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Next: Away At Oxford City On Tuesday November 4th At 7.45pm

Tuesday, August 13, 2002

A message from your mascot...
Well here we are at the start of another season, full of optimism as usual and glad that a real sport will be on our TV's (instead of cricket). We have all been busy throughout the closed season here at the farm. The farmer has acquired a new companion for me called Benny the Bull and hopefully I can pursuade him to put in the odd (very odd) performance. I asked for a nice looking cow but there weren't any volunteers, never mind.

Between us we have painted the male toilets at the Meadow End, a nice sky blue and white to match the training tops. I have also been busy making public appearances at school, fetes and charity events, as well as taking up the job of linesman.

My latest venture is collecting international flags from our many overseas fans. It is my intention to have these made up in to giant 10 x 6 foot flags to display at the ground, so thank you to the fans who have pledged a flag.

'Billy News' will be in publication again this season, so please send me any info, jokes, birthdays etc.

Also a big thank you to Algerian Bull who has offered to be my kit sponsor for the 2002/2003 season.

Anyway I'll sign off now, lets have lots of support this season and finally shut up the "Turner Out" brigade.

Peace and best wishes,

Billy The Bull (& Benny)

By Terry Goodwin 
Bulls miss two for Conference opener
Hereford are without two players going into Saturday's Conference match against Farnborough Town at Edgar Street, kick off 3pm.
Scott Voice has not fully recovered from his groin injury and expects to be sidelined for another two weeks, whilst Ben Smith will not play for around five weeks.

However, Michael Rose, who picked up a slight hamstring strain at Evesham United last Saturday, is expected to be fully fit for the Farnborough match.
- By Terry Goodwin 
Supporters club news
The HUISA AGM is this Saturday at 12pm in the VP Club. All members are invited to elect a new chairman and secretary.
Anyone wanting to use away travel can do so by purchasing tickets from the club. The bus to Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday 20th costs £8.50, and departs Edgar Street at 5.15pm, whilst a trip to Gravesend & Northfleet costs £18 and departs at 8.30am on Saturday, August 24th.

If you intend driving the Forest Green, head for Stroud from Gloucester. When you reach the town, turn left onto the A46 to Nailsworth. This will bring you into the centre of the town, when you reach the Information Centre take the first right at the cross roads which goes up a steep hill sign posted Forest Green. The Lawn is on the left. The club has car parking for members only, however there is a spacious free car park at the adjacent college. There is also off street parking but be aware to stay clear of the coned off areas.

Meanwhile, the legendary Hereford United single by Danny Lee is to be recorded onto CD. It will be for sale in the Hereford United club shop from September 1st.
- By Terry Goodwin 
'We may have the biggest debt but we are not the poorest - the other clubs don't have our support base'
Those were the words of a confident Hereford United manager Graham Turner when referring to the Conference teams at last night's fans forum at Edgar Street.
The meeting was chaired by Kevin Wargen, with questions answered largely by Turner but also Richard O'Kelly, the new first-team coach.

Turner opened the meeting talking about finances. He told the audience that the club hoped to pay another 10 or 20 pence of the CVA within the next season if the money becomes available which will satisfy the creditors. The club have to pay £1 in each pound, and have so far paid 40p - the remainer comes to a total of around £25,000. The club could close instantly if more debts were accumilated, particularly to the likes of the taxman.

Furthermore, little progress has been made in terms of the stadium development. Turner said that there was the possibility of Len Weston Stand being rebuilt with the Courtyard Theatre having more room below, the Blackfriars End incorporating a Leisure Centre and the Meadow End including a multiplex cinema. The main stand would be looked after by the club. However, the whole situation is out of the clubs hands and is a problem of Chelverton and the local authorities.

Apparently, there is movement at the Blackfriars End. The foundations are moving, and the council may close the stand for periods during the season for healh and safety reasons. However, it will be open for Saturday's match.

With the local elections next may, the future of Hereford United is likely to be a vote-catching issue. The Richardson Brothers, who have linked with Chelverton, did not want any involvement with this particular project as they branded it a 'political hot potato', according to Turner. Nevertheless, the development has the potential to rejuvenate a city that has become a quiet backwater.

On the playing front, the problem of obtaining a goalscorer was highlighted. Turner said that he had spoken to Brett Angell, Don Goodman and David Kelly but they sighted low pay, long travel distances and the stigma attached to non-league football as reasons not to join the club. On player even asked if Hereford could match the £1200 that he was offered as a weekly salary by a second division club! Andy Baird has left the club, whilst Ashley Nicholls was taken by Darlington after agreeing to spend pre-season at Edgar Street. When Turner found out of Darlo's interest, he offered Nicholls a contract but the ex-Ipswich trainee linked up with the Quakers.

