Hessenthaler Assessing Injuries

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler will assess a string of injuries before naming his side to face the Bulls.

Defender Chris Whelpdale missed last week's loss to Accrington with a knee injury, but it was not as bad as first feared and he is expected to be fit to face the Bulls. Striker Dennis Oli is still suffering the effects of a concussion, while midfielder Jack Payne is being monitored after being subbed off with an ankle knock last Saturday.

Midfielder Danny Spiller is back in training after four months out with an ankle problem, but is unlikely to be risked this weekend, while Hessenthaler will have to decide on whether to persist with keeper Ross Flitney or hand a first League start to teenager Paulo Gazzaniga. The Argentinian debuted in the League last Saturday after a disasterous 45 minutes from Flitney, with Hessenthaler telling the press he would have no problems fielding the 19 year old:

“Looking at him in training, from what I saw of him he looked absolutely phenomenal. Whether that’s because he can smell his chance, that could well be the case. He’s breathing down Roscoe’s neck, Roscoe’s under pressure like the rest of us because we’ve got to get results.”

6ft 5in Gazzaniga started his career with Spanish side Valencia before signing a two year deal at Priestfield in the summer.

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Bulls Reception Desk Moved

The Hereford United club reception has moved to the entrance of the Starlite Rooms.

Fans can purchase tickets and make enquiries in the new facility, allowing visitors to dodge the smell of the public toilets that they had to endure with the previous reception next door.

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New Bulls Archive Website

A new website has been launched featuring stats from the Bulls' past:

This website celebrates those players from Adi Akinbiyi to Zak Evans who have pulled on a lilywhite shirt since 1924. Some have pulled it on with pride and spent years sweating and toiling in it as the sponsorships and styles have changed, others have pulled it on for the last pay cheque or perhaps because their careers were drinking from the last chance saloon.

This website doesn't discriminate because a player pulled out of a tackle, doesn't wax lyrical on some of the biggest stars to grace Edgar Street, or berate the lesser lights who occupied the same stage.

Pure and simply it's about the statistics, once the domain of geeky bores in garden sheds, but now a crucial part of managers judging a players performance and mainstream pub conversation.

And, if you want to know who scored the most hatricks for the club, who had the briefest and longest career at the club, or even settle that argument with your old man over exactly who played in the first game he dragged you along to when you were knee-high to a grasshopper. Then you've come to the right place, so enjoy wallowing.

It's very much a work in progress, totally unofficial, but having spent two years researching, then I believe the stats I have to offer are as accurate as they can be.

The site can be seen at: http://www.herefordunitedarchives.com/archives/Home.html

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Valentines Tickets Still Available

There are still tickets available for the Valentines Day evening at the Starlite Rooms on February 14th.

The night sees top vocalists Bruce Anderson and Samantha Link, both crowned UK Vocalists of the Year, entertain couples along with a three course meal.

Tickets cost £25 a head and can be booked through the club office on 08442 76 1939.

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BBC H&W to broadcast 'FA Cup' Special

BBC Hereford and Worcester are to broadcast a special programme to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Hereford United victory over Newcastle United.

Head of sport at H&W, Trevor Owens, has been talking to some of the players and some of the supporters who were at the match.

Whilst the programme will concentrate on the Newcastle replay at Edgar Street, it will also include memories from the other FA Cup games played that season including the fourth rounds ties against West Ham.

The programme is set to be broadcast at 12 noon next Sunday, February 5th, exactly 40 years to the day when Ronnie Radford and Ricky George scored the goals that put Hereford United into the football history books.

Meanwhile next Saturday at 12noon, Toni McDonald will features hits from 1972 on her H&W programme, Saturday Super Classics, to 'celebrate the big FA Cup victory for Hereford United'.

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Preview: Gillingham vs Bulls

The Bulls travel to Priestfield on Saturday to face Gillingham in a League Two match.

Who can forget the Bulls' mauling at the hands of the Gills back in September? The 6-1 scoreline probably flattered Andy Hessenthaler's men, but it was a signal for change at Edgar Street with the hunt for a Director of Football beginning on the back of that match. Both the previous games in recent history, during the 10/11 season, were goalless draws with the Bulls' trip to Priestfield in April notable only for the eight yellow cards handed out by ref Paul Tierney.

The Gills are in the middle of a mini-crisis after conceding eight goals in just two games. After surrendering a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 to Wimbledon, they capitulated by the same scoreline to Accrington. They have lost four of the last five League matches, including a 2-1 loss to Dagenham, and are slowly slipping out of the play-off picture. Former Bristol Rovers striker Jo Kuffour has eight goals in 15 games, while Danny Kedwell has 11 this term, six of which have come from the penalty spot.

The Bulls travel to Kent with no-one quite seeming to know exactly who is in charge of the team. The tactics displayed for the Accrington match at the end of December seemed to be a pure Gary Peters side, but in recent weeks a less direct style has been reinserted into the team as if Jamie Pitman was in control. With form on the road far better than at Edgar Street, the Bulls travel with a four match unbeaten run on the road to protect. That job is likely to be done without Harry Pell, who is yet to train this week.

Gillingham vs Hereford United, Priestfield, Saturday 4th February, 3.00pm.

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Administrator Gives Fans Time For Darlo Bid

Darlington's Administrator has given the club's fans time to raise funds after the only bidder on the table walked away from a deal.

