Sunday, February 17, 2002

Boston Preview

Hereford go into Monday nights live Sky match with no new injury worries, but this is being written on a Sunday so keep an eye open on http://www.thisishufc.co.uk in case this situation changes. The Bulls will be keen to impress on the TV, and to make amends for the last minute defeat earlier in the season at Edgar Street

As for Boston, they have new signings Kevin Evans, from Cardiff, and Jim Rodwell, from Rushden, waiting to make their debut for Boston. Also, Boston have not played a match since the 26th of January when they lost 2-1 away at Stalybridge and have been replaced at the top of the Conference by Dagenham, who drew 3-3 yesterday with Yeovil to over take Boston at the pole. Other results have seen Woking beaten 4-0 at York Street, draw away at Nuneaton, a trashing of FGR 6-1 at home, plus a win and loss against Northwich. Again this is being written on Sunday so keep an eye on the Boston United official site at http://www.bostonunited.co.uk

Match coverage by Sky starts at 7:30pm on Sky Sports One, with a 8:05pm kick off.

Cooksey looking to the Future

Former Bulls Favourite Scott Cooksey is looking to the future after he was forced to retire from football following a freak hand injury and it now looks unlikely that he will collect any insurance.
The 29 year old Hereford keeper has called it a day after being told he could become physically deformed if he carried on playing. "I spent two weeks in hospital vertually fighting for my life, the this happens." he said. "Something somewhere has gone badly wrong. It is frightening to go into hospital with a slight problem in my hand, then come out with a hand that I can bearly move and with arthritis."
"I has three operations in six days and now I need another one that would keep me out of the game for nine months anyway. The long term prognosis is severe arthritis and I am left with the rest of my life in jeopardy."
Cooksey has a sports studies degree but would like to move into football managment.
Hereford have promised to discuss the possibility of a benefit match. "It is very sad," said secretary Joan Fennessy, who confirmed Cooksey's injury was not covered by club insurance. " I will discuss the possibility of a benefit game with owner Graham Turner."
The club have settled Cooksey's contract. It is believed that a benefit match could take place at the end of the season possibly against Shrewsbury Town, for whom Cooksey used to play.

Baker not to blame

Hereford United's player/coach Phil Robinson said his young goalkeeper is not to blame for his challenge that led to Richmond Borough's Darren Deegan breaking his leg.
Robinson commented: "We were all a bit shaken by it including Matt himself but it was an accidental collision, with no blame attached and indeed no free kick was given."

He added: "We all feel for the player and Matt is a bit down about it but it is an occupational hazard of the game."

Feb 15th:
 Boston on wrong side of the law

Nationwide Conference leaders Boston United, who face Hereford on Monday night, have encountered further difficulties with a threat of legal action from Lincolnshire Police.
The local constabulary have claimed that Boston have failed to honour an agreement over repaying the cost of match-day police.
Boston also face a winding-up order on Monday brought by a local garage over an unpaid bill of £6,000.
The only good news is that Des Wood, a north Nottinghamshire-based businessman involved in property, is believed to be on the point of buying the club from the Malkinson family.
This will certainly add further interest to the Sky game on Monday night. Boston will gain £5,000 and The Bulls will receive £3,000 from the game.

 Squad looking forward to third TV Appearence

Being on TV for the third time this season had led to a huge lift in the United squad, according to Bulls boss Phil Robinson.
The game against Boston United is due to be shown on Sky Sports One on Monday night and kick off time is 8pm.
Robinson said "Everyone is very much looking forward to it particularly at this level when appearing on television is a rarity for the players,"
Hereford are expected to be at full strength for the game.