Goals from Steve White, Dean Smith, Nicky Cross and Gareth Stoker put Hereford United back into the 3rd Division Play Off places with just one game to play.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Six Years Ago Today - Hereford United Board Statement
Back in April 2014 Hereford United were fighting to stay afloat. The previous Saturday victory at Aldershot had ensured they could stay in the Conference but chairman David Keyte had, in essence, run out of money he could invest in the club.
The board of directors issued the following statement on April 30th.
Club Statement On Possible Investment
Hereford United Board of Directors have released the following statement regarding potential investment.
We have chosen to avoid making statements in the past few weeks as we all directed our support to the players and the caretaker management team of Peter Beadle and Steve Jenkins.
What a magnificent result they achieved on Saturday. A feat that ranks, for differing reasons, alongside the Brentford result, the victory at the Walkers Stadium and the Newcastle/West Ham results.
Crucially, the most telling success of the past month however has been how quickly Pete and Steve assessed the situation and identified those that were up for the fight and those that were not.
Close on 800 travelling supporters was another reason why we came through. You were fantastic support to the players and carried them through those harrowing final minutes although the emotional rollercoaster that went with it was draining for us all.
We salute all of you for a great job well done.
There has also been quite a lot of work happening off the pitch, including ongoing negotiations with possible investors and the equally important coordination of fundraising ideas as witnessed at the first meeting last week.
Both are essential to ensure the future of the football club. A local fundraising/commercial committee with a realistic annual target each season will be a real boost to the football club’s finances.
Thank you to those that have attended the first two meetings and for all the ideas that have been forthcoming.
The Board of Directors met two weeks ago with the committees of HUISA and HUST to air some facts about the level of funding required to reach the summer and to identify ‘building block’ targets to help achieve that funding.
The meeting was designed to be about all groups working together for the football club and at the meeting HUISA offered to fund the team coach to Tamworth and HUST followed suit by offering to fund the coach to Aldershot.
Two excellent, and much appreciated, gestures as examples of working together. HUISA have paid over their donation of £600.
HUST however seem to have altered their position since our meeting held last Summer when the stated line was that they had no intention of taking over the club, nor did they know if they wanted a place on the board.
As directors we have always stated that a united support base with a strong voice is a key ingredient to the football club.
It has been disappointing therefore to read in the local press and on unofficial websites that the Supporters Trust continues to wish to operate separately to other Supporters bodies and has even been quoted as suggesting that the club’s Board of directors would be “willing to leave the club and write off their loans for £1 in exchange for guaranteed investment.” (Hereford Times 24th April 2014). It seems that they have suggested that guaranteed investment to be £300,000.
For clarity, the board of directors would like to state that before receiving an email from the Chairman of HUST on Tuesday 29th April there has been no dialogue with the Supporters Trust whatsoever on this subject.
Tuesday's email presents an offer to buy the club “on the basis that the club is available for sale for £1, with all Directors writing off all existing loans and transferring their shares to HUST.”
The Board of directors have replied to invite the HUST to a meeting to present their offer but has also stated in the reply that the Board is still in discussions with interested parties and, though not finalised nor signed, the detail under discussion offers the potential of a significantly better outcome for the current board than the Trust’s offer.
The discussions are at quite an advanced stage including dialogue with the local Council over the property development opportunities at Edgar Street.
Following the revision of the ground leases and the Council’s clear support for the club to attain funds through the sale of land at each end of the ground these discussions must continue until exhausted.
The leases represent an asset with a value of approx. £1M with a potential inflow of cash to the football club of an estimated £1M-£1.5M over the coming years from the sale of each end, the majority of which will be used to re-shape the terracing as described previously, these discussions, in the opinion of the Board, currently represent the best financial deal for the football club.
The board of directors look forward to meeting with the HUST committee members in the near future to discuss their offer.
As Club directors we do intend to pursue our preference that the football club continues into the future as Hereford United (1939) Limited, with our goal being to once again reach Football League status, an aim shared we believe by the vast majority of the club’s supporters. Both of the external investors share that ambition.
Thank you again for your support this season. Saturday’s performance and result gives us all fresh hope for the future provided we stay United.
We have chosen to avoid making statements in the past few weeks as we all directed our support to the players and the caretaker management team of Peter Beadle and Steve Jenkins.
What a magnificent result they achieved on Saturday. A feat that ranks, for differing reasons, alongside the Brentford result, the victory at the Walkers Stadium and the Newcastle/West Ham results.
Crucially, the most telling success of the past month however has been how quickly Pete and Steve assessed the situation and identified those that were up for the fight and those that were not.
Close on 800 travelling supporters was another reason why we came through. You were fantastic support to the players and carried them through those harrowing final minutes although the emotional rollercoaster that went with it was draining for us all.
We salute all of you for a great job well done.
There has also been quite a lot of work happening off the pitch, including ongoing negotiations with possible investors and the equally important coordination of fundraising ideas as witnessed at the first meeting last week.
Both are essential to ensure the future of the football club. A local fundraising/commercial committee with a realistic annual target each season will be a real boost to the football club’s finances.
Thank you to those that have attended the first two meetings and for all the ideas that have been forthcoming.
The Board of Directors met two weeks ago with the committees of HUISA and HUST to air some facts about the level of funding required to reach the summer and to identify ‘building block’ targets to help achieve that funding.
The meeting was designed to be about all groups working together for the football club and at the meeting HUISA offered to fund the team coach to Tamworth and HUST followed suit by offering to fund the coach to Aldershot.
Two excellent, and much appreciated, gestures as examples of working together. HUISA have paid over their donation of £600.
HUST however seem to have altered their position since our meeting held last Summer when the stated line was that they had no intention of taking over the club, nor did they know if they wanted a place on the board.
As directors we have always stated that a united support base with a strong voice is a key ingredient to the football club.
It has been disappointing therefore to read in the local press and on unofficial websites that the Supporters Trust continues to wish to operate separately to other Supporters bodies and has even been quoted as suggesting that the club’s Board of directors would be “willing to leave the club and write off their loans for £1 in exchange for guaranteed investment.” (Hereford Times 24th April 2014). It seems that they have suggested that guaranteed investment to be £300,000.
For clarity, the board of directors would like to state that before receiving an email from the Chairman of HUST on Tuesday 29th April there has been no dialogue with the Supporters Trust whatsoever on this subject.
Tuesday's email presents an offer to buy the club “on the basis that the club is available for sale for £1, with all Directors writing off all existing loans and transferring their shares to HUST.”
The Board of directors have replied to invite the HUST to a meeting to present their offer but has also stated in the reply that the Board is still in discussions with interested parties and, though not finalised nor signed, the detail under discussion offers the potential of a significantly better outcome for the current board than the Trust’s offer.
The discussions are at quite an advanced stage including dialogue with the local Council over the property development opportunities at Edgar Street.
Following the revision of the ground leases and the Council’s clear support for the club to attain funds through the sale of land at each end of the ground these discussions must continue until exhausted.
The leases represent an asset with a value of approx. £1M with a potential inflow of cash to the football club of an estimated £1M-£1.5M over the coming years from the sale of each end, the majority of which will be used to re-shape the terracing as described previously, these discussions, in the opinion of the Board, currently represent the best financial deal for the football club.