However, there could be a move to sign Andy Sinton. The former Spurs and Wolves midfielder has had offers from three Conference clubs and will speak to Turner at 5pm tomorrow after a trial at Walsall. Steve Guinan has been offered a one-month contract but three other Conference sides have offered season-long deals so Turner feels he might have to improve the offer.

Overall, though, Graham Turner said he was pleased with the squad and that it was a great improvement on last year. Whilst most of the players were 'four inches too small', they had 'more ability that most Conference sides'. Hopes that the likes of Scott Goodwin could return were dismissed out of hand, as Turner is aiming for a squad of youth and enthusiasm.

He aims fro a squad size of eighteen but it may end up being nineteen or twenty for the next season if players become available. Whilst the club cannot afford eighteen players, 'hope' value is included and as a consequence, occasionally players are sold to balance the books. When a league club comes in for a player, they are told of the interest (as it is part of the contract). Turner has promoted the move of first-team football at Hereford, looking at Gavin Mahon as an example. Mahon had two years as a first-teamer at Hereford before joining Brentford and now Watford. Matt Baker's trial at Leyton Orient was arranged through his agent, which angered Turner as it is not allowed under the terms of his contract.

In terms of the Conference this season, Turner felt the play-offs would improve the league no end and he fancied the ex-league clubs who have spent heavily - Chester, Doncaster, Scarborough and Barnet - to do well, along with Yeovil.

When answering a question from a shareholder, Turner said that the 2000/01 AGM would be held in the next twenty eight days and the date was to be set at a board meeting on Thursday. The reason the accounts were late was because a director had agreed to do most of preparation, saving the club around £5000, but he had fallen behind. The club, as it is in the state of two companies, would face a £200 fine.

Whilst there are the obvious problems at Edgar Street, Turner seems eager to enjoy the campaign and in the squad of players and coach Richard O'Kelly, confidence is high that progress will be made.
Monday, August 12, 2002 - By Terry Goodwin 
Fun game raises £500
Hereford United beat off a HUISA XI 8-3 in a fun-filled match at Edgar Street this evening.
Danny Williams, Steve Guinan, Richard O'Kelly, Ian Wright and Rob Purdie had put the Bulls 5-0 up at the break, but a half-time reshuffle saw an 8-3 scoreline. John Grant scored a hatrick for Hereford whilst HUISA came back through goals from Will Jones and a brace from Steve Guinan, who was the subject of a half-time 'transfer'.

The match was refereed by Simon Barrington, whilst Billy and Benny the Bulls were the assistants. Billy's head was handed round by the players during the second half, including Matt Clarke in the Hereford goal who conceded three during the second period of a thirty minute duration.

Elements of the match were dubious to say the least, with HUISA having fifteen players on the pitch at one time! Nevertheless, over £500 was raised on the night and well done to everyone who raised money to play in the HUISA team. Their squad read: Garry Smith, Paul Sharp, Neil Phipps, Rob Leighton, Tristan Edwards, Dave Glinos, Tommy Johnson, Chris Oleski, Simon Bayliss, Chris Richards, Will Jones, Andy Bouchen, Mark Jenkins, David Jenkins and Jamie Griffiths.
- By Terry Goodwin 
Don't forget...
HUISA XI v HUFC - Edgar Street - Tonight at 6.30pm. Watch the supporters take on the team. Then at 8pm in Legends., your chance to discuss things with Graham Turner before the season kicks-off.
Sunday, August 11, 2002 - By Terry Goodwin 
Conference win in League expansion?
Today's Non-League Paper reports that a restructured Division Three could mean league status for up to sixteen Conference clubs.
Since the collapse of the ITV Digital TV deal, the Football League are considering refinancing and restructuring options in the league and one of the plans is for a four division, twenty team competition with eight teams promoted from the Conference. The second involves a regionalised 40-team Third Division with the Conference supplying sixteen clubs.

Lincoln City have been hit by financial problems and even went into administration for a while over the summer. Their outspoken chairman Rob Bradley said: "There must be an overhaul of the League structure and regionalisation should now be higher on the agenda than ever before. The League board and chairmen have already discussed it and it is certainly a live option judging from discussions I've been involved with.

"In the Third Division, I'd say 75% of chairmen are in favour. Regionalising will mean extra money for derby games and a reduction in travelling costs - it's just a good idea and we need to implement it."

Before his resignation, League chairman Keith Harris was ready to implement the system for the 2003/04 season. However, he needed the support of First Division clubs, who hold most voting weight - and they remain split.

