a mid-table finish to be more than acceptable.

All season long players have been competing with the 'big boys'. Theo Robinson and Toumani Diagouraga on loan from Watford have been stand out performers all season and the early season magic of Lionel Ainsworth saw Hereford show they were more than capable of competing at the top end of the table.

Lionel Ainsworth had soon made big impressions and was quickly snapped up by Watford who inturn let Hereford keep Robinson and Diagouraga until the end of the season.

After the departure of Ainsworth, fans felt the team had lost their most potent attacking threat and were waiting for the inevitable drop off in performance. Turner (incidentally the 2nd longest serving manager in English football behind Sir Alex Ferguson) prevented any such drop as Trevor Benjamin and Steve Guinan found a bit of form.

In steps Sherjill McDonald a product of the Ajax youth academy and currently of Premiership new boys West Brom.

For one month Hereford look unbeatable as McDonald finds the net six times in seven games during his emergency loan. No sooner had he become a fan favourite and he was back off to West Brom as Turner was unable to stretch the loan time of a quality player.

Time for expected drop number two. Now though there is more faith amongst fans for the team rather than the odd star player and the backing from League 1's best fans pushed United to the top of the league. Then came the drop...

Mk Dons and Peterborough soon re-establish their positions at the top as Hereford drop points and all of a sudden are looking closely over their backs as Rochdale, Darlington and Stockport close in for the third automatic promotion slot.

This was to be Hereford's season and with one game left a win at Brentford and a loss for Stockport against Barnet see's the Bulls return to the third tier of English football for the first time in 30 years.

Credit to the players for maintaining their levels of football for the entire season, but for me the major credit lies at the feet of Mr. Hereford United Graham Turner!

During his 12 and a half years at the club he has purchased just 2 players for a total of £40,000. He's saved the club from financial ruin, stuck with them through thick and thin, and unleashed some footballing gems in Paul Parry and Gavin Mahon.

Quite simply Graham Turner has put his entire life into Hereford United and taken a David into a world of Goliaths!


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

"It looked quite an attractive proposition," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I was due to go down to inspect the facilities down there before finally confirming we would be part of it.

"But things have changed with the offers of fixtures from Championship and Premiership clubs and so we have accepterd them rather than go down to Devon."


- By Organic Bull -  

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.

"He'll get another club and I think one or two have already enquired about him," said the Hereford United manager.

"Things move on in football and as a manager you have to have that streak where sentiment is set aside."

Turner also spoke about Luke Webb who is recovering from a hip operation.

"Luke Webb stays with us until he has recovered from his operation and then, when he's fully fit, we're obliged to continue with his contract until he is recovered.

"We will then have a look at him and see how he looks then."

Turner confirmed pre-season games away at Kidderminster on July 14th, and at home
against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion and possibly Bristol City.

"I'm just waiting for Bristol City to come back to me and firm up a date for them to come to Edgar Street.

"I'm hoping that we can get a game in, but obviously they've been busy with other things at the moment and they have not really yet got into planning their pre-season."


To see earlier news, look at the archive on the left-hand side of the screen and select a month.