The board of directors look forward to meeting with the HUST committee members in the near future to discuss their offer.
As Club directors we do intend to pursue our preference that the football club continues into the future as Hereford United (1939) Limited, with our goal being to once again reach Football League status, an aim shared we believe by the vast majority of the club’s supporters. Both of the external investors share that ambition.
Thank you again for your support this season. Saturday’s performance and result gives us all fresh hope for the future provided we stay United.
THROWBACK THURSDAY | The best of Derek Hall
Derek joined the club in the summer of 1991 from Halifax Town. His first season was ravaged by injury, but in his next two campaigns his goals contributed to Hereford’s football league survival. He departed in July 1994 to Rochdale, and currently coaches football in Australia.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
On This Day - Runners-Up Again
Fourteen years ago today Hereford United defeated York City and the win made them runners-up in the Conference for the third season in a row.
A look back to Saturday April 29th 2006.
Runners up for third sucessive season
Hereford
United secured their almost traditional second place in the Conference
this afternoon with a 3-1 victory away at York City. It was the first
time that The Bulls have scored three goals away from home in the league
this season, and continued their superb run that has seen them go
unbeaten in the Conference on their travels since the 7th of October.
Changes
were made in the Hereford side as Danny Carey-Bertram missed out
through injury and Ryan Green returned. Simon Travis played on the right
of midfield in front of Green, who played at right back. It took
Hereford a while to get into their stride, and York enjoyed the earliest
of the chances. Travis blocked an early shot, forcing a corner before
Dean Beckwith had to get in the way of a shot from Andy Bishop, who won
another corner for the hosts. It was a third corner from which The
Minstermen came closest, as the ball fell to Neal Bishop who fired first
time, but Wayne Brown was equal to it.
Hereford
were not as wasteful with their chances, and took the lead following
their first effort on goal after thirteen minutes. Craig Stanley won a
free kick just outside the box that Alex Jeannin fired low and hard. The
goalkeeper Chris Porter parried the ball away, but only into the path
of Andy Williams, who fired low into the far corner from close range.
United got themselves into the game as York's early spirits had been
dampened but failed to create another decent chance until the thirty
fifth minute - when they scored again!
Some
good passing in the midfield managed to release Travis in space on the
right flank, and he had time to cross into the middle where Andy
Williams challenged Porter for the ball. Neither won it clearly and it
rolled out to the far post where Rob Purdie was on hand to tuck in a
second for The Bulls. Purdie had an opportunity for a second before the
break but, after Williams had flicked on a ball from Jeannin, his low
shot was tame and no trouble for Porter.
York
came out for the restart with renewed optimism. Clayton Donaldson made
his way down the right before centering for Joe O'Neill but Brown again
saved, however he couldn't deny City on fifty seven minutes. A free kick
from Mark Convery was headed straight into the path of Andy Bishop, who
stole in to head home from five yards, for his 25th goal of the season.
City went on to have a strong period, but couldn't find the equaliser.
Hereford's
Williams had a shot blocked before Adam Stansfield should have restored
the two goal advantage, with Travis once again the supplier, when the
striker couldn't get a cross from under his feet, with a clear view on
goal inside the six yard box. Ferrell forced the save of the game out of
Porter from twenty five yards with a well hit shot before Tamika
Mkandawire almost scored, but his header was just inches off target. Soon after this, Graham Turner made two changes replacing both his strikers in the eighty second minute. Stuart Fleetwood and Guy Ipoua were introduced but it was York who went closest to scoring again.
This
time it took a header off the line by Stanley, following a free kick,
and a tip over from Brown to deny the hosts. The resulting corner caused
more problems, causing a mass scramble in the goal mouth, in which it
looked as though York may have netted twice before the ball went wide
for a goal kick. Hereford survived the late storm though and went on to
score a third in the final minute from substitute Ipoua. The move
started with Brown who sent a long ball wide to Green on the right, and
the Welshman then found his fellow country man Fleetwood. The striker
ran at goal before poking the ball onto Purdie, who set up Ipoua with a
low ball across the goal leaving the Cameroonian to net from close
range, much to the delight, and relief, of the 329 Hereford fans in a
crowd of 2,755.
So
it's second again for Hereford and they will now face Morecambe in the
play offs. Todays performance was much better than those seen recently,
and will have given encouragement both to the team and supporters.
HUFC:
Brown, Green, Beckwith, Mkandawire, Jeannin, Purdie, Stanley, Ferrell,
Travis, Williams, Stansfield. Subs: Pitman, Mawson, Nicolau, Ipoua,
Fleetwood.
YCFC:
Porter, Thomas, McGurk, Dudgeon, Peat, Panther, O'Neill, Neil Bishop,
Dunning, Donaldson, Andy Bishop.Subs: Hotte, Reid, Convery, Kamara,
Merris.
Video of the game: https://youtu.be/z9cA8uEauGw
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Chris Lane Audio Interview
The Hereford United audio interview series is back, and the first guest tonight was Chris Lane. The former Edgar Street right back was at the club from 1998-2001.
Find Out
*What made him join Hereford in 1998.
*Memories of the Leicester FA Cup Games.
*How he became penalty taker.
*His departure from Edgar Street.
*Why it was the biggest mistake of his career leaving Hereford.
*Playing against Hereford for Chester in 2004.
*Why he later became disillusioned with the game.
*How he earns a living in 2020.
Click on the play button on the below link
Hereford United 0-0 Leicester City - 11th December 1999
Leicester City 2-1 Hereford United - 22nd December 1999
Hereford United | 2001-2002 - Live TV matches
A disapointing season where Hereford finished 17th in the Nationwide Conference, but the Bulls seem to perform when they were shown on live television.
Hereford United 2-1 Barnet - 17th August 2001
Hereford United 1-0 Wrexham - 18th November 2001 - FA Cup 1st Round
Boston United 3-4 Hereford United - 18th February 2002
Uncertainty Continues Over National League Promotion Places
Uncertainty continues whether the usual system of promotion and relegation will happen in the National Leagues.
The playing season has ended because of coronavirus but who will go up or down hasn't been agreed.
According to BBC Sport the EFL may only accept one club from the National League.
It emerged on Friday that if the EFL is unable to finish their season then they are likely not to relegate Stevenage and only accept one club from the National League.
Should that happen then Barrow are expected to be promoted to League Two. But what other promotions/relegations will take place remains to be seen.
Kidderminster Release Nine Players
Kidderminster manager Russ Penn has released nine players and opened talks with seven others in advance of next season.
Penn already has six players contracted for the 2020/21 campaign.
"These are challenging times for everyone but, as a club, we have so much to look forward to when we do return," said Penn.
“We need everyone going in the same direction next season. This club has to be full of positivity.
“This closed season will be very different and one we have to be clever with in terms of using our experience and contacts, but I am confident that, with a bit of patience, there’s a lot to be excited about.”
Contracted:
Alex Penny
Sam Austin
Jim Kellermann
Ashley Hemmings
Cliff Moyo
Ethan Freemantle
In Talks With:
Jaiden White
Milan Butterfield
Alex Prosser
Keith Lowe
Ashley Chambers
Ed Williams
Tom Palmer
Released:
Harry Higginson
Brandon Diau
Declan Weeks
Samir Nabi
Ryan Johnson
Reiss Taylor-Randle
Correy Davidson
Lewis Miccio
Knory Scott
Penn already has six players contracted for the 2020/21 campaign.
