Turner remembers his book

In yesterday's Bullseye, Graham Turner writes of his honour to meet John Charles again last week at a book signing. "It was good to see the big queue's patiently waiting for their book to be signed and a brief chat to him," he wrote.

Turner then reminisced about his own book signing experience in Wolverhampton some years ago.

"After a successful season there I wrote a diary of the season called The Only Way Is Up and was asked to do a signing session at WH Smith. Embarrassingly only three people turned up, and two of them were expecting to see Graham Taylor and went off in a disgruntled manner without even looking at my literary masterpiece.

"Needless to say that of the 2000 printed there are still available. Several people have told me that they keep a copy by the bedside and when they can't get to sleep they pick it up and after a couple of pages they soon nod off."

Perhaps Turner could be persuaded to put pen to paper again at the end of this season if Hereford United win the Conference. A book of his could then be titled: "The Only Way Is Up- Volume Two".

This book would sell!

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It's now 3-1

Today's win has made SkyBet drop the odds on Hereford United winning the Conference from 7/2 to 3-1. Chester remain the bookies favourites at 9-4 and Shrewsbury are still at 4-1.

Bar these three no other club is available with SkyBet at less than 11-1.

The attendance this afternoon at Edgar Street was the second best in the Conference this season and was more than double that of the home game, which was against Chester, on the same Saturday last season. The average attendance this season so far is 3993, which is the highest in the Conference.

Meanwhile, Chester have changed their mind about the ticket arrangements for the Hereford game on October 18th. It had been reported that it was to be all ticket but an annoucement was made at the end of Chester's game this afternoon that it is now to be pay on the gate.

Former Bulls player John Grant, now with Telford, was sent off this afternoon. However his suspension will not start until after the Hereford versus game next Tuesday week.

It is also being reported that Ian Wright, who now plays for Burton, had a bad knock this afternoon. It is thought that he may miss next Friday's clash with Hereford at Burton.

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A reality check from Tretton

Even if the result was not quite as decisive as other recent games, Hereford fans at Edgar Street were in buoyant mood signing We are top of the League as soon as the first goal went in this afternoon.

But Andy Tretton admitted to BBC Hereford and Worcester after the game: "It wasn't as fluid today as we have been in previous weeks but a win is a win. Maybe a bit of a reality check because we are not going to be scoring three or four goals every week.

"Scarborough today set out a game plan putting eight or nine players behind the ball which was a testiment to how we have been playing.

"The first half was a little bit scrappy but we managed to score a tremendous free-kick through Michael Rose. That was important today because we were struggling to break them down from open play."

The second goal also came as a result of a free-kick and Tretton commented: "Today the fans were especially good because it wasn't going very well for us in the first half but they stuck with us and we managed to come through for them in the end. It was a tremendous attendance."

Michael Rose added: "We've not played well, but we've got the three points. It was just one of those games that we needed to win but Scarborough made it hard for us.

"I struck the ball well for my goal and it's always nice to see them go in."

Russell Slade, the Scarborough manager added: "The damage was done from the two set-plays. We knew that they were very strong from set-plays."

"I sat on the bench and said they would score from the second one and that's exacty what they did."

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Three more points

Not the most exciting game this afternoon but another win for Hereford United against Scarborough by two goals to one.

An excellent gate of 4,850 saw Michael Rose score from a free kick in the first half and Paul Parry score with a header after a Danny Williams free-kick in the second. The Seadogs got one back very late in the game.

Late goal too little too late

Hereford United 2 - 1 Scarborough

Scarborough's defensive tactics were insufficient to hold rampant Hereford United at Edgar Street, as the Bulls remain at the top of the Nationwide Conference after this 2-1 victory.

Hereford's performance was solid rather than spectacular, as they had trouble breaking down the Seadogs, whose manager Russell Slade employed a resolute defensive line to keep the Bulls at bay and, on the whole, their formation was a success.

Nevertheless, a goal in each half ensured Hereford secured the three points, but Graham Turner's men were made to sweat late on when some soft defending allowed Mark Quayle to nick a goal back with two minutes to go.

For the eighth game in succession, Hereford were unchanged while Scarborough once again fielded Leigh Walker between the sticks. Regular first-choice goalkeeper Adam Sollitt took his place on the bench despite suffering with a broken finger, as their only other stopper, Gareth Downey, was laid low with mumps.

Walker was called into action early in the match when a long range free-kick from Danny Williams tested his reactions, and on seven minutes Williams cut in from the right channel, sending a low ball across the face of goal. Nobody, though, could make a connection which would have sent Hereford into an early lead.

Ten minutes later, a scramble saw Steve Guinan smash the ball onto Walker's crossbar from ten yards, but United's efforts were kept mostly to outside the box thanks to the physical game played by defender Matt Redmile.

Michael Price was lucky not to be cautioned when he clattered into Ryan Green on twenty six minutes, and referee Mr. J. Cordy only produced one yellow card in a game which he allowed to flow.