Paul Wildes ended negotiations yesterday afternoon after failing to agree terms with former owner Raj Singh over his debt claim. Singh has offered to walk away for nothing if the fans take over, but wanted a cut of future development rights if Wildes was involved.

Fans will now need to find the estimated £500,000 cost of pulling the club out of Administration and turning it into a 'community club'. They have currently raised about a tenth of that figure.

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News Round-Up

Barnet say they will sign defender Jack Saville on loan for the remainder of the season later today. The 20 year old was targetted by Crewe before the deadline, with the Bees able to do a deal as he was previously with them on loan. Boss Lawrie Sanchez has also confirmed he has offered striker Izale McLeod a new deal in a bid to keep him past the summer. The 27 year old is reported to have been the subject of a six-figure bid from another League Two side during the transfer window.

Northampton boss Aidy Boothroyd says he wants two more players when the loan window reopens next week. Oxford have extended the deal of utility man Liam Davies by a further year. The 25 year old signed on a one year deal from Northampton in the summer and has been a regular for the U's this term. Northwich are to play their next match at Macclesfield as they try to secure a long-term base. They have appointed former Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson as their new manager.

Aldershot midfielder Alex Rodman has been diagnosed with three blod clots in his lung. The 24 year old was told by doctors that they could have killed him if the club doctor hadn't insisted on further tests on a mystery virus. He is expected to resume training in the summer. Departed Southend chief executive Tara Brady says he quit the club after falling out with chairman Ron Martin over the club's finances. Martin says the Irishman's £150,000 investment into the club will be repaid.

Bristol Rovers loanee Aaron Downes is expected to miss the rest of the season after picking up an injury in training. The knee injury is still being assessed but is expected to keep the Chesterfield midfielder out for the rest of his loan. Oxford are putting striker Tom Craddock on an enforced month long break in a bid to cure a persistent knee problem. The 25 year old has struggled all season with the injury, with boss Chris Wilder wanting him fully fit for the end of the season and a possible play-off campaign.

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71/72 Cup Run - Bulls defeat Kings Lynn

In the 1971/72 FA Cup run Hereford United first defeated Cheltenham Town. Then in the first round proper the Bulls travelled to Kings Lynn. That game was drawn 0-0 so a replay took place at Edgar Street.

Here's a match report, originally published by the Lynn News, of that FA Cup First Round replay between Hereford United and Kings Lynn which took place on Wednesday November 24th 1971.

Lynn went down bravely at Hereford on Wednesday in their FA Cup first round replay - putting up the stern fight team manager Mick Wright had promised.
A first half goal gave Hereford the grasp they needed, but right to the end Lynn were in with a chance of taking the tie to extra time.

Five minutes from time a long ball down the middle caught the home defence unprepared as Malcolm Lindsay ran through unchallenged. But the ball bounced awkwardly and hit him on the back of the leg and the chance of an equaliser trickled tantalisingly out of reach.

It was the chance that team manager Mick Wright had gambled on when he committed Lynn on a defensive policy from the kick-off.

Wright explained: "We based our chances of victory on breakaway raids and though we did not win I reckon we made Hereford sweat a lot. I was very pleased with our player's performance and I think the result speaks for itself."

He added: "I though we got stronger and stronger as the game progressed and came very close near the end to grabbing an equaliser."

Wright gave an outstanding display bolstering the Lynn defence but in a game which was not over-burdened by fouls he was unfortunately spoken to for a clash with Hereford player-manager Colin Addison early in the second half.

Vince Radcliffe also gave a fine display in outwitting Hereford's tricky schemer Dudley Tyler, while Peter Robinson, Trevor Painter and John Kerr worked overtime to constantly push back the surge of Hereford attacks.

Territorially Hereford dominated play from start to finish and in the first minute Alan Jones headed against the crossbar from a Tyler corner. In the 13th minute Tony Gough netted direct from a corner, but the goal was disallowed for a pushing offence by another player.

Hereford kept pushing forward and in the 27th minute Trevor Painter headed clear a cross from Ron Radford and the ball fell to Gough who crashed it home from the edge of the area. And that goal was to win the match.

Lynn's first direct shot at goal came from Keith Rudd in the 37th minute when he hit over the top. Hereford stormed back and Radford hit the woodwork and then Billy Meadows had a goal disallowed. He headed home from a Roger Griffiths free-kick on the far post but another player was adjudged to have been offside.

Although Hereford were still on top in the second half Rudd went close to equalising when he met a Rickett's cross and headed for the corner of the net but goalkeeper Fred Potter went full-length to save a certain goal.

Lynn's back four gave nothing away and Hereford were frequently forced to go backwards in an attempt to create openings. They forced numerous corners but could not break down Lynn's solid rearguard.

Hereford now have a plum home tie against Northampton in the second round. This is a tie Lynn would obviously have cherished but nevertheless they have shown in their cup spirit and skill that they could make progress in the FA Trophy and still challenge in the league.

Hereford: Potter, Griffiths, Mallender. Jones, McLaughlin, Addison, Gough, Tyler, Meadows, Owen, Radford. (Sub: George).
Lynn: Steel, Radcliffe, Kerr, Painter, Robinson, Wright, Ricketts, Bloxham, Clarke, Rudd, Lindsay. (Sub: Stewart).
Attendance 7,758

Kings Lynn later received £606.05 as their share of the gate at Edgar Street.

