Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Home Against Farsley Celtic On Saturday March 23rd Kick-Off 3.00pm

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Two Clubs Chasing Gloucester City Captain

Gloucestershire Live are reporting that two step two clubs are interested in signing Gloucester City captain Kieran Thomas.

The right-back has reportedly received an offer from a National League North side, as well as one from a rival club in the South.

Thomas was involved in the youth set up at Cheltenham and won the Southern League South and West title with Cinderford Town before moving to the Tigers.

The 22-year old was a pupil at Whitecross school and was spotted by a Robins scout while playing for Mitcheldean.


Today's Picture Teaser


Another picture teaser this morning.


Who is the Hereford United keeper in the picture and at what ground?

Meanwhile the two players in yesterday's picture teaser were Daniel Carey-Bertram and Mark Turner (Playing for Alfreton Town) son of former manager Graham Turner.

News Round Up



Stourport Swifts have appointed Quentin Townsend as their manager. He started his career with Wolverhampton before moving to Hereford United in 1996. He only made ten appearances for the Bulls before moving to Worcester City.

Southend United are reported to be interested in striker Lyle Taylor who is expected to leave Wimbledon after failing to agree a new deal. Taylor, on loan from Bornemouth, had a spell at Edgar Street in 2012 scoring twice in eight games.

Keeper Cameron Clarke has quit Cinderford after Alex Harries returned to the club. Clark, a former Hereford United youth team player, is said to want regular football.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been linked with one of two takeover bids of Stockport County along with a Belgian businessman. The Manchester Evening News reports Kompany is associated with a Belgian entrepreneur who is behind one of two current bids but he is not an active part in the proposed takeover. 



Throwback Thursday | Hereford United 2-2 Maidstone United - 14th March 1992

John Sillett's return to Edgar Street had started well and by September Hereford topped the league.
 
Unfortunately results faded and Football League attendances plummeted to less than 2,000 by the time we played the Stones.
 
Simon Brain and David Titterton with the goals (Tittertons goal I spliced with the clubs footage, as the original recording was cut)
 
 
Hereford Line Up
 
1 Alan Judge
2 Jed Jennings
3 Greg Downs
4 Andy Theodosiou
5 Steve Devine
6 David Titterton
7 Chris Fry
8 Jon Narbett
9 Peter Heritage
10 Simon Brain
11 Richard Jones
 
Attendance 1,910
 
www.youtube.com/djmatthealey  <- Subscribe now

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

News Round Up


Boston United have lost their player of the season after Ashley Hemmings turned down a new deal at the club to join Salford City. Boston's boss Craig Elliot says the Pilgrims must cope with seeing talented players move to rival clubs.

AFC Telford United need to be less reliant on loans according to their new manager Gavin Cowan. The Bucks had ten players on loan last season, but Cowan says even though the loan market is a good tool, you have to get it right. Last season their top scorer Marcus Dinanga was on loan from Burton Albion, but two loanees from Wolves were sent packing halfway through their season-long deals.
The club has also announced that they and striker John Marsden, who netted three goals in 31 appearances last season, have 'mutually agreed' to part company.

Former Hereford United defender Will Evans has signed a two-year deal with Chesterfield. 26-year old Evans is the Spireites' fifth signing after they were relegated from League Two at the end of the 2017-18 season.   Evans holds the record for the quickest goal scored by Hereford United as he opened the scoring after just 12 seconds in a 2-2 draw between Macclesfield and the Bulls in 2012.

Alfreton Town manager Billy Heath is sticking with what he knows as he again returns to Halifax to boost his Alfreton Town squad. The former Shaymen boss has made his fourth summer signing as goalkeeper Tom Nicholson follows striker Tom Denton to the Impact Arena from the Shay. Heath says Nicholson is a great signing who will bring experience to the side.


Today's Picture Teaser


Given there's little news out of Edgar Street this morning here's another picture teaser.


Who are the two players in the photo?

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Hereford Deserved To Win The League Said Cleeve


King's Lynn chairman Stephen Cleeve remains disappointed that his club failed to secure promotion from the Southern League but has admitted that Hereford deserved to go up.

Cleeve recently appointed Simon Clark as their new manager.

"I am ambitious and want this club to progress," said Cleeve.

“We just have to go with it, win the league and to do that you have to be consistent.

“That is why Hereford won our league. They were capable of scoring goals in the 92nd, 93rd, 94th minutes of games.

“That is because they were fit and kept on going and they deserved it."

Picture From The Past Answer


Yesterday BN published the above picture from the past with a few questions.

Who is the player taking his shirt off?
Who are the other two Hereford United players?
And finally who was the game against? 



That player was Ben Smith. The other two players were Danny Williams and David Brown. Finally the game was against Dagenham on October 13th 2003.

And just to relive it here's some footage:



Monday, May 28, 2018

Picture From The Past Teaser


Given it's a very slow news day, here's a picture from the past.


Who is the player taking his shirt off?

Who are the other two Hereford United players?

And finally who was the game against? 

All will be revealed tomorrow.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Contrasting Pictures Of The Edgar Street Lighting Towers


With the weather so changable recently Andy Compton took two pictures of the lighting towers at Edgar Street from exactly the same position.