Michael Rose opened the scoring on twenty-eight, when his free-kick from twenty five yards sailed over the Scarborough wall and into the top corner. This, though, was only after he had been told to re-take, as his first attempt was thwarted by an infringement. At the other end, Wayne Gill hit a low set-piece at the Hereford wall, while Nick Henry's volley a minute before time went inches over Matt Baker's crossbar.

Scarborough started well in the second period, with Price heading over from close range and Redmile inches away from the far post when he nodded a corner goalwards. At the other end, Rob Purdie forced Leigh Walker into a superb save when he struck from close range.

Twelve minutes were left on the clock when Danny Williams was awarded a free-kick, fifteen yards from the right by-line. He swung it goalwards, for Paul Parry to head into bottom of the net.

Then, with two minutes left, the forty-five travelling fans in a crowd of 4,850 were given a opening as Price's cross from the left found Mark Quayle at the far post. The former Morecambe striker headed past Matt Baker, but it was a matter of too little, too late.

Written by Terry Goodwin - 13th September 2003.

Hereford United	Scarborough
Matt Baker	Leigh Walker
Ryan Green	Steve Baker
Michael Rose	Matt Redmile
Jamie Pitman	Glen Downey (off, 23 minutes)
Andy Tretton	Mark Hotte
Tony James (captain)	Jimmy Kelly
Danny Williams	Nick Henry (off, 63 minutes)
Ben Smith	Wayne Gill
Steve Guinan	Michael Price
Rob Purdie (off, 79 minutes)	Mark Quayle
Paul Parry	Clayton Donaldson (off, 63 minutes)
Subs	Subs
David Brown (on, 79 minutes)	Adam Sollitt
Ben Scott	Chris Senior (on, 63 minutes)
Richard Teesdale	James Sherlock (on, 63 minutes)
Daniel Carey-Bertram	Alex Nesovic
Dean Craven	James Dudgeon (on, 23 minutes)
Yellow cards	Yellow cards
-	Mark Hotte (dissent, 27 minutes)
Red cards	Red cards
-	-
Scorers	Scorers
Michael Rose (28 minutes)	Mark Quayle (88 minutes)
Paul Parry (78 minutes)	-
-	-
Man of the Match	Jamie Pitman
Attendance	4850
Referee	Mr. J. Cordy (Bristol)

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No goals, but it doesn't bother Pitman

Jamie Pitman's midfield role may not be getting him the goals, but he's happy because Hereford United lead the Conference.

The twenty-seven year-old will play in a holding role behind Ben Smith today against Scarborough.

Pitman told the Evening News: "Personally I'm more settled now than last year and I'm playing a slightly different role, just sitting in midfield and letting the other lads get forward.

"Ben Smith is doing what I did last year, scoring lots of goals but I don't think I've got near the 18 yard box yet.

"But I'm not bothered as long as the team keep scoring and winning. That breeds confidence and ours is high at the moment."

Despite leading the Conference, Pitman says the Hereford squad know there's a long way to go. He added: "Strangely none of us feel under any pressure, we're not excited yet about what we could achieve and we're keeping our feet on the ground

"There's a long way to go and it's only seven games. We know we are a good side but you are only as good as your last game but we believe if we keep playing well every game the goals and results will follow."

"We've always had the belief we could do something and with the same squad as last year we needed to progress and that meant getting to the play-offs or winning the title," he added. "But it has got better than we anticipated and the reason is that every week we have got 10 or 11 players playing well whereas last year it might have just been five or six. We're all a year older, more mature and better organised."

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Home match in LDV

Hereford United have been drawn at home to Conference rivals Exeter City in the first round of this season's LDV Vans Trophy.

The game, scheduled to take place on Wedesday 15th October, is just two days after United's home match with Dagenham & Redbridge and three days before the crucial league trip to Chester City.

Other notable ties include Chester City vs Doncaster Rovers, in a repeat of last season's Conference play-off semi final and Morecambe going to Division Two high-flyers Wrexham in the northern section. In the southern section, Dagenham & Redbridge have a local derby against Leyton Orient, Kidderminster Harriers go to Queens Park Rangers and Forest Green Rovers have a tough debut, travelling to Brighton & Hove Albion.

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Leaders must avoid the pot-shots

Hereford United boss Graham Turner is eager to keep the winning run going tomorrow, when the Bulls play Scarborough at Edgar Street, kick off 3pm.

As league leaders, Turner reckons that the Bulls are there to be shot down so maintaining the run is the only option.

Speaking to the Evening News, he said: "Having established ourselves in top spot we're there to be shot at though the fact we scored five goals away from home last week shows we are coping with efforts to stop us."

"We enjoyed the Farnborough victory but now it is down to work against Scarborough," said Turner, in an seperate interview with BBC Hereford & Worcester.

Complancy can be a problem but the manager added: "Sometimes players go to the top of the table and can't deal with it for one reason or another. We have to face the fact that when you are top of the table sides do tend to lift their game against you.I don't think that might be happening yet. I think you have to be up there sometime and establish yourself but word is getting about that we are a decent side and when you win 5-0 away from home I think the vibes go through the Conference that Hereford could be a threat this season.

