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Next Game: Pre-Season

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Beckwith Signs But Ipoua, Pitman, James Released

Dean Beckwith has signed a new deal, but Guy Ipoua, Tony James and Jamie Pitman have been released.

Beckwith, 22, joined the Bulls from Gillingham 12 month ago, playing 39 times and often receiving rave reviews for his partnership with Tamika Mkandawire.

Ipoua, 30, showed glimpses of his immense talent but spent far too much of the season injured and, as the likes of Andy Tretton found out, that was the deciding factor when new contracts were being offered. He started less than one third of league games, but scored crucial goal in both the play-off semi final and final.

Pitman, 30, started over 150 games for the club and was the only current player to play for the Bulls in the Football League. His second spell, which started in 2002, was as a part time player combining his work at Hereford Leisure Centre.

James was the club's longest serving player, having signed from West Brom in 1998. He spent six of his eight seasons as an automatic first choice centre back and was rightly awarded the captains armband for his assured displays. Unfortunately, this past season was blighted with injury and he became third choice when fit. He amassed over 250 appearances for the club, scoring 16 times.