"These are challenging times for everyone but, as a club, we have so much to look forward to when we do return," said Penn.
“We need everyone going in the same direction next season. This club has to be full of positivity.
“This closed season will be very different and one we have to be clever with in terms of using our experience and contacts, but I am confident that, with a bit of patience, there’s a lot to be excited about.”
Contracted:
Alex Penny
Sam Austin
Jim Kellermann
Ashley Hemmings
Cliff Moyo
Ethan Freemantle
In Talks With:
Jaiden White
Milan Butterfield
Alex Prosser
Keith Lowe
Ashley Chambers
Ed Williams
Tom Palmer
Released:
Harry Higginson
Brandon Diau
Declan Weeks
Samir Nabi
Ryan Johnson
Reiss Taylor-Randle
Correy Davidson
Lewis Miccio
Knory Scott
ON THIS DAY | Hereford United 1-2 Northampton Town | 28th April 1992
A season that started so well ended in disapointment. A Football League crowd of 1,297 saw Hereford lose their final game of the season. Simon Brain scores a late consolation.
Gloucester Release Jackson And Ebutt
Gloucester City have confirmed that three players have left the club this week.
They are Marlon Jackson, Jake Jackson and Cameron Ebutt
Marlon Jackson and Cameron Ebutt both made appearances for Hereford FC last season.
Six players have agreed terms with Gloucester for next season. They are Jack James, Fabien Robert, Matt McClure, Bernard Mensah, Liam Daly and Josh Thomas.
On This Day - April 28th 2012
On April 28th 2012 Hereford United travelled to Crawley and were expected to be defeated but it didn't turn out that way.
A look back.
Bulls win at Crawley to take it to the final match
Hereford United came away from The Broadfield Stadium with a fine 3-
0 win against promotion chasing Crawley this afternoon. A
second half strike from Joe Colbeck and a pair from Yoann Arquin
stunned the hosts and disrupted their planned promotion celebration.
Richard O’Kelly was forced into a late change when top scorer Tom Barkhuizen was taken ill. Colbeck got the nod with Harry Pell also given a start in place of Will Evans who found himself without a place on a bench that saw the return of Simon Clist and James McQuilkin.
From the kick-off, Purkiss sent a long ball forward which Facey flicked into the path of Colbeck but his driven cross went out on the far side. Crawley responded with an Alexander cross that was stabbed home by Billy Clarke but the assistant’s flag was already fluttering in the wind. Harry Pell broke down the left and his dangerous ball into the box was hacked away by the giant Claude Davis.
Referee Russell incurred the wrath of the travelling Herefordians when McFadzean unleashed a thunderbolt that cannoned off a Hereford player who was stood less than a yard away and awarded a free kick.
Intentional? Not a chance. Could it have been avoided? Not a chance. Where do these referee’s get these imaginary rules from? Russell then allowed advantage to Crawley but when they misplaced a pass he brought play back to award them a free kick. Two advantages? How strange therefore that when Captain Purdie was blatantly shoved out of the away nothing was given.
With half an hour on the clock, good work by Lunt and Facey set up Featherstone but his effort was straight at keeper Kuipers. Then with seven minutes of the half remaining a Crawley corner was cleared up field and Colbeck broke through with only the keeper to beat. Kuipers was well out of his area as he palmed the ball to safety but the referee, surprisingly, only produced a yellow card. Kenny Lunt’s effort from the resulting free kick was dealt with by the lucky Kuipers. The half finished with a disappointing display of so-called professionalism when Billy Clarke took an extended motionless lie down before eventually jogging back to the halfway line to deny the undertakers a days pay.
HT Crawley 0 Bulls 0
The hosts had looked the more threatening in the first period with their brutal, direct style but United’s defence had held firm with the help of a few last ditch clearances.
A Crawley cross from the left was volleyed a foot wide by McFadzean before The Bulls took a slightly fortunate lead. Colbeck chased a through ball that should have been dealt with by Kuipers and defender Dean Howell but the pair conspired to abdicate responsibility and Joebeck was able to tap into an empty net.
Adam Bartlett brought hearts to the mouths of the visiting fans with a poor clearance but the resulting Torres’ shot rebounded off the bar before Kenny Lunt gifted another opportunity but recovered to get in a great saving tackle. Then, when Scott Davies sent in a rocket from the edge of the box, Bartlett reacted superbly to tip over.
With the casual home fans already heading for the exits, The Bulls struck again through Arquin. This time the mercurial Frenchman fired home from 18 yards after outpacing his marker to send a delighted 367 visitors out of a total gate of 4615 home to sweat for another week.
FT Crawley 0 Bulls 3
Hereford: Bartlett, Purkiss, Townsend, Anthony, Chambers, Featherstone, Pell, Lunt (McQuilkin 87), Purdie, Colbeck (Arquin 69), Facey (Stam 85). Subs not used: Clist, Clucas.
Crawley: Kuipers, Simpson, Wassmer, Davis, Howell (Neilson 70), Davies (Akinde 83), McFadzean, Torres, Bulman, Clarke (Watt 77), Alexander. Subs not used: Shearer, Mills.
Saturday it is then.
That's a Massive Win said Colbeck
Joe Colbeck scored Hereford United's first goal at Crawley this afternoon and afterwards he spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"That's a massive win, the lads in the changing room are really buzzing.
"It's brought us massive confidence to play at home."
Colbeck described his goal.
"I chested it down and I didn't know what happened between their defender and the keeper.
"As I jinked over the keeper the ball was in front of me and so I put it away.
"It might have been a keeping error by the lad.
"But they all count don't they!
"I thought we were the better side, we were creating more chances.
"They had a little spell ten minutes second-half when they were on top of us but I didn't think they were going to score."
Yoann Arquin scored Hereford's other two goals.
"Yoann has done fantastic the last few games. He is a game changer and hopefully can do the same for us next week."
It's now all down to next Saturday.
"We've got to win it. Hopefully we'll go out and put on the same performance as we have done today."
Confidence Boost for Bulls says O'Kelly
This afternoon's 3-0 win at Crawley was a confidence boost for the Bulls said manager Richard O'Kelly."The opposition today in the second half put us under a lot of pressure," O'Kelly told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We blocked the ball, we defended well, we kept our organisation well. Had a bit of good fortune.
"But the pleasing thing was when we got the ball we were constructive with it and went forward with a bit of quality rather than somewhere near.
"The problems from Alexander and Clark, we dealt with it really well and when we got possession of the ball we got at their back players which is what the plan was.
"The team that scores first always gives you a boost. You see the body language changing. Today was nice for the players because of the effort they put in."
The Crawley goalkeeper (Kuipers) appeared to handle the ball outside the area in the first half but was only given a yellow card by referee Russell.
"You watch a game and the referee gives a foul one minute for one thing and doesn't the next.
"There was no doubt about it - it was a foul, it was outside the box. I know he was a long way from goal but he's stopped the ball going towards the goal so may be it should have been a red card."
Finally O'Kelly thanked the Hereford United supporters.
"They were fantastic. Some turned up in fancy dress.
"Ever since I have been here the support especially away from home has been really good.