"There are plenty of fixtures that we could slip up on and this is one against Scarborough. They did the double over us last season. They are always difficult to break down, hard to beat, hard to play against so we have got to be at our brightest.

"It is vital we start the game well. We must get at them before they settle into the match and if we can do that and score early on it will make life much easier. But if we can't do that we might have to be patience. If it's the 89th minute it won't matter as long as we come out of the game with three points.

"Sides will look at us and see how we play and try to counter that and some will come here with big defenders and defend deep and defend close to the box and it might be difficult to break those sides but I think we have got enough clever players with a variety in their attacking play to cope with most sides."

Of Scarborough, Turner added: "We're expecting a difficult game because any side that Russell Slade puts out is awkward.

"They haven't had the best of starts picking up a few injuries but they've brought in some new faces much like we did last season."

Goalkeeper Ben Scott, who confirmed a full-time deal yesterday, is likely to start on the bench once again, but that isn't his long term aim.

"Hopefully I will be able to compete with Matt (Baker) for the first-team jersey as it would be silly of me to settle for being on the substitutes bench," he said.

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Bulls hopeful of decent draw

Hereford United will ascertain their opponents in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy this Saturday at 10.05am.

The Bulls are in the southern section of the draw, which includes twenty-eight teams, report confguide.com, while Bury, Huddersfield Town, Northampton Town and Swansea City have had byes to the second round.

Potential opponents include the two Bristol clubs, Rovers and City, and also Football League rivals Brighton. Local opponents Cheltenham TOwn and Kidderminster Harriers are in the southern section, as are Forest Green Rovers and Yeovil Town.

The numbers for the Southern Section of the draw are: (1) AFC Bournemouth, (2) Barnet, (3) Boston United, (4) Brentford, (5) Brighton & Hove Albion, (6) Bristol City, (7) Bristol Rovers, (8) Cambridge United, (9) Cheltenham Town, (10) Colchester United, (11) Dagenham & Redbridge, (12) Exeter City, (13) Forest Green Rovers, (14) Hereford United, (15) Kidderminster Harriers, (16) Leyton Orient, (17) Luton Town, (18) Oxford United, (19) Peterborough United, (20) Plymouth Argyle, (21) Queens Park Rangers, (22) Rushden & Diamonds, (23) Southend United, (24) Stevenage Borough, (25) Swindon Town, (26) Torquay United, (27) Wycombe Wanderers, (28) Yeovil Town.

This year, the "Silver Goal" rule will apply if scores are level at 90 mins: the side leading at the end of the first period of extra time will be declared the winners. If the scores are still tied at the end of the first period a second 15 minute period of extra time will be played. Then penalties if still level.

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Exeter close to CVA

Exeter City are almost certainly going into a CVA. The supporters group now controlling the club believe they will be able to get agreement with the main creditors before a court apperance, which luckily has been postponed from tomorrow to a date to be arranged, when they are due to answer a winding-up call from property developer Eagle One, who are owed £116,000 plus interest.

Stephen Allison, an insolvency expert and incidentally a director of Yeovil, has been advising the club on its finances. He expects that the club could strike a deal with its creditors before the court appearance can be rearranged.

"We are hoping to get the (CVA) sorted for the middle of next week," he said. "We are not anticipating the court case to be any great drama."

It is still possible that Exeter could have 12 points deducted from them for going into a CVA but the Christmas/New Year fixtures with Hereford United now seem assured.

Meanwhile, a very old Hereford United programme was sold at Sotherbys in London this afternoon. The programme, one in a lot of six, was from a game with Kidderminster Harriers in the Birmingham League at Edgar Street from the 1937/38 season. The lot was valued at £650 but sold for £960.

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Seadogs next for league leaders

Scarborough are the visitors to Edgar Street for Hereford United's next Nationwide Conference match on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Scarborough beat United twice last season, but currently lie fourteenth having won two of their seven matches so far. They have yet to win a match away from home, drawing one of their three games on their travels.

United boss Graham Turner said of the game: "The gate could be anything between three and five thousand on Saturday, it's hard to forecast.

"Scarborough have not had the best of starts but they have had a few injuries and have changed a number of faces, like we did fourteen or so months ago," he added in the Hereford Times.

United hope to have Daniel Carey-Bertram available after a hamstring injury after he missed recent matches.

Scarborough miss midfielder David Pounder once again, as he suffers with a knee injury, and first-choice goalkeeper Adam Sollitt has a broken finger.

However, manager Russell Slade is up-beat going into the match after Boro' beat Gravesend & Northfleet 2-0 last Saturday, saying: "I'm just hoping that gives us a bit of a spark going to Hereford. That will be a very difficult game with the way they have been scoring goals.

Any United fans who happen to be in North Yorkshire on Saturday can hear BBC Radio York's live commentary of the game on 666 or 1260 khz AM.