The first one last Wednesday.


The second one yesterday.

News Round Up



Kidderminster Harriers have wasted no time in finding a new manager after former Hereford United player John Eustace quit to become Steve McClaren's assistant manager at QPR. The new man at the helm, Neil MacFarlane, has previously been assistant manager at Paphos in Cyprus' top-flight and chairman Colin Gordon says he fits the profile as well having very good experience and great confidence. 

Bradford Park Avenue have appointed a full-time commercial manager after saying the level of debt over the last two years is unsustainable. The playing budget will remain the same as the club looks to increase revenue streams off the pitch. Chief executive officer Rob Stanley admits the club's commercial presence within the city is poor and creating a full-time job role was important for the club.

Gainsborough Trinity are hoping for a quick return to non-league top flight following their relegation. Vice-captain Shane Clarke, who is one of the seven players to stay at the club, says he wants to put right the wrongs of last season. Having notched up over 400 games at Trinity and higher-placed clubs, Clarke told the Gainsborough Standard he thinks he'll be able to offer experience both on and off the pitch. 

Former Tamworth, Kidderminster Harriers and Newport County winger Darryl Knights has become AFC Telford United's first signing of the summer. The 30-year-old is Gavin Cowan's first signing after he took over as boss and played together at Solihull Moors when they won the National League North title in 2016 where Cowan was a player-coach. Knights said to play for a club like AFC Telford United was too good to turn down.

FC United of Manchester have brought in what their manager says are 'three experienced players'. Harry Winter returns to the club for a second time after spending last season with Stockport County, Brad Barnes is a seasoned and well-travelled midfielder having played for the likes of AFC Fylde, Salford City and Warrington Town and Matty Dempsey has been described by gaffer Tom Greaves as a 'tough tackling central defender whose will to win is second to none'.


Shane Jones | Audio Interview- Hereford United Archive : Episode 10

This week I have Shane Jones as a special guest. The Tredegar born midfielder was a member of the 1990 Welsh Cup winning squad.

Find out :
*His signing for Hereford United.
*Making his Football League debut against Doncaster aged 16.
*Welsh Cup Final build up.
*Having to mark former Liverpool player Alan Kennedy at the Arms Park.
*Gutted Ian Bowyer departed.
*Respect for Colin Addison.
*Scoring his only Football League goal against Scarborough.
*Opinion of John Sillett
*Coaching in Ebbw Vale.
*Proud of the Hereford FC rise.


Shane's goal against Scarborough - 11th May 1991.


The Welsh Cup Final.



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Gareth Bale | Hereford United Connection

With Gareth Bale scoring probably the greatest goal in Champions League history last night in Real Madrid's 3-1 over Liverpool. Its worth reminding that Bale's uncle was a former Hereford United player.

Chris Pike was at Edgar Street from 1993-1994, and his sister is Bale's mother.

Click play to check out this montage of his Hereford United goals.



Friday, May 25, 2018

Tim Russon - Audio Interview

The former Hereford United Vice-Chairman joins me for tonight's episode.

Find Out
*How he ended up arriving at Edgar Street
*When he first met David Keyte
*Whose decision was it to sack Simon Davey after 10 league games
*The club needing investment
*How important the FA Cup run was in the 1st season
*How distressing the 2nd season was
*Mistakes in having to many people involved (Hoult, Pitman, Sneekes, O'Kelly, Peters etc)
*Boardroom fallout with the Chairman, which led to him leaving

***Apologises for the telephone line quality midway through***





Budget Won't Be As Big As Some Other Clubs


In a statement released this afternoon, Hereford FC have made it clear that the playing budget for next season will have to be within the club's means and won't be as big as some other clubs in the National North League.

However the Board of Directors believe 'the budget we have set is one that can sustain a promotion challenge'.

'Hereford FC’s Board of Directors has today released the following statement to provide an update for the club’s supporters:
‘As a Board, we are all looking forward to what is set to be an exciting and challenging 2018/19 season in the National League North.
‘The last three seasons have gone better than we could ever have imagined and the manager, his coaching staff and all the players who have represented the club have delivered excellent results, which they have rightly been well rewarded for.
‘While in previous years there is little doubt we have been able to provide the manager with one of the biggest budgets in the leagues we have played in, next season we can be certain that our budget is not going to be as big as some of our opponents.
‘However, we believe the budget we have set is one that can sustain a promotion challenge and are confident that a combination of the players we have either already signed or are looking to sign, and the manager’s proven eye for identifying talent to add to our squad, will ensure that we will be very competitive next season.
‘The Board of Directors have a responsibility to think about the long-term future of the club and although on occasions, as fans ourselves, we are tempted to let our hearts rule our heads, we are all aware that we cannot start spending money recklessly and offering deals to players that would see the club spending beyond its means.
‘While we completely understand that every football manager would like a bigger budget, and that players have every right to ask for as much money as they think is reasonable, we’re sure that supporters understand that the close season is all about building a strong, competitive squad and that this often sees negotiations with individual players going on for some time.
‘The wage structure we have in place fits with the model of sustainability that we are committed to operating, and it would be irresponsible to start changing the structure when we cannot confidently predict how many season tickets are going to be sold. We are delighted with how sales have gone so far – and would like to thank fans for their early support – but feel it’s right to be cautious while sales continue.
‘Having said that, in the past three seasons we have offered the manager additional support on several occasions when he has come to us with specific requirements or requests, and there is no doubt that this situation will again arise during the course of the 2018/19 season. The Directors want on-field success as much as everyone else and will continue to back the manager’s judgement whenever possible, as long as it does not take the club in a direction that could lead to problems longer-term.
‘We hope this statement provides some clarity on the Board’s thinking as we look ahead to what promises to be a hugely exciting 2018/19 season.
‘There are some fantastic fixtures to look forward to and although we expect the step up a level to be a tough one, with our tremendous support, good recruitment and that little bit of luck that every club needs, we are confident we will be able to compete towards the top of the table.
‘There will be ups and downs for sure, but it promises to be another enjoyable ride.’