Conference chief executive John Moules could see his members disappear overnight in the plan is implemented, but he said: "We've had no formal discussions, but as I've said, the Conference is here and ready to help out, but my main aim is to look after the best interests of my member clubs."
Saturday, August 10, 2002 - By Organic Bull 
Are we ready?
After today's disappointing result at Evesham, questions have to be asked whether Graham Turner has got the right combination of players to make a showing in the Conference this season.
Of course with so many new players it takes time to get everything right but United still look weak up-front. Neither trialists Steve Guinan or Andy Baird have looked that impressive and although GT continues to try Paul Parry as a forward that does not seem to be working either. Grant looks a better bet but with him suspended for the first three games it does not look good. Maybe GT has his eye on someone else. As he has not yet signed either Guinan or Baird, maybe one of them will be offered a game by game deal. There seems little point in offering either of them contracts on their showing to date. If only Scott Voice was fit and Grant was available!

Other than the up-front problem (which seems to be the same each season recently) the rest of the team looks more positive. In particular Matt Clarke and Jamie Pitman are linking well. Michael Rose and Danny Williams both seem useful signings; Rose looks quite dangerous on the left side at times and Williams quite skilful. Both should improve with more matches. The idea of a back three as opposed to four seems to be working but there is an argument that as the defensive record was so good with the 4-4-2 system used last season should it been changed? Andrew Tretton, who partners Ian Wright and Tony James, looked more comfortable today but the real test will come next Saturday with Conference opponents Farnborough Town.

Robert Purdie is another new signing who has the potential to be a useful squad member but may find it hard to command a regular place in the team when Ben Smith returns. Rob Sawyers also may not start when United are at full strength as there is likely to be real competition for the midfield places. If the forward positions are filled a space has to be made for Parry.

So who is going to be in the line-up for next Saturday? With the assumption that no other players are to be introduced the line up could look like this:

Baker, Wright, James, Tretton, Clarke, Rose, Pitman, Williams, Sawyers, Guinan, Parry.
- By Terry Goodwin 
Midfielder confident after win
Following today's 1-0 victory over Evesham United, Hereford United midfielder Jamie Pitman was upbeat about the side's chances for Nationwide Conference success.
Speaking of today's match, he said: "They worked us quite hard today. It was hard for us to break them down but in the end, we had a quality move from John Grant who finished off a great move right at the end. He's going to miss the first few games but we've known that from early on so we've been preparing for it. The other lads who were up-front today did quite well."

The new 3-5-2 formation has freed up members of the team, according to Pitman. "Last year we played with a flat back four but we've come to terms with it now, kept a couple of clean sheets and we look a little bit more solid," he commented. "It gives us the opportunity to get some width using Matt Clarke and Michael Rose, and in midfield we can release someone forward."

United's pre-season programme has been varied in terms of opposition and results.

"It's been good in the respect that we've played a couple of sides who can pass the ball around in Swindon and Tranmere, and then games like we're going to get in the Conference with places like Evesham and Aberystwyth," continued Pitman. "They give us hard work outs and it's been good in that we can iron out a few bits that we need to work on."
- By Organic Bull 
Hereford scrape narrow victory
Evesham United 0 - 1 Hereford United -  

Hereford scrape narrow victory
Evesham United 0 - 1 Hereford United
Hereford United recorded their third pre-season victory of the current campaign with a last minute goal at Common Road against Dr. Martens League Western Division side Evesham United.

The home team named former Hereford United defender Matt Gardiner in their starting eleven, whilst Hereford started with Steve Guinan and Paul Parry in attack as boss Graham Turner named what is thought to be the line-up that will begin the league season against Farnborough Town next Saturday.

Hereford started the brighter of the two sides, but the first half was one of missed opportunities. The Bulls had a shot cleared off the line early on, but Evesham grew in stature as the half progressed, pressurising Matt Baker's goal.

Whilst the Bulls appeared fluent in their passing, the end product was still lacking. Guinan never really linked with Parry in attack, who was too often pulled out-wide to the left wing. Things started to heat up towards the end of the half where some flying tackles went in which really weren't required in a pre-season friendly. The half time whistle was blown just as an argument had formed between the two teams on the pitch.

The second half opened with a goalmouth scramble. A Jamie Pitman free-kick resulted in shots from Guinan, Parry and Wright before the referee blew for goalkeeper Adam Moss to receive treatment for an injury. At the other end, Shaun Pratt knocked over a cross from the right wing for James Brown to knock on, only for Matt Baker to dive well and collect the ball.

Rob Purdie was the next to waste a good opening for Hereford as his low shot was aimed at the goalkeeper, and Hereford's Parry hit the side-netting after beating the offside trap to collect a long-ball from defender Andrew Tretton. On the hour mark, Evesham's Jay Powell tested Baker with a returned clearance as the home side piled on the pressure against their higher graded opponents.

With twenty seven minutes left, Andy Baird replaced Steve Guinan in attack and thirteen minutes later, John Grant was introduced for Paul Parry as neither had found the target. Parry had an opening on sixty four minutes when Pitman flew over a nice ball which the goalkeeper dropped, but it fell behind the Welshman who was unable to recover sufficiently.