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Bulls seal second 'keeper deal

Hereford United have signed goalkeeper Ben Scott on permanent terms.

Scott, age 19, has been on-loan at Edgar Street since the start of the season and manager Graham Turner has finalised the move from Sheffield United, report the Hereford Times.

"Ben has played for Sheffield United reserves but they have agreed to release him because they have a number of other goalkeepers at the club," said Turner.

"He has impressed us with his attitude in training. He's only nineteen but he's shown considerable maturity and willingness over the past month."

Scott was part of the Sheffield United side that won the Avon Insurance League title earlier this year.

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More delays likely at Edgar Street

Herefordshire Council are having second thoughts as to whether a by-pass of the city should be sited to the east or west. Originally the east route close to the Lugg Meadows had been put forward but there were strong protests from environmentalists and others resulting in the failure of the plan at a public inquiry.

Recently, the Council commissioned another transport study and included in these proposals are some extra road building, the main item being a by-pass to the west of the city.

One of the reasons that the issue has come up again is that the Council need to consult with various bodies that gave evidence to the inquiry. This will be a long process.

The Edgar Street plans will have to take this study on-board and this will mean another delay before any final decisions about the possible improvements to the football ground take place.

This could also have the effect of delaying any settlement of the CVA.

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Bulls fan in marathon fundraiser

One of Hereford United's most loyal supporters will be taking part in a marathon attempt to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Jamie Griffiths will be participating in the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday, 28th September, to support the Bobby Moore Fund, which raises fund for research into bowel cancer. He will be running 13.1 miles in the Welsh capital.

Since 1993, the fund has raised more than £2 million and Jamie hopes to add £500 to that total.

If you can sponsor Jamie in his cause, please contact him at jamie_99_@hotmail.com, and he will provide details on how the charity can claim back tax paid on donations.

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Blocks of games

Next Saturday's game at Edgar Street against Scarborough is the first in what Hereford United's chief coach Richard O'Kelly has described as the manager's second block of games for this season.

"The manager has a little system where he works on blocks of games. It's something that I picked up last year. I'm learning all the time from him. We work on blocks of games and at the moment they are going better than expected," said O'Kelly on BBC Hereford & Worcester.

The first block of seven games produced nineteen points from a possible twenty-one, which was more than Graham Turner had predicted.

For the second block, Turner told the Nationwide football website that he was aiming for at least 17 points.

Those games are against Scarborough, Telford, Gravesend, and Dagenham at home and Burton, Woking and Northwich away. As things stand at present in the league that target looks attainable although Woking may prove a difficult fixture to obtain three points.

The third block could present problems as included in the seven fixtures are away games at both Chester and Shrewsbury.

Meanwhile, next weekend's matches include what should be a very exciting clash at Aldershot, currently fourth, where Shrewsbury, joint second, are the visitors. A draw would suit Hereford who lead the Conference by three points. Chester, also joint second, and still the bookies favourites to win the league, have a relatively easy home game against Halifax.

What ever happens at Edgar Street and elsewhere, Hereford United will remain in top place in the Conference for at least another week as no other club is likely to make up three points and a goal difference of ten.

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We've heard it all before!

The recent rumours surrounding Paul Parry's future are little more than a re-hash of comments and speculation from earlier in the year.

Back in January, both the Bristol Rovers manager Ray Graydon and his deputy John Still watched Parry at two games. Still was reported as saying: "I think he's somebody we will be very interested in signing and who could do a good job for us but, ultimately, the decision has to be down to the manager.

"I know the player very well and I'm sure he's somebody we'd want."

However, later that week Graham Turner confirmed that no bids had been made for the midfielder, although he added that if Parry wants to join Bristol Rovers, then Hereford will not stop him.

Turner continued: "I know they have been at our games. I wouldn't want Paul to leave but I have always said I would never stand in his way though at the moment it is all just speculation."

Parry then gave an interview to the Evening News in March in which he said that he was eager to move into the Football League - with the Bulls.

He said that he hoped to gain promotion with Hereford within the next year and a half as his contract runs out in May 2004.

"I still want to get into the Football League and have got a good opportunity to do it with Hereford," he said. "I'm still only 22 and I've still got another year with Hereford to make that happen. If it doesn't then may be that might be the right time to think about a move."

Speculation then recently turned to Yeovil Town, where Gary Johnson was rumoured to be looking at Parry as a replacement for Michael McIndoe, who joined Doncaster Rovers after a bust-up at Huish Park.

In June, before McIndoe was sidelined, Johnson was quoted as saying: "I'm always following up good players and people like Paul Parry, along with several others, fall into that."

A month later, with McIndoe training alone and banished from the Yeovil first-team set-up, it was again rumoured that Parry would replace the Scotsman at Huish Park.

No bid materialised then, although an offer from Yeovil has been rejected since the start of the new season.

Yesterday's statement labelled it as 'unacceptable'.

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Any move must 'be right for the club'

The Paul Parry transfer saga rumbles on today, as Graham Turner confirmed the situation.

