Turner in the Class of 2008

Hereford United manager Graham Turner is one of four football 'celebrities' in 2008 picked by reporter Ian Clarkson for the GiveMeFootball site.

GRAHAM TURNER – HEREFORD UNITED

Having been in charge of Hereford United since 1995 and amassing over 700 games in charge, Graham Turner deserved his time in the spotlight this year.

The former Villa, Wolves and Shrewsbury boss saw Hereford drop out of the league in 1997 and was so hurt that he became chairman and saved the club from going out of existence.

However, it was very much a hand-to-mouth operation for years as Turner begged, borrowed and called in favours to ensure Hereford survived in the non-league. But he always ensured Edgar Street was synonymous with good football and it became a fertile breeding ground for loan players of ‘bigger’ clubs.

The Bulls returned to the Football League in 2006 and Turner had finally got the club back on an even keel but their resources are minimal. Nevertheless, they joined the big-spending Peterborough and MK Dons in promotion from League Two last season, which was a tremendous achievement and largely went unheralded.

Reality has kicked in League One this year with the Bulls struggling in the relegation zone but for Turner to guide them into the third tier of English football is one of the proudest entries on his impressive CV.

There is no knighthood looming for Turner but his services to Hereford have ensured this footballing backwater can compete on a regular basis with far bigger clubs.

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