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Baker out for Dover battle
Hereford United chairman Graham Turner has publicly slammed his players after they slipped towards the Nationwide Conference relegation zone.
Turner, who now plays a part in the team management, said: "If the players don’t recognise the dangers, they shouldn’t be playing football. We’ve got to sort it out quickly."
The Bulls have lost their last four matches and this Saturday go to bottom of the table Dover Athletic knowing a win is vital to keep them up.
Dover Athletic, under the new management of Clive Walker, will be without attacker Matt Carruthers on-loan Leon Kelly, who are both banned, for the match. Dover are also in poor form, having lost seven of their last eight matches.
Hereford United coach Phil Robinson told the Evening News: "We need to start picking up points and the sooner the better. On paper Dover should be one of our easier matches but everybody is scrapping for points and if they've just got rid of their manager it could be quite a tricky game for us."
"We performed quite well at times against Farnborough, hit the woodwork twice and scored two goals which you think would be enough away from home. But our defending was not quite up to scratch and it is something we have to get back to."
Ian Rodgerson is a doubt with a foot injury and Matt Baker is out, so Stuart Jones will continue in goal.
Thursday Feruary 14th:
Leader speaks of Edgar Street plan
Hereford United's ground redevelopment has further been outlined by Herefordshire Council leader Terry James in today's Hereford Times.
"What we need is a super sports and leisure centre in Hereford. I am very positive about my plans, but we are not yet in a detailed stage," he said. "It would mean a much-improved facility for Hereford and it is one of my number one priorities. The football ground would certainly be part of a large and busy complex to be used by the community which would help the club raise money off the pitch."
The existing leisure centre, on Holmer Road, would be sold for commercial use and the money used to fund the multi-million pound proposed redevelopment, according to the council leader. He said that he had a wide, although not total, support for him plan. His plans for the cattle market and Merton Meadow area were also earmarked in a new report from Hereford Arts Academy.
It said: "The site may well include new council offices, a large hotel, a cinema, a redeveloped football ground with the existing leisure centre relocated with it and other facilities."
United chairman Graham Turner commented: "Terry James has indicated at a liaison meeting with supporters that he will be making a statement on the future of the club on March 18 or 19. We have therefore called a board meeting for March 20 to discuss the council leader's proposals for the ground and the make up of the consortium."
Big job after wind damage
The damage caused last Saturday will be a big job, according to Hereford United.
The club's game against league leaders Dagenham & Redbridge was called off after the roof caved in at the Meadow End due to high winds, and this cut an electric cable. A wooden beam and toilet area also need to be mended, with the toilets requiring a complete rebuild.
Meanwhile, twenty people are needed for a "fun" penalty shoot out at Edgar Street. The first round is on April 13th (Northwich home match), and the final a week later (Hayes home game). The shootouts will be held before kick off and during half time in front of the Meadow End. Try your skill against Hereford United's reserve keeper and see how your nerve holds!
The winner will receive a trophy and a free season ticket for 2002/2003 season (terrace), and the competition is open to the first twenty people to get £75 of sponsorship, (all monies to be paid by 10th April).
This is a HUISA fundraising event. To register your place call 01432 890 205 or 01432 359389.
Bulls hope to stop the rot
Hereford United go to Dover Athletic hoping to end a four match losing streak on Saturday, kick off 3pm.
Dover manager Neville Southall was sacked yesterday as the Kent side languish at the bottom of the Nationwide Conference, and Clive Walker has taken over as caretaker at the Crabble ground.
The Bulls are now only six points off the relegation zone, and they go into Saturday's game without Matt Clarke, who is banned. Matt Baker will face a race against time to recover from his ankle injury, and is also on standby for the England National Game XI when they play the USA in a couple of weeks.
- The supporters coach from Hereford to Dover has
been cancelled due to lack of interest.Southall out at Dover
Dover Athletic go into Saturday's Nationwide Conference clash against Hereford United without manager Neville Southall.
The ex-Wales and Everton goalkeeper has been sacked after less than three months as manager of the Crabble-based club, who host Hereford this Saturday, kick off 3pm.
The new board at Dover made the decision as the Whites are bottom of the league, two points adrift of Hayes, and Clive Walker takes over as caretaker until the end of the season.
A Supporters' Trust spokesman said: "I don't believe this is a good time of the season to sack a manager."
Hereford are sixteenth in the league at the moment, but are jsut six points off the relegation zone.