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Four Four Two - Feature on Hereford United in 1972

The latest edition of Four Four Two has a feature on Hereford United's giantkilling of Newcastle United in 1972.

Of course, we couldn’t ignore the 40th anniversary of the biggest Bulls hit ever: Ronnie Radford's Rocket for Hereford against Newcastle. The greatest FA Cup giantkilling ever is retold by those who were there, from narked Newcastle players to happy Hereford fans, and a few coppers who turned the other cheek to a certain pitch invasion.

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Gillingham Travel – Saturday

Gillingham v Hereford United

Football League 2

Saturday 4^th February 2012 KO 3.00pm

Priestfield Stadium

Redfern Avenue

Gillingham

Kent

ME7 4DD

Phone 01634 300000

Gillingham trace their history back to 1893 with the formation of New Brompton FC.  Share capital was issued at £1500 and a plot of land purchased for £600 that was to become known as Priestfield Stadium.  They became a professional Club the following year at the same time as becoming founder members of The Southern League.  The name was changed to Gillingham in 1913 and in 1920, they joined the Football League.  A further spell outside the League between 1938 and 1950 preceded a promotion in 1964 to the then Division 3 where they stayed until 1989.  Financial problems followed and The Club eventually fell into administration in 1995.  With total extinction looming, it was the eleventh hour takeover by Paul Scally that ensured the continuance.

They are currently managed by former player Andy Hessenthaler who is in his second spell as The Gills boss. 

Priestfield is barely recognisable from the stadium that was taken over by Scally and boasts three newish stands at the only League ground in Kent.  The old Town End terrace was demolished in 2004 to make way for the proposed Brian Moore Stand but, so far, only a temporary seated but uncovered structure accommodates the visiting fans.  Admission is £20 for adults (£17 in advance), Over 65's £19 (£16), 16-21 £16 (£13), U16's £11 (£9) and U12's £7 (£6).  Advance tickets are available from HUFC offices until Friday lunchtime.

HUISA – coach departs from Radford's at 8.00 am with a fare of £25 (members £23).

BY CAR – Travel to Gloucester then follow the signs for Cirencester and Swindon to join the M4 east (sign London).  Continue on the M4 before joining the M25 anti-clockwise at Junction 4A (sign South, Gatwick).  At junction 5 of the M25, take the M26 and then continue onto the M20.  At M20 J6, take the A229 north to connect with the M2 at J3.  Follow the M2 eastwards to leave at J4 where you take the A278 for Gillingham.  At the third roundabout, take the first exit onto the A2.  At the Premier Inn roundabout on the A2, take the third exit onto the A289 then at the next roundabout take the first exit onto Cornwallis Avenue.  Cross the traffic lights before turning right onto Toronto Road then second left into Redfern Avenue.  Priestfield Stadium will be on your left.  Postcode is ME7 4DD, mileage approximately 190 miles and you should allow at least 4 hours.  Parking is mainly in the streets but you should note that many streets are "permit only" and the local traffic wardens relish match-days at Priestfield.  Fortunately, the town centre is close enough to provide parking and to walk to the stadium.

TRAIN – Hereford to London Paddington then either Victoria or Charing Cross to Gillingham station, which is a ten-minute walk to the stadium.

REFRESHMENTS – The Dog and Bone on Jeffrey Street is close to the train station and offers a decent range but no food. The Frog and Toad on Burnt Oak Terrace and the Will Adams on Saxton Street are both worth a visit.  The Livingstone Arms, which is about a hundred yards from the visitor's turnstile on Gillingham Road is a recognised away fans Pub.  There are two chip shops on Gillingham Road just a few minutes from the ground.

Enjoy.

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Crawley Lodged A Bid For The Beast

Crawley made a move to sign former Bulls striker Mathieu Manset ahead of yesterday's deadline, the local press have claimed.

Just 12 months after the physical forward departed Edgar Street, Reading named a price for The Beast that the Red Devils were unwilling to match. While manager Steve Evans called fellow ex-Bull Karl Hawley their no.1 target after he signed, the motormouth Scot also had failed moves for Manset, James Constable, Nicky Ajose, and West Ham pair Frank Nouble and Freddie Sears.

The Bulls retain a sell-on clause for the Ivory Coast u23 man. So far this season he has started only four of 16 appearances for the Royals, scoring three goals.

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Charles Quits and Addison Arrives

With the world famous Hereford United victory over Newcastle United just a few days away, BN looks back to the 1971/72 season and its two managers.

The resignation of John Charles and the appointment of Colin Addison.

The 'gentle giant' John Charles (pic from a Hereford United Xmas card reproduced with kind permission of old herefordpic.blogspot) signed for Hereford United on July 4th 1966 and in December 1967 was made player-manager after Bob Dennison had left.

"I was asked by chairman Bill Humphries to become player-manager," recalled Charles in his autobiography.

"I had passed the FA coaching courses and was really thrilled with the appointment."

Charles inspired the players and the fortunes of the club improved so much that the 1970/71 season had the Bulls knocking on the door of the Football League.

Amidst those he signed were Fred Potter, Ken Mallender, Ricky George, Ronnie Radford, Billy Tucker and Dudley Tyler.

Charles was still in charge as the Bulls started the 71/72 season and what a season it turned out to be. But he quit in September.