He said that Parry is open to offers, but has not been transfer-listed and could be at Edgar Street for "several seasons to come," according to a statement on the club's official website.

On Saturday, coach Richard O'Kelly said that news of Parry's transfer listing had been blown out of all proportion, and that his name had simply been circulated around Football League clubs to alert them of his availability.

Director of football Graham Turner confirmed in today's Western Daily Press, who broke the initial news on Saturday morning, that any transfer which sees Parry leave Edgar Street would only occur if the club were to benefit.

"Paul wants to play in the Football League but it has to be right for the club," said Turner. "If he goes, we have got to replace him and we'll have to get on with it.

"But we don't want to sell players and don't want anyone to leave."

Yeovil Town has already made an offer for Parry this season, but it was considered "unacceptable", according to the statement, which added: "This is a very amicable arrangement with Paul and his agent and it is now a case of waiting to hear of any interest from other clubs."

Turner confirmed: "In the past we have been in the position where we have needed to sell players to bring in money and that isn’t the case now."

It is commendable that the club have clarified the situation swiftly and quashed rumours that Parry was set for a swift exit. Hereford United can wait for the right offer to come along, and Parry remains an integral part of the first-team set-up.

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Turner pleased with result

Commenting after yesterday's game at Farnborough, Hereford manager Graham Turner told the press that to come away from home and score five is an achievement.

"We did well in the first half hour and did the damage then, but we are not getting carried away. Maybe the scoreline flattered us a little but we played well, created chances and we have to take it from here.

"The big fear is if that little bit of complacency starts to creep in and so far I've seen no signs of that. I think the players have adapted and applied themselves well and that was in evidence in the way we worked today."

More praise for Turner has come from Yeovil boss, Gary Johnson, in the Non-League Paper. Commenting on the Bulls, he said that Graham Turner has been at Edgar Street a long time and has worked on a shoestring budget, but still looks to have a dozen quality players on his books.

"His big problem could be if suspensions or injuries start eating into his squad. There is no doubt Hereford are a decent side and scoring plenty of goals with Stephen Guinan and Ben Smith leading the way, but I also like Paul Parry and Michael Rose.

"Guinan is a good target man, but Smith likes to bomb into the box and five goals from each (now six) in their first six matches (now seven) is all you can ask. Smith was at Yeovil for a few years before I arrived and has recovered well from a dislocated shoulder.

"Graham, as chairman, has invested his own money in the club so he has had to watch the pennies and has done well, but may need luck with injuries to stay on top."

There is already champagne on ice in Wakefield, where Hereford's most famous player, Ronnie Radford, is backing the Bulls for promotion. "What a start," he told Colin Mafham. "My pals tell me they are playing some great stuff and I'm so pleased for the club - and Graham Turner."

On Turner, Radford added: "He is such a lovely man. He has put so much time and energy in just keeping the club going. He must have had some really rough times and wondered if it really was worth it. When you have sole responsibility like he has you feel it ten-fold."

"There's a long way to go and they will need a bit of luck, but we're all keeping our fingers crossed."

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Odds drop again

After todays 5-0 win Skybet have dropped their odds on the Bulls winning the Conference to 10-3 making them second favourites.

Chester are now 9-4 and Shrewsbury 4-1.

A couple of other points from today's game:

Michael Rose has now received four yellow cards but, as last week at Stevenage, he may well think he was unlucky to be penalised this afternoon. The assistant referee who was very close to the spot did not signal for a foul but the referee, who was some yards behind, must have thought Rose unfairly challenged a Farnborough player and had no hestitation in showing a yellow card.

Danny Williams was subbed during the second half. He was seen with an ice-pack on his foot after the game.

Although two Hereford fans were ejected during the game, there was no sign of trouble at the ground.

The travelling Hereford support was estimated at 500. No figure could be obtained from Farnborough officials.

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Coach happy with Farnborough capitulation

Following today's emphatic 5-0 win over Farnborough Town, Hereford United coach Richard O'Kelly spoke of his delight at the performance.

"The first half an hour of the game was excellent, with our attitude, passing, movement, and also when we lost the ball, we had good team shape," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "The players are very confident at the moment obviously because they've been getting some good results. We haven't had too many blips either."

Goals today came from Paul Parry, Ben Smith, Steve Guinan, captain Tony James and substitute David Brown, and O'Kelly added: "With the way the team's set-up, any of the midfielders can get on the scoresheet. Paul Parry was there today, Rob Purdie was very unlucky on a few occasions and also Danny Williams.

"We also got Ryan Green into goalscoring positions on three or four occasions today as well so. Ben Smith's the one who's benefitting at the moment from the good team play, and long may it continue."

Farnborough boss Tommy Taylor was quick to praise Hereford. "They were a far better team than us all over the field. It didn't help when we had one sent off as well. It could have been a different game if we'd scored a couple of goals in the first half but they are a very good footballing team, with a lot of pace."