"What we are looking for now is a good crowd next week at Edgar Street to give us a boost and put the pressure on Torquay."
Name the players
A former Hereford United player has provided me with this photograph from a pre-season training activity.
Who fancies naming them all? The answer will be revealed on Friday.
Monday, April 27, 2020
ON THIS DAY | Hereford United 1-0 Halifax Town - 27th April 1991
Simon Brain earns Hereford the points in this end of season encounter.
From The Archives - Ben Smith's Book
 |
| Ben Smith Celebrating A Goal Against Dagenham In 2003 - Andy Compton Picture. |
A look back to April 2015 and a BN interview with former Hereford United midfielder Ben Smith to promote his new book.
Ben Smith was lucky to make a living from playing professional
football for seventeen years but in reality as he readily admits in his
first book 'Journeyman - One Man's Odyssey Through The Lower Leagues Of
English Football' it might have been at a higher level had he worked
harder whilst a youngster with Arsenal.
At the age of nine he was spotted by a coach from Colchester United, a year later both West Ham and Ipswich were tracking him. But it was Arsenal he joined at just eleven years old.
Whilst in time Smith was offered a professional contract with the Gunners, he reveals he became frustrated at his lack of progress.
'I was struggling to get into the youth team, let alone push for the reserves like I needed to be doing at that stage of my development'
He was head strong.
At the age of nine he was spotted by a coach from Colchester United, a year later both West Ham and Ipswich were tracking him. But it was Arsenal he joined at just eleven years old.
Whilst in time Smith was offered a professional contract with the Gunners, he reveals he became frustrated at his lack of progress.
'I was struggling to get into the youth team, let alone push for the reserves like I needed to be doing at that stage of my development'
He was head strong.
Smith went on loan to Southend but his attitude let him down
'At that stage in my life it was more important for me to go out with my friends than concentrate on what had the potential to be a successful career.'
Luckily for Smith, he moved to Reading and in March 1997 was offered a one year deal.
'I just sat there open-mouthed and nodded in acceptance.'
He made his debut at Manchester City as a second half sub on May 3rd 1997. But Smith was still very young and made some decisions he later regretted such as spending too much time on 'all-day drinking sessions' which didn't help his fitness.
In March 1998 Alan Pardew, then reserve term manager, told Smith that Yeovil wanted to sign him. Smith took his dad with him to meet Colin Lippiatt the manager of the Somerset club and signed but on non-contract terms.
'I didn't realise what a risky move this was'.
In his second year at Yeovil he met Jamie Pitman who was in the squad and during that season Colin Addison took over as manager but later suddenly quit. Both were to feature again in his career.
Smith respected Addison as a manager.
'I felt like my performances at the back end of the season, and the way I'd behaved at times, had let him down.'
And with Addison gone Smith moved back to Southend where he picked up an injury in pre-season and whilst recovering went out drinking too often. Not long after returning to full fitness he suffered another injury. He was soon looking for another club and sent his CV to every lower league and Conference club
Ron Jukes rang him one evening and the Hereford United scout set up a meeting between manager Graham Turner and Smith. Turner had spoken to Colin Addison who said he 'was a good player but a handful off the pitch'. A deal was agreed. Smith was 'delighted'.
But before his full league debut for the Bulls, Smith received a shoulder injury which kept him out until November 30th 2002. The Bulls defeated Barnet 4-0 that afternoon with a hat-trick from Steve Guinan and one from Smith for whom it was his first senior goal in eighteen months.
Smith had been told in advance that Turner could 'hand out some aggressive bollickings'. After losing 4-1 at Shrewsbury he witnessed one. Turner 'hammered' Smith's performance and added that he (Smith) had worn the wrong type of boot.
'Looking back he might have done it to get a reaction from me'.
It certainly worked as the following Tuesday Halifax were defeated 7-1. Smith scored two of the goals and was voted 'man of the match'.
Smith stayed at Edgar Street for a second season when the Bulls came runners-up in the Conference but lost out in the play-offs. However disaster struck in February at Gillingham where Smith dislocated his shoulder for the second time.
At the end of the season Turner offered Smith another contract, but the midfielder wanted to play in the Football League and moved to Shrewsbury which he later regretted. And another shoulder injury, this time when playing at Bournemouth put him in hospital. Richard O'Kelly, coach at Edgar Street whilst Smith was there, had moved to the seaside after leaving Edgar Street and came to visit him.
'Little things like that are why I, and many others, hold him in such high esteem.'
Gary Peters became manager at Shrewsbury and signed Smith for a second season. They didn't get on and in December Peters told him to 'look for another club'. Smith met Graham Turner who offered him a deal back at Edgar Street but Smith moved to Weymouth partly because of the money.
A year or so later Smith was looking for another club when the money rang out and, once again, he spoke to Graham Turner. A two and a half year deal was agreed which resulted in Turner paying £20K for Smith and the midfielder receiving £1200 per week to start with.
 |
| Ben Smith Pictured In September 2007 - BN Copyright |
Lionel Ainsworth scored after three minutes and the Bulls held out for the win.
'We scored early on and we were expecting a bombardment thereon, but we went toe to toe with them throughoout.'
In April 2008 Hereford United won promotion to League One but the next season was a real disappointment as the club simply couldn't compete at this higher level.
'The management should have pushed the boat out and signed some experienced players.'
By April 2009 Hereford were relegated and Smith who had been earning £1400 per week was offered a new contract but at nearer £700. Graham Turner had been clever enough to see that Smith only started 29 League games, one less than required for an automatic extension to his exsisting contract.
'I was really disappointed with the way the management had blatantly stopped me reaching the thirty game mark.'
Smith moved to Conference club Crawley. Steve Evans was their manager.
'His shenanigans are notorious within the lower leagues and he revels in this notoriety.'
However Smith signed for a second season which proved to be a good decision as Crawley had new backers who wanted promotion. Not only did they get promotion but also an excellent FA Cup run which took them to Old Trafford.
Smith was in and out of the team often depending on the formation Evans deployed. But like any player the prospect of playing against Manchester United was too good to miss.
'I was concerned about whether I would be starting and, if I did, I was then worried about my performance. I looked for where it should be, just behind the strikers, and there it was: 7) Smith
The game was a sell out and Smith was up against Michael Carrick. Although Crawley lost they became the 'Giant Killers Of The Year' and gained promotion to League Two.
'I was looking forward to playing in the Football League again immensely'
But it didn't work out for Smith as Evans had brought in several new players and Smith found it difficult to retain a place in the squad. He went on loan to Kettering.
'As soon as I agreed Steve and I were the best of pals again and he waxed lyrical about how I was still part of his plans. He was lying'.
Later Smith moved to Aldershot on loan. Then Evans quit Crawley and he was called back. But he took little part in their promotion push to League One. For Smith the season had been a 'f****** disaster.'
In the last chapter of his book Smith questions what might have been had he not been as immature in his youth. But he only admits to two regrets.
'Moving from Yeovil just before Gary Johnson took over and leaving Hereford United the first time around.
'I strongly believe that if I had remained where I was at either point then I would have gone on to develope a lot quicker, under two highly experienced football men, into both the player and person I was capable of being.'