"I finally quit in September 1971 when the club was lying fourth and challenging once again," said Charles

"I was finding it increasingly difficult to combine playing, managing and running my business in Cardiff, not to mention all the travelling involved in trying to gain Hereford the upgrade to the Football League.

"My job did not begin and end in the Edgar Street dressing room.

"Hereford had a far bigger aim for me, and my main off-the-field duty was to go round all the Football League clubs to persuade them to vote for Hereford when re-election of the bottom club came up."

The players were upset when Charles left.

"He was so much a part of us," noted Ronnie Radford.

"We missed him as a man, a footballer and a friend."

Whilst Charles didn't mention it in his book, interference from then chairman Frank Miles was another factor in Charles's decision to leave.

Joe Wade took over from Charles on a caretaker basis until a new manager was appointed. He was also bothered by Miles' style.

"We were playing at Worcester and Frank came into the dressing room," said Wade.

"Alan Jones was beefing about something. Frank had a habit of coming in and taking over the complaints of the players to the detriment of the manager. I told him to get out."

There were thirty applicants for the job and it was another month before Colin Addison was appointed. He had been playing for Sheffield United and was signed from them for £3,000, a then record fee for Hereford.

Addison was just 31 years old when he came to Edgar Street.

Born in Taunton, Somerset but brought up in York, Addison signed as a professional for York City in 1957.

In his second season he scored 10 league goals which helped York win promotion to the recently created Third Division but the Minstermen lasted only one season before being relegated and midway through the 1960-61 season he was transferred to First Division side Nottingham Forest for £12,000.

Addison was a regular at the City Ground scoring 62 goals in 160 league appearances, before being signed by Bertie Mee's Arsenal in 1966 for £45,000. His time at Highbury was hampered somewhat by injury and, after scoring an average of 1 goal in every 3 games for the Gunners, he was sold to First Division side Sheffield United at the end of season 1967.

In his final season at Bramall Lane with the Blades, and with his playing-career winding down, Addison left to join leading non-league side Hereford United as player-manager.

Addison led the Bulls to, perhaps, their greatest season since they were formed. FA Cup success against Newcastle will always be remembered, but they also had a great season in the Southern League.

However 11 of the 12 players who turned out for the Bulls against Newcastle in that FA Cup Third Round replay on February 5th 1972 had been signed by Charles.

"John left Colin the basis of a good team and Colin had the management skills to take us forward," said keeper Fred Potter.

And Ken Mallender agreed.

"Colin was of a different generation. He had been on coaching courses at Lilleshall. He was a lot more organised than John."

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News Round-Up

Swindon beat Southend 4-1 last night to move up to second in the League Two table. The two sides are level on points, along with Crawley, with Cheltenham three points clear at the top of the table. Torquay are reported to have received £50,000 for the sale of defender Chris Robertson to Preston. Manager Martin Ling has told the local press that the club opted to sell now rather than lose him for free in the summer.

Southend chief executive Tara Brady has quit the club, with the local press reporting a rift with the club's owners. The Irishman had just celebrated a year with the club, where he had substantially cut operating costs, but he admitted last week he was not enjoying the role. The Shrimpers have announced that they have received a three year extension to the planning permission received in 2008 to redevelop Roots Hall and build a new stadium. Chairman Ron Martin told the BBC it would still be 18 months before work started.

Northampton have signed young striker Lewis Wilson on a deal until the end of the season. The teenager had been playing in the United Counties League after leaving Rushden following their demise. Burton defender Aaron Webster is to miss two months after tearing a hamstring. The 30 year old picked up the injury during Sunday's draw with Oxford.

Torquay have signed winger Nathan Craig on a deal until the end of the season. The 20 year old has been playing for Caernarfon Town after being released by Everton. Swindon have released forward Jordan Pavett after his short term deal expired. He is currently on trial at Cambridge after making just one sub appearance for the Robins.

Crawley have released midfielder Willie Gibson by mutual consent. The Scot had been on loan at St Johnstone after feeling homesick. Crewe will try to sign Southampton defender Jack Saville when the loan window reopens. The 20 year old had previously been on loan at Barnet, with the Railwaymen unable to complete a deal for the player before last night's deadline.

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The 71/72 Cup Run

The Hereford United 71/72 squad

For the next few days BN will look back 40 years when Hereford United had their most famous FA Cup run which included the 2-1 win over Newcastle United at Edgar Street. For today's article a reminder of the Cup campaign from the 1971/72 season.

Fourth Qualifying Round November 6th - Hereford United 3 Cheltenham Town 0 (6441)
Round One November 20th - Kings Lynn 0 Hereford United 0 (2474)
Round One Replay November 24th - Hereford United 1 Kings Lynn 0 (7758)
Round Two December 11th - Hereford United 0 Northampton Town 0 (9510)
Round Two Replay December 14th - Northampton Town 2 Hereford United 2 (9099)
Round Two 2nd Replay December 20th - Hereford United 2 Northampton Town 1 (Played at the Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion FC - 8331)
Round Three January 24th - Newcastle United 2 Hereford United 2 (39381)
Round Three Replay February 5th - Hereford United 2 Newcastle United 1 (14313)
Round Four February 9th - Hereford United 0 West Ham United 0 (15000)
Round Four Replay February 14th - West Ham United 3 Hereford United 1 (42271)

As a Southern League team, Hereford were required to enter the FA Cup at the Fourth Qualifying Round stage. In that round they defeated local rivals Cheltenham Town 3–0 with two goals from tony gough and an own-goal.

