The Bulls in 1999

Back in 1999 Hereford United had three part-timers in their squad. One of those was goalkeeper Mark Jones, brother to recent goalkeeping coach at Hereford United Paul Jones.

Jones was a dairy farmer by trade and often did the milking before coming in for training at Edgar Street.

"I work on the farm every day, and that keeps me relatively fit," he said. "Otherwise, I come in once a week for a training session."

How did Jones describe the other players at that time?

Chris Lane: Scouser, right-back. Typical Liverpudlian, a true character. Released by Everton as a trainee and joined us last season. Still only 19, he's a great prospect but a complete loony. Good lad to have around - bubbly in the dressing-room.

Paul Sturgess: Known as Stavros because of his olive skin. Signed this season from Brighton. Real Cockney lad, who loves to get forward. He's got a sweet left foot. And he's English to boot.

John Snape: One of the part-timers, a Brummie electrician. He's our Paul Ince - a good battler in midfield. Not sure about his skills as a sparky. Last week he couldn't even repair the extension lead for the stereo.

Ian Wright: Big fella. He's our defensive rock; the Tony Adams of the side. He's captain, too. Great in the air, he leads by example. Was our top scorer with 13 goals last season.

Tony James: Wrighty's centre-half partner, TJ's not the tallest of lads, but he's incredibly good in the air. Quietly spoken Welsh lad. He gets a bit of stick about his relations with sheep. Not from me, mind. I'm Welsh too.

Gavin Williams: Another Welsh boy. Great player, the David Beckham of the team. Can play anywhere in midfield or on the wings. He's our best crosser of the ball. Also likes running and dribbling past players.

Paul Parry: One of the club's trainees, he had a bad dose of glandular fever at the start of the season, but he's over that now and he's making telling contributions on the left of midfield. Sets up a lot of the goals. A bit lazy tracking back, though.

Mark Taylor: Bags of experience. Played in the Premiership for Sheffield Wednesday and knows what it's all about. He's not arrogant either. He's come down to a lower level but doesn't bully his way around. His wife went into labour the morning of the Hartlepool match, but she kindly held on until the Monday so Markie could play.

Robin Elmes: Mr Smoothie. German teacher from Sutton Coldfield. He's a tremendous asset. Scored the winning goal in the last round against Hartlepool. Some of the lads tease him by shouting in German, but he just answers them back. They never have a clue what he's saying.

Paul Fewings: Pretty face. He's the good-looking one of the team. Don't tell him, though. Girls always look for him after games. Works well with Robin.

Leroy May: Super sub. Everyone knows about him being a male stripper, don't they. You can imagine the banter. Tall lad up front. This guy's the Full Monty: he can score and tackle too.

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