Eustace Leaves Kidderminster


 

Former Hereford United player John Eustace has quit Kidderminster.

He is to become Steve McClaren's assistant manager at QPR. 

"I said when we appointed John that he was a remarkable coach who would go on to have a terrific career in this side of the game so the fact he has been sounded out by such an established manager and a huge club is no surprise," said Kiddy chairman Colin Gibson.

“Steve McClaren knew John well as a player but believes he’s also one of the finest young coaches he’s come across and was determined that he be part of things at QPR – quite simply it’s the ethos of this club that we won’t stand between hard-working, ambitious people and those kinds of opportunities.”

Blandford Fly Bites


Given the expected warm weather this weekend (it's pouring down here as at lunchtime today) Herefordshire Council has issued a warning about the Blandford Fly.

Herefordshire is set to bask in warm temperatures this bank holiday weekend, and residents and visitors are being reminded to protect themselves against the Blandford Fly.

The Blandford fly is a 2 to 3mm bloodsucking black fly, which lives near areas of water and gives a particularly nasty and painful bite.  The fly normally bites ankles and legs, as it flies low to the ground and is most common during May and June.

Healthcare professionals have advised that bites can be preventable if the correct precautions are taken.

There have also been cases of people who have been bitten booking appointments with their GP. While the bites can be uncomfortable, a visit to your GP is usually unnecessary, and your pharmacist should have all the advice and products you need to reduce discomfort and avoid infection.

Karen Wright, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire, said: “As the weather starts to get warmer, it is likely that we will see more cases of Blandford fly bites across the county. 

“We encourage people to take precautions if they’re out and about on our rivers and streams, especially over the forthcoming bank holiday weekends, by covering up and using a good quality insect repellent.  If you do get bitten, it can often feel very uncomfortable with swelling, blistering, joint pain and sometimes a high temperature.  However, there’s normally no need to visit a GP. 

“If you do feel unwell after a bite, please call NHS 111 or visit your local pharmacy for advice on how to ease your discomfort.  For the majority of people, the symptoms will only last a few days before clearing up.”

Dr Mike Hearne, Medical Director at Taurus Healthcare Ltd, said: “The Blandford fly tends to cause quite a severe reaction on the skin with prominent swelling and discomfort resulting in significant numbers of people attending their GP surgery or A&E for advice.

“Prevention by covering up is ideal, but if you do get bitten, follow the advice on the NHS choices website about ‘bites’: elevation of the limb and a cold compress are really important to reduce the swelling. An antihistamine may also help. Often people are concerned about infection, which normally presents with a large red area (often 10cm or more) which appears to spread. This may be associated with a fever or feeling generally unwell.

“If you are concerned about a bite, please phone 111 or your local GP surgery, and only attend A&E if it is clearly an emergency.”

For more information, read the NHS advice.


News Round Up




AFC Telford United have confirmed they will remain part-time with chairman Andy Pryce in no rush to make the switch to full-time. In a statement Pryce said the club's current level of income and investment means it's not possible. The club have however introduced a training session on a Monday morning which they say will allow Gavin Cowan and his management team valuable extra time to work with the new squad. 

Hereford say they are backing Dementia Awareness Week and have been working with Alzheimer’s UK to provide a safe environment for Bulls fans living with Dementia. General Manager James Watts told the official site the Disabled Supporters Association is growing all the time he's pleased with the positive reaction so far.

Former Bulls player Alex Harris has become Cinderford Town's first signing of the summer. Harris was released by the Bulls in January before joined neighbours Westfields. In a previous spell at the club, he was named their Player of the Year and also set a Southern League record for the most clean sheets. 

Kidderminster Harriers defender Fraser Horsfall will be in international action this weekend with England C. The Three Lions face the Football Association of Ireland Amateur XI in Dublin on Sunday, May 27th. This will be Horsfall’s second appearance for the Paul Fairclough’s squad, having featured in a 3-2 victory against Wales in March 2018.

There will be an opening meeting where Nuneaton Borough Supporters Co-operative are to set our their plans to buy the club to secure its future. It's the groups' 'Plan B' option after their attempt to form a consortium with 'interested' local parties failed. Chairman Lee Thorn has already announced he plans to sell the club and its ground.