The first round the Bulls were drawn away against Kings Lynn. The game, played in thick snow, was drawn and a replay at Edgar Street took place which the Bulls 1-0. Tony Gough scored the Hereford goal.

In the Second Round the Bulls needed two replays to progress, in the end defeating Northampton Town 2–1 at the Hawthorns.

The first game at Edgar Street was a goal-less draw. The replay ended 2-2 with goals from Dudley Tyler and Brian Owen.

There were no penalty shoot-outs in those days so a second replay took place at the Hawthorns. Northampton took the lead early in the game but in injury time full back Ken Mallender leveled from the edge of the penalty box. Extra-time was played and Dudley Tyler put the Bulls ahead. Hereford were in the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in six years, and only the third time in their history.

Hereford United travelled to St James' Park on 24 January 1972 for the scheduled Third Round match, the match having been postponed twice because of heavy rain. 5,000 Hereford supporters made the journey to the North-East with Newcastle clear favourites, fielding six internationals in their side.

With St James' Park open on only three sides, due to the ongoing construction of the East Stand, the match kicked off and Hereford took a shock lead after 17 seconds. They had won a free kick straight from the kickoff, which was quickly lofted into the Newcastle box. Brian Owen ran around the Newcastle defence onto the end of the free kick, and put the ball past Willie McFaul to give Hereford a dream start. Newcastle quickly went 2–1 after 13 minutes of play thanks to goals from Newcastle's £180,000 striker Malcolm Macdonald and John Tudor. But then Hereford player-manager Colin Addison equalised with a 25 yard shot and the match finished 2–2, in front of 39,301 spectators.

And so to February 5th 1972 and the replay at a very muddy Edgar Street. History was made that afternoon when the Bulls won 2-1 with goals from Ronnie Radford and Ricky George. (BN will feature that game later this week)

The Bulls had just a few days to prepare for their next game in the Cup, a fourth round home tie against West Ham United on February 9th.

14,819 watched the game which ended goal-less. In the West Ham side was current Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.

Manager Colin Addison had to make one change from the Newcastle game. Roger Griffiths was replaced by Ricky George and Billy Tucker was the substitute.

'Hereford blew a rich, ripe, agricultural raspberry at West Ham and all the football they represent. Colin Addison's part-timers reduced West Ham to a rabble, scrambling to prevent Hereford's historic FA Cup run escalating into the sensation of our time,' wrote Jeff Powell in the Daily Mail.

And so to Upton Park on a Monday afternoon for the replay. Taken from his book One Goal One Horse, Ricky George remembers.

Kick-off was scheduled for 2.15pm, Monday February 14th. The nation had been hit by a power strike, so like the old days before floodlights, an FA Cup replay was being played on a weekday afternoon.

The traffic was so bad that we had to abandon the coach somewhere near East Ham station and pile into a police van to ensure we actually got to the game. We realised, as if it wasn't obvious before, that the reason for the roads being jammed in and around Upton Park was that the world and his brother were trying to see this match.

The generous reception were received was a combination of thirty-odd thousand East Enders and nearly 10,000 wonderful Hereford supporters. Special trains were put on and a film crew recorded forever happy fans in black and white singing a song especially written by Russ Lowe, a local disc jockey. The film, Cup Glory, was released later that year to celebrate 100 years of the FA Cup.

After less than ten minutes I had a chance easier than any goal Hereford had so far scored against first division opposition. Dudley Tyler crossed from the right and Tommy Taylor mis-kicked on the slippery pitch.

The ball spun up into the air and dropped on the volley onto my right foot. I was inside the penalty area and stabbed at the ball instead of striking it with confidence. It beat Ferguson but whistled inches past the post.

Just before half-time Geoff Hurst put the Hammers one up.

We gave another good account of ourselves, losing Ken Mallender with an injury in the second half when Hurst scored twice to end our gloroious run.

Fittingly, our great goal-scorer, Billy Meadows, was the player to score the last ever for the Giantkillers.

We were defeated 1-3 but left the field to magnificent and prolonged applause.

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Phillips to Referee at Gillingham

David Phillips is set to referee next Saturday's League Two match between Gillingham and Hereford United.

The West-Sussex based official came twice to Edgar Street last season however he hasn't refereed a Hereford away game since September 2009 when the Bulls travelled to Aldershot.

That game was drawn 2-2 with Jamie Tolley and Glen Southam getting booked. On loan winger Tristian Plummer scored both goals for the Bulls.

To date this season Phillips has been in charge of 21 games in which he has given out 64 yellow cards and 8 red cards.

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News Round-Up

Oxford have signed midfielder Mark Wilson until the end of the season. The free agent 32 year old was released by Doncaster earlier in the week after five years at the club. Bradford have released forward Nialle Rodney by mutual consent, with the former Nottm Forest youngster signing for Lincoln on a deal until the end of the season.

Northampton have signed defender Clarke Carlisle on loan for the rest of the season. The Burnley man, and PFA chairman, spent the first half of the season on loan at Preston but new boss Graham Westley opted to cancel the deal that was due to run to the end of the season. The Cobblers have also released Paul Walker and Ashley Corker by mutual consent. Goalkeeper Walker and defender Corker were both graduates of the club's youth team, with Corker making 16 appearances this term.