The dying minutes were pretty even, and the unlikely goal came with Hereford's last attack. Matt Clarke crossed from the right following a good move, and John Grant was well placed on the edge of the box to hit a half volley past Moss in the Evesham goal.

The final scoreline was a little harsh on Evesham and perhaps a draw would have been a fairer result. Nevertheless, grinding out 1-0 wins like today's during the season proper will bolster Hereford's points tally no end.

A Farnborough Town camera was filming the game from the far side and on this display, it's difficult to anticipate what problems they will have picked up. Graham Westley will be banking on an easy three points at Edgar Street next Saturday and without John Grant in the Hereford starting eleven, it's difficult to see where the goals are going to come from.
Written by Terry Goodwin - 10th August 2002.
Evesham United Hereford United
Adam Moss Matt Baker
Russell Parmenter Matt Clarke
Matt Pendleton Michael Rose (off, half time)
Matt Gardiner Andrew Tretton
Jay Powell Ian Wright
Nathan Jukes (off, 74 minutes) Tony James
Shaun Pratt (off, 79 minutes) Jamie Pitman
Darren Bullock Robbie Sawyers
Steve Lutz Steve Guinan (off, 63 minuets)
Danny James Danny Williams
James Brown Paul Parry (off, 76 minutes)
Subs Subs
Scott Mullen (on, 74 minutes) Andy Baird (on, 63 minutes)
Kays Sibanda Ken Griffiths
Pete Sollis Rob Purdie (on, half time)
Luke Tovey Richard Teesdale
Andy Smith (on, 79 minutes) John Grant (on, 76 minutes)
Yellow cards Yellow cards
- -
Red cards Red cards
- -
Scorers Scorers
  John Grant (89 minutes)
   
Man of the Match Jamie Pitman
Attendance c.400
Referee Mr. J. Raphael (Worcestershire)
- By Terry Goodwin 
Tretton ready for anything
Andrew Tretton, Hereford United's central defender signed from Shrewsbury Town earlier in the summer, is ready for whatever life at Edgar Street can throw at him.
That's because he's done it all before - Tretton was part of a Shrewsbury side that won at Exeter City two years ago on the final day to preserve their Football League status. Then last season, the Shropshire side challenged for Third Division promotion but it wasn't to be.

Tretton told the Evening News: "We did quite well and should have made the play offs because we were in those positions most of the year but we just dropped out in the last couple of games which was disappointing."

"I've been here a month now and I'm really looking forward to it," he said of his move to Hereford. "The manager has been experimenting with three at the back and it's working quite well so far. Looking at the players we have got in and those already here I don't see why we shouldn't challenge near the top.

"It's hard to make predictions but if we can keep everybody fit and add a couple more signings then we could be in with a shout."

Tretton should feature in the Hereford side which goes to Evesham United today, kick off 3pm.

The Bulls, though, will not face former attacker Richard Leadbeater who left Evesham United earlier in the summer for Halesowen Town.
Friday, August 09, 2002 - By Terry Goodwin 
Trip to Evesham
Tomorrow, Hereford United play their final pre-season friendly at Evesham United, kick off 3pm.
To get to their Common Road ground, enter the town from the south and locate the High Street (A4184). From here, turn right into Bridge Street. Take the second left into Mill Street before the river bridge, and continue for around 500 metres into Common Road. The ground is on your right.
- By Terry Goodwin 
We are updating our news services...
You may notice old stories appearing on the news page - please bear with us as we will iron out problems over the next few days.
- By Terry Goodwin 
GoalRush now official
We are pleased to announce that GoalRush is now the Official Hereford United Lottery.
Following improvements to GoalRush and the official recognition, we are writing to all previous Wyevern Pool players. We can also confirm that accredited agents will be able to sell GoalRush for the club and gain the following benefits:

10% commission on all entries
Chances to win in the special agent draws

If you would like to become an agent then please contact Peter Povall on 07970 443730 or you can e-mail him at peter@goalrush.co.uk.

More details and entry forms can be found at www.goalrush.co.uk.
- By Terry Goodwin 
Fixture change
The official Hereford United website (www.herefordunited.co.uk) report that Hereford's Nationwide Conference match at Northwich Victoria has been moved to September 10th. This is because on September 3rd, the Vics play a Cheshire Senior Cup tie which takes precedence over the league.
Also, the site has revealed three new rules that have been introduced into the Conference this season:
> A maximum of eight loan players will be allowed this season, of which two can be long term.
> Substitutes must wear bibs, home team wearing red and away team wearing yellow bibs.
> Substitutions and injury time will be displayed using an electronic scoreboard device.

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