Alfreton Town have released 13 players, but recently-installed manager Billy Heath has already made 11 new signings. Former Hereford players Luis Morrison (2014/15), Chris Sharp (2013-2014) and James Baxendale (2012) are among those released.


Thursday, May 24, 2018

Bulls News Prediction League & GDPR


Changes to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) are due to come into force on 25th May 2018.
In order that BNPL compiles with the regulations an email titled ‘BNPL: Changes to GDPR’ was sent to all 2017/18 entrants earlier this week. 

It is important that you reply to the email to ensure you receive future emails from BNPL.

If you wish to continue to receive emails from bullsnewspredictionleague@hotmail.com, then please check your inbox and reply asap. If you do not respond to the email BNPL will not be authorised to include you in future correspondence.

Once BNPL receives your reply we will send you a confirmation email.

2018/19 Entrants: If you did not enter the competition for the 2017/18 season but are considering doing so for 2018/19 then why not take the opportunity now to register your team username by emailing me at bullsnewspredictionleague@hotmail.com

Thank you and enjoy the summer.
Chris

Beadle Says He's Disappointed With Budget For Next Season


Hereford FC manager Peter Beadle has told the Hereford Times that he is disappointed with the budget he's been given for next season.

He says that it's proving difficult to do agree new deals with several players including Ryan Green, John Mills and Pablo Haysham.

"What they're asking for isn't massively unreasonable for what they have achieved but we just can't meet it with our budget," said Beadle.

"I'm disappointed with the budget as there is very little to reward the players who have won promotion with us. It's what we have to work with and we can't sacrifice the team for one or two players. If we give them extra then we have got to take money from other places.

"Ryan (Green) is the same and he has been here a long time and is a stalwart. We are also in a position where we can't get close to what he is asking for. I think the three are asking for the going rate for this level of football and we can't match that demand.

"It's now a waiting game to see what they decide to do. It's not ideal for me as I want the three of them here but my hands of tied with them three. "We are also still waiting for Will (Puddy) and Elliot (Richards). It has been a tough couple of weeks as for what the players have achieved unfortunately I've not be able to reward them with what they deserve but it's what I've got to keep working with." 


Beadle is hopeful season tickets sales will go well which will help with the budget but he has warned that he can't currently compete with some of the wages being paid.

"It looks like we will have to find one or two rough diamonds to bolster what we've already got. For me that's not ideal as I want to continue the momentum but I think it's going to be the toughest year yet in a division where teams are paying players between £600 and £900 a week and we can't compete with that." 


RadioHerefordFC Smartphone App


This from RadioHerefordFC:

RadioHerefordFC is proud to announce the release of its new Smartphone App. The initial release is for Androids and is a free download from the Googe Play Store. Simply search for Radio HFC . The Apple App has also been designed but takes longer to register. We will inform you when it is available to download.

Hay Festival Starts Today



Hay Festival starts today with a schools programme and from 1pm the annual Hay on Earth Forum.

Later this evening singer songwriter Jake Bugg is appearing. As of last night there were a few tickets remaining unsold for this event. 

As ever if you are driving to the Festival please consider parking at Car Park At Hay In Aid of Macmillan which is operated by Bulls News and Car Park At. Sat Nav is HR3 5 PL

The car park is the closest to the Festival and will open at 8am this morning and close at around 11pm. It will be staffed at all times.

Once again Dorstone based Pips Cider will have a stand at the car park and the Courtyard production of the 'The Goal' which be promoted.

Parking costs £7 (£5 after 6pm) and you can re-enter at any time by showing your ticket. 

Please note if you are coming to the Festival this weekend, give yourself a little extra time as we are expecting to be quite busy.

Throwback Thursday | Hereford United 1-0 Tamworth - 17h April 2006

Daniel Carey-Bertram with the only goal as Hereford United clinch a play off place.
 
 
 
Line Up
 
Craig Mawson
Simon Travis
Alex Jeannin
Tamika Mkandawire
Dean Beckwith
Rob Purdie
Andy Ferrell
Jamie Pitman
Nicky Nicolau
Stuart Fleetwood
Daniel Carey-Bertram
 
Attendance 2,809
 

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Beadle Offers Deals To Three More Players


 

Hereford FC manager Peter Beadle has offered deals to three more players.


They are Ryan Green, John Mills and Pablo Haysham. 

 

He has also confirmed that he will talk to Jimmy Oates and Jennison Myrie-Williams on their return from holiday.

Jon Taylor - Audio Interview

The series continues tonight with the last ever manager of Hereford United. Taylor was in charge when the club was liquidated on the 19th December 2014.

Find out :

*Why, despite a boycott and supporter unrest he took on the manager's job
*How he got on with Tommy Agombar & Andy Lonsdale
*Was their any outside interference in team selection
*Was the signing of Harry Agombar on loan from Swindon Jon's decision
*Why were the players staying overnight at the ground
*How hard it was to motivate the team during the boycott
*Were him and the players paid any outstanding monies
*What does he think of Hereford FC
*Plus lots more



Kings Langley Thank Hereford For Award



Kings Langley Chairman Jeremy Wilkins has thanked Hereford FC fans for helping his club win an award entitled the FSF Away Day Experience of the Year Award.