Of the penalty ten minutes after the restart, speaking to BBC Southern Counties Radio, Taylor commented: "I think the penalty was punishment enough. I don't think, because the ball hit his hand, it was a yellow card. The game was already over."

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Parry story a 'mountain out of a molehill'

The news that Paul Parry has handed in a transfer request appears to have been blown out of all proportion.

Today's Western Daily Press reported that Parry had handed in a transfer request, but coach Richard O'Kelly said that this wasn't the case. Instead, Parry's name has been circulated around clubs in the Football League but a move isn't imminent.

O'Kelly told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "The manager has had a chat with Paul, and there is no way he has asked for a transfer. Yeovil did show an interest but Paul is very happy playing for Hereford United and for someone who has supposed to have put in a transfer request, he put in a good show today!"

"Paul Parry is a Hereford United player through and through. He wants to progress his career and wants to play at the highest level he can. To say he's been put on the transfer list at his own request is a little bit out of order."

It is thought that an offer from Bristol Rovers was rejected last season and, although interested, Yeovil Town have yet to make a suitable bid for the Welshman.

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Five-star United extend lead at top

Hereford United beat Farnborough Town 5-0 this afternoon to remain at the top of the Nationwide Conference.
 

The Bulls now have nineteen points, and are three clear of second-placed Chester City, who won 2-1 at Margate. Aldershot Town are third with fifteen points, while Shrewsbury Town are fourth but have a game in hand, which could put them joint-second. Hereford's goal-difference is +17, with Chester's +7 as the nearest challenger.

Super start charges Bulls to victory

Farnborough Town 0 - 5 Hereford United

Hereford United recorded the biggest away win of the seven season-long Nationwide Conference career as they over-ran Farnborough Town 5-0 at Cherrywood Road.

Farnborough, who still haven't collected a league win this season, now lie at the bottom of the table on goal-difference while Hereford remain at the summit with six wins and a draw from their seven encounters. Their impressive goal record sees them having notched twenty-three goals in seven outings, as opposed to Farnborough's six.

It was Graham Turner's first match since winning the Conference manager-of-the-month award, which can often be a poisoned chalice. There was, though, no complacency about the United team on the day, as they swept aside Farnborough, and made an early mark on the game.

The Bulls were unchanged, and were three-up within twenty five minutes. Paul Parry scored the first, in what was an excellent team-move. A cross field ball from Michael Rose found Danny Williams on the right channel, and he threaded in Steve Guinan. The ex-Shrewsbury Town striker's shot was parried by Mark Osborn in the Boro' goal, and Parry made no mistake when his follow-up found the net.

Steve Guinan tested the goalkeeper again two minutes later, while at the other end a Richard Hodgson corner was turned onto the crossbar, and Carl Hutching's volley from the rebound ended up at the corner flag when it looked easier to score! Another scramble, on eleven minutes, saw United stopper Matt Baker eventually come out on top, and the Bulls punished Farnborough five minutes later when Steve Guinan fed Rob Purdie on the by-line to the right of the goal. Purdie pulled the ball back for Ben Smith, who made it 2-0.

Within eight minutes, it was 3-0 as Paul Parry's one-two with Rob Purdie allowed the winger to hit over a long cross to Guinan on the far post. The striker headed down, and the ball bounced past Osborn and into the net.

After the restart, Baker was forced into a low save with his legs from ex-Southend United attacker Barrington Belgrave, while defender Andy Tretton headed just wide at the other end from a Danny Williams cross. On fifty five minutes, though, Tony James made it 4-0 from the penalty spot as he sent Osborn the wrong way. The spot-kick came after a Parry cross was handballed by Patrick Sappleton, and he received a second yellow card for his troubles.

With Farnborough down to ten men, they were always going to find it difficult to get back into the match, but striker Andre Fashanu made his debut from the bench. Andre is the latest in the line of footballers from the Fashanu family, being the nephew of John and the late Justin.

It came as no surprise when Hereford scored again, as substitute David Brown beat the offside trap, passing to Parry on the by-line. He cut the ball back, and Brown made completely sure with United's fifth.

Written by Terry Goodwin - 6th September 2003.

Farnborough Town	Hereford United
Mark Osborn	Matt Baker
Ross Weatherstone	Ryan Green
Sasha Opinel	Michael Rose
Leroy Griffiths (off, 65 minutes)	Jamie Pitman
Carl Hutchings	Andy Tretton
Paul Harkness (off, 57 minutes)	Tony James (captain)
Barrington Belgrave (off, 65 minutes)	Danny Williams (off, 73 minutes)
Patrick Sappleton	Ben Smith
Nick Burton (captain)	Rob Purdie
Richard Hodgson	Steve Guinan
Billy Beall	Paul Parry
Subs	Subs
Will Packham	Ben Scott
Andre Fashunu (on, 65 minutes)	Richard Teesdale
Alex Stanley (on, 57 minutes)	Jordan King
Mark Thompson	Dean Craven
Dwayne Clarke (on, 65 minutes)	David Brown (on, 73 minutes)
Yellow cards	Yellow cards
Nick Burton (foul, 23 minutes)	Michael Rose (foul, 41 minutes)
Carl Hutchings (foul, 31 minutes	Tony James (foul, 60 minutes)
Patrick Sappleton (foul, 38 minutes)	-
Patrick Sappleton (handball, 55 minutes)	-
Red cards	Red cards
Patrick Sappleton (second booking, 55 minutes)	-
Scorers	Scorers
-	Paul Parry (3 minutes)
-	Ben Smith (16 minutes)
-	Steve Guinan (24 minutes)
-	Tony James (penalty, 55 minutes)
-	David Brown (84 minutes)
-	-
Man of the Match	Tony James
Attendance	1,334
Referee	Mr. D. Deadman (Hertfordshire)