Ex-Bull Karl Hawley has joined Crawley on loan from Notts County for the remainder of the season. The 30 year old has scored five times for the Magpies this season, but only two of them have been in his 26 League appearances. Aldershot have sold midfielder Jamie Collins to Forest Green for an undisclosed fee, replacing him with former Bull Ben Smith who joins on a three month loan from Crawley.

Northampton (yes, they said they'd be busy today) have signed loanee Ben Harding to a permanent 18 month deal. The Wycombe midfielder has spent the last month on loan at Sixfields. Wrexham have sold defender Curtis Obeng to Swansea, their second departure to the Premier League of the day, with the Swans lending the Dragons teenager Daniel Alfei for the remainder of the season as a replacement.

Darlington have signed midfielder Clark Keltie on non-contract terms, and taken Sunderland youngster youngster Liam Bagnall on a month long loan. The Quakers have lost the services of forward James Gray after he chose to join a Swedish side.

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Kettering Fans Meet As Darlo Talks Stall

Kettering's fans are to meet on Friday night to discuss their plight, with the club due to face the taxman in court on Monday.

Meanwhile, talks on Darlington's future have stalled with former owner Raj Singh apparently digging his heels in over a deal for his debt. He was believed to have agreed to have asked for no money in exchange for a five year block on development plans at the ground, but is still believed to be chasing a cut from any future redevelopment. There is currently only one bid on the table, from developer Paul Wildes, with the deadline for bidders to come forward having passed.

At Kettering, they face the taxman on Monday owing a reported £35,000 with currently no plan in place to pay the money. They have also been handed a deadline of Sunday to pay Southend Manor £4,000 in gate receipts from their FA Cup match three months ago. Fans will stage a meeting at Nene Park on Friday to consider the state of the club and whether the situation is salvagable.

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News Round-Up

Oxford have signed striker Scott Rendell from Wycombe on loan until the end of the season. The former Peterboro man has scored just once this season after 19 goals last term, and had an unsuccessful month at Bristol Rovers. Swindon have signed midfielder Lee Cox on a two and a half year deal from Inverness. The former Leicester trainee has only just regained fitness following a lengthy injury outage. The Robins have also rejected another bid from Bournemouth for midfielder Matt Ritchie.

Northampton are reported to have rejected an offer from Blackpool for midfielder Michael Jacobs. The 20 year old has several admirers in the Championship. Dagenham have ended the loan of West Ham midfielder Eoin Wearen after they had seveal other midfielders return to fitness, but will extend the deal of teammate Ahmed Abdulla further.

No Bulls in the Team of the Week. Shrewsbury, Torquay, Aldershot, and Barnet all get two players each into the nominated XI. Stockport have axed four players and signed three more in a bid to avoid relegation from the Conference. Among those leaving is keeper Matt Glennon who had been a regular since signing last season with boss Jim Gannon confirming that further financial cuts had to be made.

Aldershot have released defender Aaron Brown by mutual consent after playing in less than half their games this season. Macclesfield have sent their squad to a warm weather training camp in Tenerife this week as a reward for their FA Cup run. West Ham striker Frank Nouble has rejected an offer to join Crawley. The Red Devils had a bid accepted, but the England u19 man wants to fight for a place with the Hammers instead.

Wrexham have sold teenage keeper Danny Ward to Liverpool for an initial £100,000. The youth team graduate made his first team debut on loan at Tamworth last season. Crewe are set to receive around £150,000 after former Academy player Ben Marshall was sold by Stoke to Leicester for an initial £750,000. They were paid an initial £30,000 for the player, but have a 20% sell-on clause.

The move of Bradford full back Luke O'Brien is back on after Exeter sold defender Scott Golbourne to Barnsley, freeing up funds to sign the 23 year old. Crewe are trialling full back Jordan Brown after he was released by West Ham. The 20 year old recently had a month long loan at Aldershot, playing four times. Loanee Jamie Lowry has been recalled from Gresty Road by parent club Chesterfield due to injuries.

Gillingham are trialling midfielder Oliver Lee. The West Ham youngster has had a loan at Dagenham already this season, scoring three times in 17 games. Crawley are reported to have rejected a £1.9million double bid for striker Tyrone Barnett and defender Kyle McFadzean from Peterboro. Bristol Rovers have released midfielder Ben Swallow by mutual consent. The winger was transfer listed in December after being sent off in the FA Cup.

Preston have signed Torquay defender Chris Robertson after he put in a transfer request. The 25 year old former Sheff Utd trainee has been at Plainmoor since 2007 and signs for an undisclosed fee. Northampton have signed American keeper Neal Kitson on a deal until the end of the season. The 26 year old hold dual US and UK passports and is awaiting international clearance after previously playing for Rochester Rhinos in the third tier of the US pyramid.

Plymouth have signed strikers Juvhel Tsournou and Alex McDonald on loan. German Tsournou, from Preston, signs until the end of the season after four goals for the Deepdale outfit this term, while Burnley's McDonald has signed for five weeks. Crawley have signed striker Billy Clarke from Blackpool on a two and a half year deal. The 24 year old missed last season due to injury, but made his comeback in a months loan at Sheff Utd before Christmas.