"I am absolutely buzzing," said Wilkins.

"We are only a small club and always try to make everyone feel welcome."

Hereford visited on the club on the first day of last season and a number of them voted for Kings Langley.

"Our first game of the season was against Hereford and a large number of supporters were expected," explained Wilkins.

"We decided to push the boat out and really made sure that Hereford fans were made to feel welcome."
Kings Langley FC were this week named as hosting the best away-day in non-league football as the club were crowned the inaugural winners of the Football Supporter Federation’s Away Day Experience of the Year award.

Read more at: https://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/sport/football/kings-langley-win-top-national-award-for-offering-a-great-day-out-to-away-fans-1-8508056
Kings Langley FC were this week named as hosting the best away-day in non-league football as the club were crowned the inaugural winners of the Football Supporter Federation’s Away Day Experience of the Year award.

Read more at: https://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/sport/football/kings-langley-win-top-national-award-for-offering-a-great-day-out-to-away-fans-1-8508056
Kings Langley FC were this week named as hosting the best away-day in non-league football as the club were crowned the inaugural winners of the Football Supporter Federation’s Away Day Experience of the Year award.

Read more at: https://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/sport/football/kings-langley-win-top-national-award-for-offering-a-great-day-out-to-away-fans-1-8508056

Nuneaton Town Owner Wants To Sell


The owner of Nuneaton Town FC, Lee Thorn, wants to sell the club and has released a statement about what's led up to his decision.

Late on Monday night I was informed that the Nuneaton Town Supporters Cooperative were not able to put together any offer for the football club and its Liberty Way home. I was very disappointed to hear this as I really wanted them to take over and make it a community and fan run club.

Two options were presented to the Coop:

Option 1 to buy the club and stadium at a figure supplied to them.


Option 2 to rent the stadium on a long-term lease which satisfied the competition criteria, based on an, under market value, rental figure (this option included taking over the clubs trading debts).

At no stage was any financial information requested by the Coop regarding the running costs, trading debts, or any other costs involved in taking on a club of our standing.

The last few weeks have also proven that there is not a group of local businessmen waiting in the wings to invest in this club. They have had a chance to come forward and talk to me, yet none have taken it.

The Coop have shown, for a second time under my four-year tenure, that they are not able to take over the running of the club either.

Since taking over at the club I have had to fight battle after battle to keep the club going. People inside the club have tried to sabotage it, people outside have tried to undermine it and people who want to cause the club to fail have tried to turn the town, and Boro fans, against the club for their own ends.

I have fought hard for over the past four seasons for a club that I have grown to love, but it has taken a toll and I'm now tired of the fight.

I told members of the Coop about my intention to step down as Chairman and sell the club prior to my planned announcement. I did this to allow them time to prepare and plan, so they could spring into action when the announcement came.

I also informed them that the application to change the club name, back to Borough, had been successful and when I had planned to announce it.

However, the Coop, for their own reasons announced those two things the day before I was going to, which made any statement from the club pointless.

This meant our contracted players, employed staff, sponsors and fans found out from the Coop, rather than officially from the club, this alone created a huge amount of turmoil and uncertainty.

This action has damaged relationships between the club and some sponsors, maybe irreversibly, and could cost the club thousands of pounds in lost sponsorship.

Prior to this I had not spoken to anyone about sponsorship for the coming season because I wanted to give the Coop a clean slate and a chance to earn as much money as possible upon taking over.

I had also not set season ticket and admission prices, as I wanted the Coop to be able to set the prices they wanted, if they were to take over.

Now it is clear they cannot table a serious bid, I must move on, as does the club. Other offers have been tabled which we hope to progress now that a line can be drawn, once again, under the Coop’s ambitions.

The club must meet certain conditions to fulfil our licence to compete in the competition. We had three things to tick off to enable this to happen, we now have one item outstanding.

It is not my intention, at this time, to re-enter the club, and I hope that a new owner is found as soon as possible, so that the work required to start the new season can commence.



Two More Players Agree Deals At Hereford


New Deal For Calvin Dinsley
Hereford FC have reported that two more players have agreed new deals with the club.

Martin Horsell and Calvin Dinsley bring the total of players signed up for next season to ten.

Meanwhile as expected Jack Deaman has not been offered a new deal.

Manager Peter Beadle said that for whatever reason it hadn't worked out for Deaman. 

Later Beadle spoke to the OS about the new deals.

First Dinsley:

"Calvin had a very disruptive 12 months last year, even before he came to us, but when we released him, the long-term plan was always to get him back.
 
"We told him to go away and get himself fit and hopefully, he’s had his spell of injuries now and he can get a good pre-season under his belt. He wants to put the last 12 months behind him and really kick on now."

Martin Horsell
Second Horsell:

"‘Horse’ always wanted to stay with us, he really enjoys it here, but he wanted to have a think about the offer due to the distance he’ll be travelling next season.

"He went away over the weekend, gave it some thought and came back quickly to say yes."