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Reports suggest at Parry departure

The Western Daily Press report that Paul Parry has asked to leave Hereford United.

The Hereford United midfielder, and Welsh semi-professional international, has been allowed to talk to Football League clubs.

Hereford's memo to clubs reads: "We have reluctantly agreed to Paul Parry's request to have his name circulated because he wants to play in the Football League."

The paper's reporter, Chris Spittles, writes that Yeovil Town are interested but an unreachable asking price has put off their Third Division rivals Bristol Rovers.

Parry, who has had a quiet start to the season by his own standards, is expected to attract much interest and has started all six matches so far this campaign.

He started his career at Edgar Street, making his league debut in the 1998/99 season, and the twenty-three year-old scored ten Conference goals last season.

Hereford United have yet to confirm the news.

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Bulls set for same starting eleven

Hereford United are likely to be unchanged for tomorrow's match at Cherrywood Road against Farnborough Town, kick off 3pm.

Boro' are languishing in the lower reaches of the table having collected just three points and yet to register a win, while Hereford haven't lost and are top of the Conference.

Speaking of the match, Bulls' boss Graham Turner told the Evening News: "You've always got to make sure that complacency doesn't creep in. We are top of the league based on the hard work and application that we have put in recently and that will be the message loud and clear.

"We are going to have to work really hard and anybody who thinks we are going to Farnborough for an easy game can forget it. They've not had the best of starts and have struggled at home but if people think Stevenage was going to be the hard game and Farnborough a pushover they can think again."

The Bulls are likely to be unchanged for the seventh game running after midfielders Jamie Pitman and Paul Parry recovered from minor injuries earlier in the week.

Farnborough have signed attacker Andre Fashanu, nephew of John, from Reading to boost their front-line ahead of the match.

Meanwhile, Exeter City's supporters trust have secured control of their club, who have reported debts of £3 million.

However, they still need to organise a CVA, which will include staving off a winding-up order in Leeds next Friday. A twelve point deduction by the Conference is also a possibility.

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Hard graft the key to success

Graham Turner reckons Hereford United's superb start to the season is down to hard work.

The United boss said: "We've had a great start with five wins and a draw and we've exceeded our expectations for the opening matches.

"The key is just pure hard work. The players worked very hard on their fitness through pre-season and they've been working hard in games.

"What we have is a very young squad of players and they still have that natural enthusiasm and ambition and you can see the enjoyment when they're playing.

"I'm pleased with how well we've passed the ball both home and away. We've had some difficult games and we've played with so much confidence.

"But of course we've only played six games at this stage and the Conference is strong, with teams like Chester and Shrewsbury gathering below us.

If the Bulls are to maintain their form, Turner is adamant that extra players will be required.

He added: "The squad's not strong enough. We've got seventeen pros at the moment. Sooner of later we will need to strengthen, even if it's just in terms of numbers."

He is certainly not expecting any favours from the opposition in the coming weeks and added: "When you're at the top of the league you're there to be shot down and everyone wants to beat you."

Saturday sees the Bulls at Farnborough, and home manager Tommy Taylor will leave his team selection until as late as possible before naming his side. Taylor admits he has "a few worries" on the fitness front, including Ken Charlery as Town look to build on last week's draw at Exeter.

He said: "We did all right last week. We deserved out point."

Hereford should be unchanged for the trip, although striker Daniel Carey-Bertram will return to the squad after he missed the wins over Aldershot and Stevenage with a hamstring injury.

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"We have to be ready," vows Turner

A warning not to lower their work-rate has been issued by Hereford United manager Graham Turner to his squad ahead of Saturday's fixture at Farnborough Town, kick off 3pm.

Looking ahead to the trip to Cherrywood Road, United boss Graham Turner told the Hereford Times: "Farnborough are one of the less fancied sides in the Conference. It would be disappointing now that if having gone unbeaten against some of the better sides in the Conference, we do not pick up at least a point at Farnborough."

"I am not being disrespectful to Farnborough as Tommy Taylor is an experienced manager and an experienced player from his West Ham days. They will be well organised and battling and we have to be ready for them."