Smith's book is a very detailed look at his football career which covered the best part of two decades. He certainly has a good memory as it's full of information about how he coped with negotiations about pay, managers, fellow players but, unusually, nothing about referees. Obviously a fair proportion of the book is about his time at Edgar Street which spanned four and a half seasons but there is plenty about his life at Arsenal, Yeovil and Crawley as well.
His honesty about why he didn't reach the levels in the game he might have done is refreshing. That part of the book alone should be standard reading for any youngster wanting to make his way in the game.
But in any case this is a good read and should appeal to anyone with an interest in Lower League football.
Just one disappointment, Smith mentions his long-suffering girlfriend Emma and how they had to move houses several times. But we are left to guess whether they remain an item.
The book, which comes with photos taken by Steve Niblett and James Maggs, can be purchased from the publishers at a discounted price. Go to: www.bitebackpublishing.com
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Relegation Looms For Hereford
Earlier Matt Healey posted footage of Hereford's defeat at Leyton Orient in April 1997 which left the Bulls facing relegation with just one game remaining at home against Brighton.
On the morning of the Leyton game, the Independent posted an article looking at the relegation battle.
Bottom clubs prepare for shoot-out at the KO corral
With a fortnight to go in the season, the particular agonies of promotion and relegation will be gripping sides throughout the Nationwide League this weekend, but nowhere will the pressure be more intense than at the foot of the Third Division.
There six clubs are teetering over the abyss that separates them from non-League football, knowing that by next Saturday one of them will disappear into the GM Vauxhall Conference.
Brighton are currently three points adrift in bottom spot, but Hereford, Hartlepool, Exeter, Doncaster or Darlington could swap places with them yet. With Brighton scheduled to visit second-from-bottom Hereford on the final day, a nerve-jangling denouement appears likely.
Provided Brighton get at least as many points from their home game against Doncaster this afternoon as Hereford manage at Leyton Orient, the relegation issue will rest on the outcome of that match. And this year, unlike the previous three, the League's 92nd club stands no chance of a reprieve on the grounds that the Conference champions' stadium is not up to standard.
Although next Saturday's fixture has captivated both sets of supporters - a sell-out crowd of 8,500 is virtually assured - the Hereford director of football, Graham Turner, is somewhat less enthralled. "Even over the last few weeks when we have slipped to second from bottom, I thought and hoped that everything would be settled beforehand and it wouldn't be significant," he said. "But it looks more and more likely that it will be vital for both of us."
Brighton have never won a League match at Edgar Street and their away record this season - one win and only 11 goals in 22 matches - is unrivalled for sheer awfulness. Turner, however, attaches little importance to such statistics. "I think the fear factor will be decisive," he said. "Whichever side alleviates it will do better. It's up to our experienced players like John Williams and Tony Agana to help us, but even they're getting edgy."
Both sides should also prepare for the unexpected. In 1987, Torquay were saved from demotion when a police dog bit one of their players. During the time added on for the stoppage, Paul Dobson scrambled a goal which sent Lincoln down instead.
The tight finish to this season had seemed implausible at the turn of the year. Brighton, plagued by turmoil and deprived of two points by the indiscretions of their own supporters, trailed Hereford by seven points on 1 January, having played a game more.
Now, thanks to Gritt and sheer determination, Brighton's destiny is in their own hands. Steve Gritt, the manager, has hauled a doomed side back from the brink. If they win their two remaining games it is likely they will survive for another season of League football.
This season's struggle has been a novel and unpleasant experience for Turner, whose previous appointments at Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and Aston Villa were peppered with promotions and championships. The anguish has been all the greater given that he guided Hereford to the Third Division play-offs last year.
"Nothing I've done in 19 years as a manager prepared me for what I'm feeling at the moment," he said. "This is a totally new experience and one I could do without. People talk about pressure when you're chasing championships but it pales into insignificance compared to being near the bottom of the Third Division.
"Even bring relegated from the First or Second Division can't compare. At least then you maintain your League status and continue to play against similar clubs. Finishing bottom of the Football League means dropping into the unknown. It's a massive blow."
The experience of the five teams who have been demoted since 1987 indicates that loss of League status is not necessarily a one-way ticket to oblivion. Although Newport have folded and Halifax currently languish in the lower reaches of the Conference, Lincoln, Darlington and Colchester have returned stronger from their brief non-League sojourns.
"Any team that can maintain a full-time squad has a good chance," Turner said. "But we haven't given that a moment's thought yet. We've got the next two games to get through first."
Turner acknowledges that Hereford will be the most likely victims of Brighton's revival, but remains confident. "It's certainly in our favour that Orient have nothing to play for against us today whereas Brighton have Doncaster, who aren't definitely out of trouble themselves."
With a fortnight to go in the season, the particular agonies of promotion and relegation will be gripping sides throughout the Nationwide League this weekend, but nowhere will the pressure be more intense than at the foot of the Third Division.
There six clubs are teetering over the abyss that separates them from non-League football, knowing that by next Saturday one of them will disappear into the GM Vauxhall Conference.
Brighton are currently three points adrift in bottom spot, but Hereford, Hartlepool, Exeter, Doncaster or Darlington could swap places with them yet. With Brighton scheduled to visit second-from-bottom Hereford on the final day, a nerve-jangling denouement appears likely.
Provided Brighton get at least as many points from their home game against Doncaster this afternoon as Hereford manage at Leyton Orient, the relegation issue will rest on the outcome of that match. And this year, unlike the previous three, the League's 92nd club stands no chance of a reprieve on the grounds that the Conference champions' stadium is not up to standard.
Although next Saturday's fixture has captivated both sets of supporters - a sell-out crowd of 8,500 is virtually assured - the Hereford director of football, Graham Turner, is somewhat less enthralled. "Even over the last few weeks when we have slipped to second from bottom, I thought and hoped that everything would be settled beforehand and it wouldn't be significant," he said. "But it looks more and more likely that it will be vital for both of us."
Brighton have never won a League match at Edgar Street and their away record this season - one win and only 11 goals in 22 matches - is unrivalled for sheer awfulness. Turner, however, attaches little importance to such statistics. "I think the fear factor will be decisive," he said. "Whichever side alleviates it will do better. It's up to our experienced players like John Williams and Tony Agana to help us, but even they're getting edgy."
Both sides should also prepare for the unexpected. In 1987, Torquay were saved from demotion when a police dog bit one of their players. During the time added on for the stoppage, Paul Dobson scrambled a goal which sent Lincoln down instead.
The tight finish to this season had seemed implausible at the turn of the year. Brighton, plagued by turmoil and deprived of two points by the indiscretions of their own supporters, trailed Hereford by seven points on 1 January, having played a game more.
Now, thanks to Gritt and sheer determination, Brighton's destiny is in their own hands. Steve Gritt, the manager, has hauled a doomed side back from the brink. If they win their two remaining games it is likely they will survive for another season of League football.
This season's struggle has been a novel and unpleasant experience for Turner, whose previous appointments at Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and Aston Villa were peppered with promotions and championships. The anguish has been all the greater given that he guided Hereford to the Third Division play-offs last year.
"Nothing I've done in 19 years as a manager prepared me for what I'm feeling at the moment," he said. "This is a totally new experience and one I could do without. People talk about pressure when you're chasing championships but it pales into insignificance compared to being near the bottom of the Third Division.