Beadle also said he hoped that Will Puddy would also sign as the two keepers get on well together.
  

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Hereford FC Clarifies Position Re UITC


This from Hereford FC:

Hereford FC has today announced that in the future it will have no direct link, relationship or association with United in the Community (UITC).
Speaking to the official website today, Chairman Ken Kinnersley has set out the rationale behind what has been a very difficult decision,

‘It is with considerable regret that the Board of Hereford FC issues this statement today.
‘Having explored all avenues over the past three years, and in the face of various public statements from UITC, the club’s Directors have concluded it is now in the interests of both parties to issue a statement to clarify the position.
‘This will ensure that everyone understands the situation clearly and means Hereford FC can refocus on its plans for the development and continuation of youth and community football in Hereford.
‘As a club, when the time was right it was always our intention and ambition to operate a comprehensive youth football and community engagement programme directly under the Hereford FC brand.
‘To advance this aim, Hereford FC has engaged in talks with different Chairs of Trustees of UITC over the past three years, the objective being to regularise the relationship between the two organisations to bring them closer together.
‘Our principal aim has been to secure a voluntary agreement with the UITC Trustees that would see the relationship between UITC and the club returned to the same position included in the UITC Articles of Association that were in place prior to the winding-up of Hereford United Football Club in December 2014.
‘Those Articles, in particular paragraphs 25 and 25.1, set out the ‘right’ of Hereford United Football Club (1939) Ltd. to nominate up to three Trustees to UITC, the intention being that the football club retained overall control of the Charitable Trust that was operating in its name.     
‘This was the principal aim because the ‘rights’ as provided by the UITC Articles prior to the winding-up of Hereford United Football Club in December 2014 became ‘null and void’ on its liquidation, as legally Hereford FC is a totally separate entity and not a successor to the original company. ‘The Hereford FC Directors have always been of the view that it was inappropriate for the club to sanction the management of youth and community football to a separate organisation, especially taking into account the associated safeguarding rules and regulations, under circumstances where it had no control, or even influence, over that organisation.
‘In late 2016, following what initially appeared to be positive discussions, a formal proposal from the club to regularise the position between the two organisations was subsequently rejected by the UITC Trustees. In the complete absence of any indication from UITC at that time, or since, that the Trustees were willing to engage in meaningful discussions, this vitally important issue remained unresolved.
‘Then, in late November 2017, the UITC Trustees issued a unilateral Board statement giving 30-days’ notice of their intention to cease involvement in the management of the HFC youth teams and setting out their intention to cease all community operations by the end of the 17-18 football season.
‘However, in light of a more recent statement from UITC about a possible realignment of their aims and ambitions, the Hereford FC Board believes that by issuing this statement now, it will remove any possible misunderstanding that any association, relationship or understanding exists between the two organisations.
‘On behalf of the Hereford FC Board, I would like to wish United in the Community all the very best with their plans for the future.’


Bulls Add Newport To Preseason Schedule


Hereford will entertain League Two side Newport County in a preseason friendly on Saturday 21st July.

Newport will be no strangers to Hereford, but it's been five years since the side last met. In March 2013, the Exiles beat the Bulls 3-2 at Edgar Street shortly before they won promotion back to the Football League at the end of the season.

Manager Pete Beadle says it'll be a tough game, but it will give the Bulls a taste of what's to come.

Beadle told the official Hereford FC website: "Newport are a decent side who had a great run in the FA Cup last season, they finished in the top half of League 2 as well so will be tough opposition. Mike Flynn has done a great job there, and we can expect to be up against a decent side.

"You play different teams for different reasons in pre-season, and with Newport hopefully they’ll give us a taste of what we can expect in the coming season, and that is a higher intensity of football for longer periods of the game than we’ve been used to over the past three seasons.

“With them being a league club, and not too far away distance wise, hopefully, they’ll bring a number of travelling supporters as well."

The club say they hope to announce two more home friendlies over the coming weeks.

A look at the preseason schedule as it stands:
Sat July 7: Melksham Town (A)
Tue July 10: Cirencester Town (A)
Sat July 14: Sporting Khalsa (A)
Tue July 17: Evesham United (A)
Sat July 21: Newport County (H)

Beadle Continues Talks With Players


Hereford FC manager Peter Beadle will continue to talk to players about their futures with the club this week.

Several players have been away on holiday and Beadle will speak to them on their return.

Last week he made offers to three players, Martin Horsell, Will Puddy and Eliot Richards which they are considering.

To date the following players are signed for next season - Keyon Reffell, Lance Smith, Mike Symons, Jordan Liburd, Mike McGrath, Harry Franklin, Jamie Bird and Billy Murphy.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Hereford Supporter Sang At FA Cup Final


A Hereford supporter was one of a chosen group of fans selected to sing Abide With Me at last Saturday's FA Cup Final.

This morning Andy Boucher, whose singing talent probably came from his father Danny Lee, told BBC Hereford and Worcester about his day at Wembley.

"It was amazing, absolutely amazing," said Andy.

"A once in a lifetime thing for me to sing at Wembley and represent my team Hereford FC.