Currently Farnborough are joint bottom of the Conference with Gravesend but have drawn two of their three home games. Some of their problems stem from last season when former manager Graham Westley suddenly moved to Stevenage and took several Farnborough players with him.

The Bulls hope to have Daniel Carey-Bertram fit to take a place on the bench, and Farnborough are expected to field defender Jay Lovett, who played on-loan at Hereford from Brentford last season. Tommy Taylor could also start attacker Barrington Belgrave, who was a transfer target for Graham Turner in the latter half of last season,

> Hereford United club officials have paid tribute to club doctor Declan O'Brien after his recent passing.

Chairman Graham Turner told the Hereford Times: "He was a very good friend of the club and was the club's medical officer for some time. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this sad time."

Dr. O'Brien was a keen United follower, often watching matches from the main stand, and he was told that United were top of the table just before he passed away.

Of his service to the club, company secretary Joan Fennessy added: "If he said he was on the way you knew he would be there."

A minute's silence will be held in his memory before the Scarborough match a week on Saturday.

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Turner reflects on monthly award

Graham Turner has shared the praise gained from his manager-of-the-month award with the rest of the team at Hereford United.

He told the Hereford Journal: "It is a reflection on everybody at the club. That's the players, coach Richard O'Kelly, and you've also got the administrative staff at the club as well."

The Bulls go to Chester City on October 18th in what is an all-ticket match, reported today by the Evening Leader. However, Hereford United have yet to confirm of the move, made on police advice.

Meanwhile, a sad news story from Edgar Street is told by Matt Baker in today's Journal. Doctor O'Brien, an integral part of the club, has passed away, and Baker added: "The man was an essential member of our medical team and his sterling work behind the scenes never went unnoticed."

"Our thought are with his family at this time."

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Chester match made all-ticket

In light of problems with a recent match at the Deva Stadium, Chester City have made their home match against Hereford United an all-ticket affair.

Further details on the allocation of tickets will be made soon, but the game, to be held on Saturday, 18th October, has been made ticket-only on police advice.

The Chester vs Shrewsbury match on August 26th caused some problems as some away fans were reportedly locked out for some of the match, and the kick-off was delayed. The official attendance for the match was 4,665.

The Deva Stadium can hold 6,012, with away fans situated in the South Stand.

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Crisis talks to save Conference new-boys

Exeter City could go out of existence a week on Friday unless crisis talks can save the debt-ridden club.

The Grecians are reported to have debts of £3 million and aim to enter into a CVA agreement, similar to that currently in place at Edgar Street, report the Exeter Express & Echo.

A supporters trust has been set up and they are to talk to ex-Chairman and top creditor Ivor Doble at a meeting tomorrow. The trust hope to secure control of the club from Doble, who is owed around £700,000.

Trust member and club director Ian Huxham said: "We will have a much clearer picture following the meeting as to whether or not the future involves Exeter City Supporters' Trust."

If the two parties fail to agree to a deal, City could be plunged into administration - and probable liquidation - at a high court hearing next Friday, September 12th.

Successful negotiations would allow the management to devise a strategy to start digging the club out of its financial hole, which includes debts to construction company Mowlem, who are owed £600,000, and the Football Foundation, who are owed another £500,000 and approximately £200,000 to the Inland Revenue.

Should Exeter survive, they could face a maximum penalty of a twelve point deduction if they spend time in administration or enter into a CVA situation.

If City do go out of business, Hereford will lose their New Year's Day trip to Devon, and also a potentially lucrative Boxing Day match at Edgar Street.

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Praise for Turner from former club's fans

The news that Graham Turner is Nationwide Conference manager-of-the-month for August has brought praise from one of his former clubs.

James Bateman, who runs the independent wolvescentral.com website, wrote: "I know this is off topic for a Wolves board but Graham will never be forgotten for his efforts in getting Wolves away from the depths of despair, he also was a hero in Wolverhampton for signing Steve Bull from WBA.

"He helped Wolves from the 4th to the 2nd Division and nearly got us into the Premiership in his first season way back in 1989 , he helped Wolves win back to back championships and a Sherpa Van Trophy title with a win against Burnley.

"Turner's Hereford side have won 5 out of 6 games so far this season and it would be as much as an achievement getting Hereford where they belong again in the Football League as it was getting Wolves to Division Two."

Turner was manager of Wolves from 1986 to 1994, and they were promoted to the Premiership last May as beating Sheffield United 3-0 in the play-off final. However, Dave Jones' men but are currently bottom of the league after three games with just one point.

Meanwhile, Hereford United's youth team progressed to the second qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup with an 8-1 win over Cinderford Town at Edgar Street last night.

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Bulls boss is top dog

Graham Turner has won the Nationwide Conference manager of the month award for August, report BBC Radio 5 Live.

The Hereford United manager has led his side to five wins and a draw in the opening six Conference matches, and this leaves the Bulls top of the league with sixteen points.

Nearest challengers Aldershot lost 4-3 at Edgar Street last Monday, while Chester City and Shrewsbury Town have both lost one and drawn one of their opening six matches.

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