"Even bring relegated from the First or Second Division can't compare. At least then you maintain your League status and continue to play against similar clubs. Finishing bottom of the Football League means dropping into the unknown. It's a massive blow."
The experience of the five teams who have been demoted since 1987 indicates that loss of League status is not necessarily a one-way ticket to oblivion. Although Newport have folded and Halifax currently languish in the lower reaches of the Conference, Lincoln, Darlington and Colchester have returned stronger from their brief non-League sojourns.
"Any team that can maintain a full-time squad has a good chance," Turner said. "But we haven't given that a moment's thought yet. We've got the next two games to get through first."
Turner acknowledges that Hereford will be the most likely victims of Brighton's revival, but remains confident. "It's certainly in our favour that Orient have nothing to play for against us today whereas Brighton have Doncaster, who aren't definitely out of trouble themselves."
ON THIS DAY | Leyton Orient 2-1 Hereford United | 26th April 1997
With this defeat in London, Hereford now have one game left to save their Football League status, despite dominating for most of the game Hereford found themselves two goals down. Tony Agana reduced the arrears late on, but Hereford now have to win next Saturday at home to Brighton to stay in the Football League.
More Promotion Pictures From 2008
A second selection of pictures from after the final whistle at Brentford on this day in April 2008. Hereford United would be in League One the following August.
 |
On This Day In 2008 - Promotion To League One
Twelve years ago today Hereford United were promoted to League One after they defeated Brentford.
A look back to April 26th 2008.
Promotion Party aided by Bees
Hereford United sealed promotion to League One after a comfortable 3-0 victory at Brentford this afternoon. With the one side nicknamed The Bees losing, the other, Barnet managed a 2-1 win over Stockport County to ensure third-tier football for United next season. Gary Hooper and Theo Robinson scored in the first-half to make things comfortable, and a vocal away support of 1418 saw Simon Johnson finish proceedings off with a late tap-in.
Graham Turner went with the same team than overcame Wrexham in mid-week, with one change being made on the bench; Trevor Benjamin departed leaving Steve Guinan to take his place. The Bees started Alan Connell up front against his former employers, whilst Glenn Poole played on left-wing; the tricky winger was a team-mate of Hooper's at Grays Athletic.
Gary Smith shot well wide in the early stages as Brentford made the more impressive start, but it was United who took the lead, when Hooper netted another vital away goal. After 18 minutes, Robinson flicked to his strike-partner Hooper whose quick touch took him clear of the back-line before striking past the helpless Ben Hamer in goal. Advantage Hereford and chants of "We are going up" were ringing around Griffin Park. Ben Smith's volley tamely went into Hamer's arms, whilst Clint Easton went closer, with a superb touch and shot following a Hooper switch of play bringing out a fine save from Hamer, as he threw himself to his left to tip over.
Ryan Dickson sent a placed shot past the post from the left-hand side, whilst a mistake from Toumani Diagouraga allowed Ricky Shakes to break but his pass to G. Smith deserved better, as he smashed over from 18 yards despite being in a promising position. Then came two minutes of action; firstly United won themselves a penalty after Dean Beckwith was held in the box. Robinson took it and rolled it home from 12 yards, but encroachment from Easton meant it had to be re-taken. It was second time unlucky for Robinson, as he went the same way but Hamer guessed correctly and palmed the powerful penalty clear. It didn't matter though, as a minute after, Robinson netted to double the advantage. A weak back-pass allowed Robinson to race on to the loose ball and round Hamer. The Watford loanee steadied himself before firing into the middle of the goal to the delight of the away support.
Hereford were in control and this continued into the second half, with Hooper's acceleration taking him into the area after being found by Easton but a poked effort was blocked by Hamer. Connell headed a poole free-kick straight at Brown before John Mousinho replaced G. Smith. Fine interplay up top from Robinson and Hooper allowed the latter to chest down a chipped pass from the former, but his placed effort was inches past the far post. Shakes looked lively with his running, but couldn't find an end product, with one shot deflected through to Brown and a header being caught by 'Superman'.
An excellent over-head kick from Connell landed on the roof of the net, but Hereford were rarely troubled, instead, they looked like adding to the score they had accumulated so far. Superb counter-attacking football which started in their own penalty box, allowed Hooper to run 60 yards before sending Robinson through, but the striker's shot trickled past the far corner after beating Hamer. Shakes sent a powerful effort past the post, whilst Connel's chest set up Poole but his volley was wild and harmless. Matthew Heywood came on for Craig Pead, whilst another snapshot from Shakes again proved harmless as it flew well over Brown's bar.
Hooper left the field of play with ten minutes remaining to an excellent and deserved ovation, with Guinan taking his place. Brentford continued to press but to no avail, as a Dickson free-kick was curled past the post. Minutes from time, Brentford's very own Wayne Brown tested his name-sake with a rising half-volley but 'Superman' won the name battle by pushing the ball over the bar. Johnson replaced Robinson with a minute remaining and finished the game off in stoppage time. The final goal followed a magnificent free-kick from Poole which rattled the bar from 25 yards, but after Broadhurst had smashed clear, Trent McClenahan ran onto it, and was away. The Aussie got his head up as he raced into the box and passed across the goal to Johnson, who finished despite scuffing his shot. The referee soon blew up, and within minutes of full-time at Griffin Park, news filtered through about the final result at Underhill; the outcome? Hereford were up.
The scenes that followed were estatic reactions from players and fans alike. There was a pitch invasion by the majority of Bulls' fans on the terrace, whilst the players and coaching staff returned to the pitch to be greeted by cheers and songs of "Going up". It's been a fantastic season, and Hereford can now say a long goodbye to the days of Canvey Island and co, and now look forward to trips to Tranmere, Huddersfield and maybe even Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
6246 people were attracted to Griffin Park for a season best attendance, with Hereford coming out on top. The game itself was pretty routine, with all of United's players contributing to a good performance. In particular, Robinson and Hooper again linked up-well, whilst the defensive duo of Broadhurst and Beckwith were solid as ever, and the protection that Diagouraga gave them cannot be under-estimated.
So it's onto League One next year; there's going to be some sore heads in Herefordshire tomorrow!
Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, Broadhurst, Beckwith, Rose, Igoe, Diagouraga, Smith, Easton, Hooper, Robinson.
Subs: Esson, Collins, Taylor, Johnson, Guinan.
Brentford: Hamer, Pead, Bennett, Osborne, Dickson, Brown, O'Conner, Poole, Shakes, Connell.
Subs: Sankofa, Reid, S. Brown, Heywood, Mousinho.
Video Of The Game:
https://youtu.be/uaQXdLju_Cw
A Terrific Day For Us - Graham Turner
Speaking to BBC Hereford and Worcester an elated Graham Turner said it had been a terrific day.
"It's been a terrific day for us, it's been a terific season," said Turner
"We've had a group of players that have worked tremendously hard for the club.
"We've had a fair bit of talent in there, a fair bit of experience and it's culimated on a day like today.
"We've had a good following come down here. The support has been terrific."
Turner also spoke to the Hereford Times.
"We would ideally have liked to have done it at home but there is relief now because we have been in contention for some time and sometimes that tension can get to players.
"The supporters have suffered a lot over the years and to be going up again in our second season back in the league is terrific.
