History Repeats Itself at Hereford United

Losing your right hand man at Hereford United must be something to do with the month of March.

Today Graham Turner has lost John Trewick whilst in March 1999 Turner lost Keith Downing. Whilst the circumstances were different, the net result was a return to what Turner has always said he prefers - working with the players.

HEREFORD United chief Graham Turner swopped his business suit for his track-suit to return to the coaching ground this week.

The exit of player-coach Keith Downing to become youth team coach at Wolves left Turner, who also has to look after the financial side as chairman, relishing the chance to work with the players.

But the Bulls' boss and owner says the next week or so will determine whether he can continue the coaching side or whether the Conference side will look to appoint a new face.

Turner admits it would be the sort of job to tempt veteran players coming out of the League, but it might have come up eight weeks too soon.

"I would have liked to have left the options open until the end of season," said Turner.

"I think that when the list of players that have been handed free transfers starts to circulate the chance to take on a coaching role or management position would be an incentive.

"But we will have to see how the situation develops in the next week or so."

Senior player and skipper Ian Rodgerson is already helping out alongside Turner.

The one-time Blues, Cardiff and Sunderland player has taken on responsibility to help injured players during their rehabilitation programmes as part of his hands-on approach towards gaining physiotherapy experience.

But Turner is aware that his attention must be focused on the team after their nightmare slide down the table.

A run of just one win in 1999 has sounded the alarm bells and straight-speaking Turner warned that the Bulls are far from safe.

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