Bristol Rovers have signed full back Jim Paterson until the end of the season. The 32 year old former Plymouth defender was previously with manager Mark McGhee at Motherwell, and spent the last six months with Shamrock Rovers. Bradford have released teenage midfielder Patrick Lacey by mutual consent after he failed to make a first team appearance.

Wimbledon have loaned Ryan Jackson to Cambridge until the end of the season, extended Lee Minshull's loan at Newport to the end of the season, and sent James Mulley to Hayes and Yeading for an initial month. Rotherham have extended the loan of keeper Rhys Taylor from Chelsea until the end of the season. He made his debut at the weekend after replacing fellow loanee Conrad Logan.

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Hessenthaler Made A Statement

With the Bulls due to travel down to Priestfield this Saturday, Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has spoken to the press about his decision to dump keeper Ross Flitney.

Hessenthaler opted to remove the former Barnet stopper at half time against Accrington last Saturday after conceding four goals. He replaced him with teenage Argentinian keeper Paulo Gazzaniga, giving the 19 year old his first taste of League action:

"I wasn’t happy with him and we made the statement. I could have taken them all off after that first half. We do match reports on teams but if they don’t listen then they won’t be in the team. Paulo didn’t have much to do in the second half but what he did do, he did well."

Without Flitney, the Gills scored two goals back, but still lost 4-3. It is currently unclear which keeper will face the Bulls on Saturday with Flitney, who also worked with Hessenthaler at Dover, also having conceded four times against Wimbledon the week before.

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From the Archives - January 31st 1998

For today's item from the BN archives we delve back to January 31st 1998 and a disappointing trip to Dover.

HEREFORD United 0 Dover Athletic 2 (report by Peter Povall)

With a longer than usual break between games, Hereford had chance to work on their game, but very little of it showed if they did.

Dover swiftly showed them the exit route from the FA Trophy with this 2 goal home defeat. Hereford had previously met Dover in the Conference last year where Dover went home with a victory as well. This just goes to prove that the smaller clubs can bite.

Again United were chasing the match as Gerald Dobbs claimed the opener after just 11 minutes. This goal came on the rebound after James McCue blazed the ball over the Dover goal. The resulting goal kick was sent down the pitch to Dobbs who confidently chipped the advancing Andy Quy.

United continued a try assualts on the Dover goal but nothing would work. Neil Grayson was given a good position by some excellent moves started on the wing but his shot was well wide of the net.

Another chance early in the second half was thrown away as Trevor Matthewson, who has played very little in the last couple of months due to injury, headed Murray Fishlocks cross wide.

Gavin Mahon however earned his money by denying Ayorinde a goal when he cleared off the line after Quy had been beaten.

The final blow was the result of an inspired substitution though as Roy Godden was brought on at the start of injury time and with almost his first touch of the ball be drove it home into the Hereford net.

HEREFORD UNITED (5-3-2): Quy; Rodgerson, Fishlock, Pitman (Foster 72), Brough (Mansell 23), (Williams 80), Matthewson; Hargreaves, Warner, Grayson; McCue, Mahon.

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Ex-Bull Marshall Fails Drugs Test

Former Bulls loanee Mark Marshall has been provisionally suspended by Barnet after failing a drugs test.

The winger, who joined the Bulls on loan from Swindon in 2009, had missed the Bees' last two matches with speculation hinting at a transfer window move to one of a number of Championship sides.

However a statement by Barnet today says Marshall was tested after their Boxing Day match with Dagenham and failed for a prohibited substance. The statement adds that Marshall says he had unwittingly taken the banned drug as part of a supplement.

The FA are yet to make a statement on the matter, but a lengthy ban is likely.

Meanwhile, the Bees have released another ex-Bull. Anwar Uddin, who played ten times for the Bulls in the 03/04 season, had previously captained both the Bees and Dagenham, where he helped them to promotion to the League. The 30 year old has not played for the Bees' first team since October.

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Pell to have Scan on Knee

Hereford United midfielder Harry Pell has told his followers that he is to have a scan on his knee this coming Wednesday.

Just what I need, not training today or tomorrow and scan on my knee on Wednesday!

At this stage it isn't known whether he will be available for the Bulls' trip to Gillingham this weekend.

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Bulls 22/5 to win at Gillingham

Hereford United can be backed at a price of 22/5 to defeat Gillingham next Saturday.

This price is available with BetVictor. Many other bookies are currently offering 4/1 for a Hereford win.

Best price for a draw is 11/4. That's with Bet365, SkyBet and BlueSq.

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Crawley Get £800,000 For Tubbs

Crawley have sold striker Matt Tubbs to Bournemouth for a reported £800,000 fee.

The Cherries had a £500,000 bid rejected last Friday, but have now resigned the striker they chose not to sign in 2008 from Salisbury. He had a loan spell at Dean Court midway through the 08/09 season, scoring once in eight games, but the Cherries opted not to follow up the deal.

The 27 year old scored 58 times in 80 games for the Red Devils after a phenomenal record at Salisbury prompted them to spend £55,000 on him.

Meanwhile, fellow striker Tyrone Barnett is also a transfer target after rejecting a £900,000 move to Blackpool last week. Peterboro have had several bids rejected for the former Macclesfield man.

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Westley Goes Bananas!

New Preston boss Graham Westley sparked headlines last week when he sent his squad lengthy messages at 2.15am on the day of a game.