"This rates very highly in my career achievements but it’s freshest in the memory.
"Going up at Leicester was a terrific day for us to finally get back up into the League but this is a great occasion.
"You can’t put these days into any sort of order, but this is fantastic."
Our picture shows Turner giving an interview to Sky Sports.
Onwards and Upwards Part Two
It's probably fair to say that few, if any, Hereford United supporters would have thought that their club might have been celebrating automatic promotion by 5pm yesterday. The odds on both the Bulls winning and the Hatters losing seemed pretty unlikely as supporters set off for Griffin Park.
Some of those travelling from Hereford and the surrounding area must have wondered whether it was going to be one of those days when reports on Five Live revealed a lorry had overturned on the M4 and there were delays. Phone calls and a quick look at the map suggested a detour along the A4 might be a good idea.
However the traffic on the A338 to get to the A4 was very slow and nobody realised the A4 went through several small towns with as many traffic lights as in the whole of Herefordshire. It took over an hour to get back on the M4 at junction 12.
It wasn't too long before the floodlights of Griffin Park came into view just a few hundred yards away to the right. Shouldn't be too long now.
Nobody had factored in the Chiswick roundabout. We just made it in time. A few were late.
Although the away end looked uninspiring from the outside, once inside the view from the upper tire was excellent. The stand had been built close to the pitch and is one of the better away ends, at least upstairs, in League Two. It did help that it nearly full of Hereford United fans many who had found yellow shirts from various seasons to wear. And there were yellow baloons.
Straight from the kick-off the supporters became the twelveth man. Wayne Brown was in the goal below us and could be seen smiling at several of the chants from the 1400 or so behind him.
But many supporters only had one eye on the game, the other looking at their phone waiting for news from Barnet where rivals for automatic promotion Stockport were playing.
The biggest cheer so far came in the 18th minute when Hooper scored and then another massive cheer on 36 minutes when Robinson made it 2-0. And that was the score at half-time.
It was still 0-0 at Barnet then on 47 minutes Puncheon put the Barnet Bees ahead. It didn't take long for news to travel across the capital. A hugh cheer from the away end. Lots of fans checking their phones to ensure the information was correct.
Then a few minutes later another cheer until it was realised that the Hatters had equalised through Rowe. It least it wasn't former Bull Micheal Rose who was subbed at half-time. 2-0 to Hereford and Stockport drawing 1-1.
We had to wait another 30 minutes for more goal action. Akurang had put the Barnet Bees ahead. Is this right? Let's hope this isn't a wind up. It wasn't. The realisation that the Bulls could be promoted by 4.50pm was beginning to sink in.
And the there was the icing on the cake to come with a goal from Simon Johnson on 90 minutes. An emphatic victory for the Bulls. Now what's happened at Underhill?
It seemed an age for the Stockport result to come through. It was probably no more than a minute or so after referee Scott Mathieson had blown for full time at Griffin Park.
We've done it. Stockport have lost. Hereford go up automatically. No play-offs for the Bulls. Three weeks extra holiday for Wayne Brown - just what he had asked for several weeks ago.
Fans on the pitch but the stewards and police, even a few on horseback, were well prepared. They formed a line and all the celebrations were good natured. Players not involved with the game came on and joined their team-mates as did Graham Turner and the rest of his staff.
After a while back to the dressing rooms and then out for an encore. And perhaps something many would never have dreamed might happen.
As manager Graham Turner was in the middle of a group of players and fans, two other players, Kris Taylor and Trevor Benjamin, emerged with a container of water and tipped it over GT's head giving the Hereford United manager a real soaking. He took it well.
Whilst all this was going on, the press both local and national were interviewing whoever they could and there were cameras everywhere. Jubilation.
Slowly all involved with Hereford United returning to the dressing rooms and the supporters began to leave the stadium. But to which pub?
There is a pub at each corner of Griffin Park and soon there were Hereford fans in each of them. Some said their aim was to celebrate in all four. A few probably did.
Brentford supporters wished us well next season. A friendly bunch.
The journey back to God's Country was straight forward compared with the outward journey.
Alan Green was on 6-0-6. Several Hereford voices came over the airwaves. One in particular asked when Green might come to Edgar Street and commentate on a Hereford game.
And one of our party was interviewed by Steve Claridge for Setanta TV. Claridge was reminded how Graham Turner had taken Hereford to League One on next to nothing. Just one transfer - that of Ben Smith from Weymouth for £20,000. Hadn't Claridge been manager there?
On reflection it doesn't get much better. It's not long since the Bulls were playing at, for example, Leigh RMI, Margate and Farnborough.
Onwards and Upwards part two has been completed. Can we hope for part three?
A Look Back At The Celebrations
A look back to April 26th 2008.
Promotion Party aided by Bees
Hereford United sealed promotion to League One after a comfortable 3-0 victory at Brentford this afternoon. With the one side nicknamed The Bees losing, the other, Barnet managed a 2-1 win over Stockport County to ensure third-tier football for United next season. Gary Hooper and Theo Robinson scored in the first-half to make things comfortable, and a vocal away support of 1418 saw Simon Johnson finish proceedings off with a late tap-in.
Graham Turner went with the same team than overcame Wrexham in mid-week, with one change being made on the bench; Trevor Benjamin departed leaving Steve Guinan to take his place. The Bees started Alan Connell up front against his former employers, whilst Glenn Poole played on left-wing; the tricky winger was a team-mate of Hooper's at Grays Athletic.
Gary Smith shot well wide in the early stages as Brentford made the more impressive start, but it was United who took the lead, when Hooper netted another vital away goal. After 18 minutes, Robinson flicked to his strike-partner Hooper whose quick touch took him clear of the back-line before striking past the helpless Ben Hamer in goal. Advantage Hereford and chants of "We are going up" were ringing around Griffin Park. Ben Smith's volley tamely went into Hamer's arms, whilst Clint Easton went closer, with a superb touch and shot following a Hooper switch of play bringing out a fine save from Hamer, as he threw himself to his left to tip over.
Ryan Dickson sent a placed shot past the post from the left-hand side, whilst a mistake from Toumani Diagouraga allowed Ricky Shakes to break but his pass to G. Smith deserved better, as he smashed over from 18 yards despite being in a promising position. Then came two minutes of action; firstly United won themselves a penalty after Dean Beckwith was held in the box. Robinson took it and rolled it home from 12 yards, but encroachment from Easton meant it had to be re-taken. It was second time unlucky for Robinson, as he went the same way but Hamer guessed correctly and palmed the powerful penalty clear. It didn't matter though, as a minute after, Robinson netted to double the advantage. A weak back-pass allowed Robinson to race on to the loose ball and round Hamer. The Watford loanee steadied himself before firing into the middle of the goal to the delight of the away support.
Hereford were in control and this continued into the second half, with Hooper's acceleration taking him into the area after being found by Easton but a poked effort was blocked by Hamer. Connell headed a poole free-kick straight at Brown before John Mousinho replaced G. Smith. Fine interplay up top from Robinson and Hooper allowed the latter to chest down a chipped pass from the former, but his placed effort was inches past the far post. Shakes looked lively with his running, but couldn't find an end product, with one shot deflected through to Brown and a header being caught by 'Superman'.