"I had a message from one of the directors at the club, Martin Watson, and he said that the events manager at the FA had been in touch and wanted someone to represent the club.

"So they thought of me, a lifelong supporter and also a bit of a singer as well.

"I think I did the job.

"I got a great seat not far from the dug-outs, pretty much in with the Chelsea fans.

"The game wasn't the best in the world.

"I would have preferred Hereford to have been there, probably been a better game as well.

"I saw 'Motty' and also Ronnie Radford."


News Round Up


Hereford FC say that over 550 season tickets have now been sold since they went on dsale last Monday.

Former Hereford United defender Daniel Leadbitter has been linked with a move to Plymouth. The 27 year old is out of contract at Bristol Rovers in June.

Alvechurch have agreed a deal with Ashley Carter for another twelve months. A report in the Redditch Advertiser suggested that both Hereford and Tamworth were tracking the youngster. 

Tony Cousins who had a spell at Hereford during the 1992/93 season after continuing injury problems at Liverpool has spoken about his time at Edgar Street. "I’ll be honest – I didn’t even know where Hereford was,” he said in a long article in 'the42'.

"But I was so dejected. I felt I had to go and play. There’s only so much reserve team football you can get. So, it was a four-and-a-half journey down there. I played a month and, y’know, you say stuff like, ‘Jaysus – why did I go down there?’ But someone said it to me when I finished up, ‘You’ve played in the English league, the FA Cup, the Uefa Cup, the old European Cup’. Those are things that not a lot of people can say. It’s only when you’re older and in company – unless you’re up in Tallaght and standing next to Damien Duff and you have to keep your mouth shut – it hits you. It’s a lot more than somebody else. Sometimes you can feel sorry for yourself but there’s no point. I was the lucky one. Some never get the opportunity to play at those levels.”
 

Andy Williams Joins Northampton


Former Hereford United striker Andy Williams has joined Northampton from Doncaster on a two year deal.

Williams started his senior career at Edgar Street and has now scored over 130 goals to date.

"I am delighted to make Andy our first signing of the summer," Northampton manager Dean Austin told the club's official website.

"We said that we needed to add more goals to the team, and Andy has a proven record of scoring at both League One and League Two level and not only does he know where the back of the net is, he brings a wealth of experience too.

"We also spoke about recruiting characters, and Andy is certainly the right type of character. He is a very good professional, he plays with his heart on his sleeve and he will offer invaluable experience for the young strikers we have in the squad.

"He has excellent movement and he is a fine finisher. He also has experience of winning promotion from League Two recently and that is important.

"We had to move quickly to tie this deal up, there was a lot of interest in Andy but we are delighted we have been able to bring him to Sixfields."
 

HFA - Aylestone 3G Facility Update


The Herefordshire Football Association (HFA) is disappointed to announce that they will no longer be pursuing their Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) project in partnership with Aylestone School.
Whilst it is unfortunate that the city, especially the school and nearby colleges, will now not reap the benefits of this development, the HFA can offer reassurance that it remains committed to delivering a much-needed facility that the community of Herefordshire can access in the near future.
The HFA has looked at several sites over recent years to address the county’s desperate need for more AGP pitches, with Aylestone School being the most recent site. Officers will now look for potential new sites, as well as re-visiting previously explored projects, to assess if their viability has changed.
The number of postponed matches and training sessions in the past season alone has clearly evidenced the requirement for further AGPs in this county.
The HFA has previously explored a number of options prior to the Aylestone project, including the likes of Aylestone Park and the Racecourse, all of which had serious constraints preventing their development. A partnership with Aylestone School would have enabled the facility to be utilised in the day as well as evening, which would have been a major asset to the children of the school and surrounding ward.
It is therefore disappointing that the opposition of a small number of vocal, local residents – who were sharing incorrect information to support their complaints - has prevented the development of a facility which would have benefitted a huge number of children and adults in the city of Hereford.
While this outcome is a major frustration to HFA and Aylestone School, as well as the wider football community of Herefordshire, the HFA remains focused on finding a location to deliver this project as a part of our commitment to the Football Association’s national plan, which highlights the desperate need for more facilities of this kind in our county.
The Herefordshire Football Association and Aylestone School would like to thank the huge number of people who offered their support for this project, having seen what a positive opportunity it was for both organisations and, more importantly, the community as a whole.

New Mini Moo's Sessions


This from UITC:

NEW MINI MOO’S SESSIONS - children aged 18 months to 4 years old 

Fun football/multiskill based sessions for all abilities! 

Central Park, Field Grove View, Hereford HR1 1AW
Wednesday 6th June – Wednesday 11th July
12pm – 1pm (outdoor)
 
Widemarsh Children’s Centre, Widemarsh Common, Hereford HR4 9NA
Thursday 7th June – Thursday 12th July
1:15pm – 2:15pm (indoor)
 
Saxon Hall Putson Community Centre, Hoarwithy Rd, Hereford HR2 6HE
Friday 8th June – Friday 13th July
11am – 12pm (indoor) 
 
£2.50 per session or £12.50 for all 6 (at same venue). 