During those texts, the former Stevenage man dropped four players from the starting XI and reiterated - at length - his beliefs about how football should be played. Now, according to press reports, he warned his team of a potential terrorist attack before this weekend's trip to Yeovil, which they lost 2-1.

The Sun reported that Westley sent his players the following message: “In view of the must win game tomorrow beware of the low flying aircrafts as we are in a very high hotel which will be a target for al quaeda leaders. If we come under attack we must stick together and keep evolving as a team and bring pain on them. Make sure u have right footwear on incase of such events,”

The paper has since removed the article, but several other news organisations worldwide picked up the story beforehand. The paper quotes an unnamed source as saying: “Nobody is quite sure what to make of it. They don’t know if it is meant as a joke or what. It is a very odd thing to say. They can’t work the gaffer out - they all think he’s lost the plot,”

There are a few in lower league football that believe Westley lost the plot some time ago!

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News Round-Up

Bristol Rovers have signed former Bulls loanee Matthew Lund on a month long loan deal. The 21 year old played three times for the Bulls last season, and had a month at Oldham at the start of this term. Northampton have extended the loan of Blair Adams for another month. The Sunderland defender has played five times since joining the Cobblers at the start of the month.

Crawley are claimed to have had a bid accepted for West Ham forward Frank Nouble. The England u19 man scored five times for Gillingham during a loan spell earlier in the season. One player not off to the Broadfield Stadium is Burton forward Billy Kee, with the Brewers' official site stating that the former Torquay man has rejected overtures from Steve Evans after a 'substantial offer'.

Rochdale have confirmed making a bid for Shrewsbury striker Terry Gornell. New boss John Coleman wants to be reunited with his former Accrington charge, and is claimed to have lodged a £100,000 offer. Former Bulls loanee Jake Jervis has returned to Birmingham after the end of his month at Preston. He scored twice in three starts, but only made brief sub appearances in their last two games.

Barnet have signed Wigan full back Jordan Mustoe on loan for the rest of the season. The 21 year old made his first start for the Latics in their loss to Swindon in the FA Cup. Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio says he will likely sell striker Billy Bodin in order to free up wages for new targets. The teenager scored five times in 19 games on loan at Torquay.

Bradford boss Phil Parkinson has criticised Exeter after they backed out of a move to sign full back Luke O'Brien. The Grecians are claimed to have told Parkinson they were unable to complete the deal financially. Former Bull Gavin McCallum has left Lincoln by mutual consent after he was reported to have opted to not feature in their loss to Kettering at the weekend.

Former Bulls forward Sam Malson is to leave Weymouth for Conf South side Dorchester Town tomorrow. The 24 year old has been a regular scorer for the Terras in the Ryman League. Darlington bidder Paul Wildes has given an undertaking to former club owner Raj Singh that he will not redevelop the ground for non-football uses for at least five years. The Administrator has set a deadline of tomorrow for bids for the club.

Bristol Rovers have loaned midfielder Charlie Reece to Tamworth for an initial month. The 23 year old was transfer listed in the summer but has only so far had a loan with Gloucester.

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Police praise Supporters

West Mercia Police have praised supporters for their good behaviour last Saturday when 1500 Shrewsbury Town fans came to Hereford to watch the A49 derby match at Edgar Street.

"There was one arrest related to the match and that was for an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act," said Superintendent Charlie Hill, Territorial Policing Unit Commander in Herefordshire.

"As a result of this a 30-year-old man received a Fixed Penalty Notice.

"There were a significant number of officers working on the day and our operation went well. However, the fans themselves behaved extremely sensibly and were a credit to both clubs.

"We had assistance from British Transport Police on the day and that proved very helpful in terms of policing the rail network and helping to ensure the entire day passed off peacefully."

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Two Days Left Of Transfer Window

There are just two days left of the January transfer window, with an 11pm deadline on Tuesday for permanent transfers.

The Bulls appear unlikely to make further movement unless some of the existing players depart Edgar Street. So far Janos Kovacs has quit the club after agreeing a settlement, and Sean Canham will not appear in a Bulls shirt again after signing for Bath on loan until the end of the season.

James McQuilkin has also left on a short term deal to Kidderminster, which appears likely to be extended, while fellow midfielder Kenny Lunt remains transfer listed. One possible destination for the former Crewe midfielder is Wrexham, who confirmed over the weekend their intention to strengthen further before the window closes.

The Bulls have signed six players in the January window, making loan moves for Will Evans and Simon Clist permanent deals and signing non-contract duo Sam Clucas and Dan Hanford to longer term contracts. Defenders Kern Miller and Ben Purkiss have also arrived at the club on deals.

The only rumour currently, still, doing the rounds is a departure for Ryan Green. The Welshman has recently denied message board claims that he is Shrewsbury bound, but is understood to be stalling on a contract offer until the Bulls league position is secured.

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Young Bulls Draw with Plymouth

Hereford United under 18's draw 2-2 with Plymouth Argyle last Saturday. It was the first point the young Bulls had gained this season according to the Plymouth Evening Hearld.

Argyle took a two goal lead in the first twenty minutes of the game but the Bulls fought back with Joe Tumulty hitting the bar with a 20 yeard shot.

Jack Biggs then got one back for the Bulls from six yards after Argyle failed to clear. He was reported to have given Argyle 'incessant problems'.

However it was Tumulty who scored the equaliser some twelve minutes from time with a 20 yard drive.

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