An excellent over-head kick from Connell landed on the roof of the net, but Hereford were rarely troubled, instead, they looked like adding to the score they had accumulated so far. Superb counter-attacking football which started in their own penalty box, allowed Hooper to run 60 yards before sending Robinson through, but the striker's shot trickled past the far corner after beating Hamer. Shakes sent a powerful effort past the post, whilst Connel's chest set up Poole but his volley was wild and harmless. Matthew Heywood came on for Craig Pead, whilst another snapshot from Shakes again proved harmless as it flew well over Brown's bar.
Hooper left the field of play with ten minutes remaining to an excellent and deserved ovation, with Guinan taking his place. Brentford continued to press but to no avail, as a Dickson free-kick was curled past the post. Minutes from time, Brentford's very own Wayne Brown tested his name-sake with a rising half-volley but 'Superman' won the name battle by pushing the ball over the bar. Johnson replaced Robinson with a minute remaining and finished the game off in stoppage time. The final goal followed a magnificent free-kick from Poole which rattled the bar from 25 yards, but after Broadhurst had smashed clear, Trent McClenahan ran onto it, and was away. The Aussie got his head up as he raced into the box and passed across the goal to Johnson, who finished despite scuffing his shot. The referee soon blew up, and within minutes of full-time at Griffin Park, news filtered through about the final result at Underhill; the outcome? Hereford were up.
The scenes that followed were estatic reactions from players and fans alike. There was a pitch invasion by the majority of Bulls' fans on the terrace, whilst the players and coaching staff returned to the pitch to be greeted by cheers and songs of "Going up". It's been a fantastic season, and Hereford can now say a long goodbye to the days of Canvey Island and co, and now look forward to trips to Tranmere, Huddersfield and maybe even Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
6246 people were attracted to Griffin Park for a season best attendance, with Hereford coming out on top. The game itself was pretty routine, with all of United's players contributing to a good performance. In particular, Robinson and Hooper again linked up-well, whilst the defensive duo of Broadhurst and Beckwith were solid as ever, and the protection that Diagouraga gave them cannot be under-estimated.
So it's onto League One next year; there's going to be some sore heads in Herefordshire tomorrow!
Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, Broadhurst, Beckwith, Rose, Igoe, Diagouraga, Smith, Easton, Hooper, Robinson.
Subs: Esson, Collins, Taylor, Johnson, Guinan.
Brentford: Hamer, Pead, Bennett, Osborne, Dickson, Brown, O'Conner, Poole, Shakes, Connell.
Subs: Sankofa, Reid, S. Brown, Heywood, Mousinho.
Video Of The Game:
https://youtu.be/uaQXdLju_Cw
A Terrific Day For Us - Graham Turner
 |
"It's been a terrific day for us, it's been a terific season," said Turner
"We've had a group of players that have worked tremendously hard for the club.
"We've had a fair bit of talent in there, a fair bit of experience and it's culimated on a day like today.
"We've had a good following come down here. The support has been terrific."
Turner also spoke to the Hereford Times.
"We would ideally have liked to have done it at home but there is relief now because we have been in contention for some time and sometimes that tension can get to players.
"The supporters have suffered a lot over the years and to be going up again in our second season back in the league is terrific.
"This rates very highly in my career achievements but it’s freshest in the memory.
"Going up at Leicester was a terrific day for us to finally get back up into the League but this is a great occasion.
"You can’t put these days into any sort of order, but this is fantastic."
Our picture shows Turner giving an interview to Sky Sports.
Onwards and Upwards Part Two
 |
Some of those travelling from Hereford and the surrounding area must have wondered whether it was going to be one of those days when reports on Five Live revealed a lorry had overturned on the M4 and there were delays. Phone calls and a quick look at the map suggested a detour along the A4 might be a good idea.
However the traffic on the A338 to get to the A4 was very slow and nobody realised the A4 went through several small towns with as many traffic lights as in the whole of Herefordshire. It took over an hour to get back on the M4 at junction 12.
It wasn't too long before the floodlights of Griffin Park came into view just a few hundred yards away to the right. Shouldn't be too long now.
Nobody had factored in the Chiswick roundabout. We just made it in time. A few were late.
Although the away end looked uninspiring from the outside, once inside the view from the upper tire was excellent. The stand had been built close to the pitch and is one of the better away ends, at least upstairs, in League Two. It did help that it nearly full of Hereford United fans many who had found yellow shirts from various seasons to wear. And there were yellow baloons.
Straight from the kick-off the supporters became the twelveth man. Wayne Brown was in the goal below us and could be seen smiling at several of the chants from the 1400 or so behind him.
But many supporters only had one eye on the game, the other looking at their phone waiting for news from Barnet where rivals for automatic promotion Stockport were playing.
The biggest cheer so far came in the 18th minute when Hooper scored and then another massive cheer on 36 minutes when Robinson made it 2-0. And that was the score at half-time.
It was still 0-0 at Barnet then on 47 minutes Puncheon put the Barnet Bees ahead. It didn't take long for news to travel across the capital. A hugh cheer from the away end. Lots of fans checking their phones to ensure the information was correct.
Then a few minutes later another cheer until it was realised that the Hatters had equalised through Rowe. It least it wasn't former Bull Micheal Rose who was subbed at half-time. 2-0 to Hereford and Stockport drawing 1-1.
We had to wait another 30 minutes for more goal action. Akurang had put the Barnet Bees ahead. Is this right? Let's hope this isn't a wind up. It wasn't. The realisation that the Bulls could be promoted by 4.50pm was beginning to sink in.
And the there was the icing on the cake to come with a goal from Simon Johnson on 90 minutes. An emphatic victory for the Bulls. Now what's happened at Underhill?
It seemed an age for the Stockport result to come through. It was probably no more than a minute or so after referee Scott Mathieson had blown for full time at Griffin Park.
We've done it. Stockport have lost. Hereford go up automatically. No play-offs for the Bulls. Three weeks extra holiday for Wayne Brown - just what he had asked for several weeks ago.
 |
After a while back to the dressing rooms and then out for an encore. And perhaps something many would never have dreamed might happen.
As manager Graham Turner was in the middle of a group of players and fans, two other players, Kris Taylor and Trevor Benjamin, emerged with a container of water and tipped it over GT's head giving the Hereford United manager a real soaking. He took it well.
 |
Slowly all involved with Hereford United returning to the dressing rooms and the supporters began to leave the stadium. But to which pub?
There is a pub at each corner of Griffin Park and soon there were Hereford fans in each of them. Some said their aim was to celebrate in all four. A few probably did.
Brentford supporters wished us well next season. A friendly bunch.
The journey back to God's Country was straight forward compared with the outward journey.
Alan Green was on 6-0-6. Several Hereford voices came over the airwaves. One in particular asked when Green might come to Edgar Street and commentate on a Hereford game.
And one of our party was interviewed by Steve Claridge for Setanta TV. Claridge was reminded how Graham Turner had taken Hereford to League One on next to nothing. Just one transfer - that of Ben Smith from Weymouth for £20,000. Hadn't Claridge been manager there?
On reflection it doesn't get much better. It's not long since the Bulls were playing at, for example, Leigh RMI, Margate and Farnborough.
Onwards and Upwards part two has been completed. Can we hope for part three?
A Look Back At The Celebrations
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