A different fruit and veg for the children to try each week 🍇 🍉 ⚽️


Sunday, May 20, 2018

News Round-Up


UITC Girls team completed their fixtures for this season with a 6-4 win over Whitchurch at Central Park earlier today. The victory means that they finished a very creditable second in the Under 18 Gloucester FA Girls League.

Hereford FC Season tickets can be purchased from the club on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week all between 10am and 4pm. They can also be purchased online at https://herefordfc.cloudvenue.co.uk/home

Former Hereford United captain Luke Graham was a unused substitute for Brackley in the FA Trophy final at Wembley today. Brackley won the game on penalties.

Cefn Druids defeated Cardiff Met 1-0 in the Europa League Play-off. Former Hereford FC captain Joel Edwards was in the Met team.

Dave Morris | Audio Interview - Hereford United Archive : Episode 9

Dave Morris is tonight's guest. Signed from Bournemouth in February 1993. Dave stayed at Edgar Street for a season and a bit.

Find out:
*Why left the South Coast for Herefordshire.
*Playing in the game which relegated Halifax to the Vauxhall Conference.
*Standing up to Wimbledon's John Fashanu and Vinnie Jones.
*Enjoying the big game crowds at Edgar Street.
*His dramatic late equaliser in a 3-3 draw at Walsall.
*Having to play in goal against Mansfield when Alan Judge was sent off.
*Loving Non-League Football
*Delight in being reunited with former Hereford United players on Social Media


The goal against Walsall is at 28:20 on this footage


Subscribe now    www.youtube.com/djmatthealey

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Andy Ferrell | Audio Interview

The former Hereford United player joins me for a chat. The ex Newcastle midfielder was at Edgar Street from 2005-2007.  He currently works at St James park organising away coach travel for Newcastle supporters.

Find Out :

*How John Trewick was instrumental in him arriving at Edgar Street
*Enjoying playing against Shrewsbury Town
*Which Hereford game he feels had the best atmosphere
*Memories of the Halifax Play Off Final
*What Guy Ipoua bought to the team
*How he found life in League Two
*Praise for Ben Smith & John Eustace
*How former Hereford United manager Martin Foyle supported him in prison
*The great bond the 2005/2006 squad had
*His love for Hereford





Alan Rodgerson - A Tribute


ALAN RODGERSON – A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT FOOTBALLER AND A REAL GENTLEMAN
 
Club Historian Ron Parrott has compiled this tribute to Alan Rodgerson, a Hereford United legend who sadly passed away this week:-
 
As a 14-year-old and fanatical Hereford United fan, I lived in awe of our new manager Bob Dennison and although he arrived at Edgar Street too late to save us from our first ever relegation in 1963/64, he wasted no time in bringing in new players to strengthen his squad. One of these was Alan Rodgerson, who had played under Bob at Middlesbrough and although he was with Cambridge United at the time, Alan had no hesitation in rejoining Bob at Edgar Street and it was the start of an association with the club that lasted for the rest of his life.
Alan was indeed a gifted footballer, small in stature but a giant in terms of his ball play and passing ability and never before had I seen such skill at Edgar Street. I was star-struck and frequently queued up at the players’ entrance after a game to ask for his autograph, several of these I still proudly have with my programme collection to this very day. Without a doubt, Alan was my schoolboy hero and I never tired of seeing him play. As a player, his conduct was always exemplary, his work-rate was phenomenal and he would get stuck in when the occasion demanded. Alan was a member of the 1971/72 giantkillers’ squad and only injury prevented him from taking his place in the team.
Over the years, I got to know Alan very well and it must be said that he was always a perfect gentleman and always sought me out in the club for a chat before and after a game. His knowledge of the game was outstanding and he had that ability to identify strengths and weaknesses that others failed to see and I’ve always reckoned that he would have made a great coach!
During his two spells at Edgar Street, Alan made a total of 264 appearances and scored 48 goals and the full pen-pic I have for him is as follows:-
 
Born Eastington 19th March 1939, died Hereford 17th May 2018
 
Alan started his career and came through the Middlesbrough junior ranks to earn schoolboy international honours before making 13 Football League appearances for Middlesbrough between 1958 and 1960. In his Division Two debut he scored twice in a 4-1 victory at Rotherham United, the scorer of the other two being the legendary Brian Clough. Alan joined Cambridge United in 1961 and helped them to gain runners-up spot in the Southern League in 1962/63. Alan was then snapped up for Hereford United by his former boss Bob Dennison in 1964, at the same time as his former Middlesbrough team-mate Eddie Holliday. A diminutive but clever, scheming mid-fielder, he had two successful spells with Hereford with two seasons at Gloucester City, 1968 to 1970, sandwiched in between, when he helped them secure promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern League. Alan returned to Edgar Street in 1970 but injury prevented him from becoming one of the "giantkillers XI" in 1971/72 and when he returned to fitness, boss Colin Addison loaned him out to Cheltenham Town and the move was made permanent after a month. Alan scored a total of 48 goals in 264 games for Hereford and returned to Edgar Street again in 1973 in a coaching capacity. An electrician by trade, Alan settled in Hereford after his retirement from the game and was a regular visitor to home matches for many years after.