Floodlights: Everything That Could Have Gone Wrong, Has Done Said Ammonds

 

It's probably fair to say that the floodlights at Edgar Street have caused the club more problems than any other issue this season to date.

Firstly the new floodlights are still not installed and secondly the current ones have shown their age with one of the sets of lights failing towards the end of the game before Christmas.

Chairman Chris Ammonds has updated supporters in his latest 'chat'.

"It feels like everything that could have gone wrong in relation to floodlights have gone wrong in the last four or five months.

"It's incredibly frustrating and I completely understand why supporters are asking questions about it all the time because we are internally as a club as well.

"We continued to work on the whole floodlight issue over the Christmas period.

"It's not been easy because understandably buisnesses close down over Christmas so we haven't been able to progress things greatly.

"But we have had two meetings over Christmas where we think we are hopefully coming to a resolution in terms of what's going to happen with the installation of the new floodlights, we've just go to wait for some information and some more details to be put together.

"So we are hopeful that's going to start to move forward in terms of us being able to update supporters of what the plan is for getting those sorted.

"That will be a weight off everybody's mind  once we know exactly what the plan is with those new floodlights.

"And then we've had the issue with the floodlight that decided it didn't want to be a floodlight any more towards the end of the Scarborough game.

"And I know you've (Jamie Griffiths) been in detailed conversation with the contractor over the Christmas.

"We're pretty hopeful we can repair that floodlight, short term repair, but actually it's something that will need doing for the new floodlights anyway, the work that required.

"So from that point of view we've got to go ahead and get it done.

"We are hopeful that we should be able to restore the fourth pylon, the lights on the fourth pylon fairly quickly. 

"It probably won't be in time for this weekend so we've already taken the decision and agreed with Warrington that the game this weekend will kick-off at 1pm. We apologise for any inconvenience that causes but it's unavoidable because, again, getting the repairs, the electrical contractor is only back in work this week and therefore the repairs aren't going to be carried out in time to be able to test them ahead of Saturday's fixture.

"We are hopeful that this will be the only game that has to be a 1pm kick-off between now and the end of the season." 

Comments from: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/the-latest-at-edgar-street-with-stig-and-jamie/

1PM Kick-Off On Saturday

 

As expected Saturday's National North League fixture between Hereford and Warrington will kick-off at 1pm because of continuing problems with the floodlights.

Hereford's general manager Jamie Griffiths has commented:

"I’d like to thank all our supporters for their patience and understanding during what has been a frustrating time for everyone with regards to the floodlights. I am sorry for any inconvenience that has been caused by the necessary move to 1pm kick-offs recently, but can reassure fans we are continuing to push hard to finalise the plan for the installation of our new lights.

"Following the Christmas break, we’re pleased to confirm that work on repairing the floodlight in the Meadow End/Len Weston corner is scheduled to begin in the coming week. Our aim is to have the floodlight fully operational in time for the Southport game, and will provide a further update once more information is known.

"We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we work to resolve this issue."

Old Programmes - 1973-74 Season - Hereford United v Halifax Town - Division Three - Wednesday 13th March 1974

Result: 3-1 Win (HT 1-0) Brown 17,73 Redrobe 79; Wilkie 87                

Attendance: 6,170

Hereford United: Hughes, Radford, Naylor, McLaughlin, Tucker, Addison, Redrobe, Tyler (Lee), Brown, Evans, Rudge.

Halifax Town: Smith, Burgin, Quinn, Hale, Pickering, Rhodes, Wilkie, Pugh, Kemp (McDonald), Gwyther, Ford.

League Position: 20th (one above the drop), 34 games in (12 to go). 

On the Pitch: This match was originally scheduled for the 9th February, which I think explains the reduced format? I crop out the adverts usually (I will feature them at the end of the 73/74 season) - there was no need with this issue, as it was a much-reduced advert-free 8-page offering (usually 16). To their credit, it is a marked improvement on the old faithful slip of paper update that became the re-scheduled home match norm. All the more impressive given Addison has gone on record stating that getting programmes out is a challenge given the UK's addiction to industrial action. 

Hereford go into the game just two points above the drop. Forward Willie Brown scores a hattrick* in only his second start for HUFC to give them a much needed win. He would only play 9 times for Hereford at the business end of the season, scoring a handy 5 times as they battled relegation.

*his third goal would later be awarded to Redrobe.

Click on photos to enlarge. 

Third Division Round Up: Something Ted has touched upon on a number of occasions is the amount of lucrative transfer business Bournemouth have been engaging in. At what cost though? When the article was published they were one point away from the promotion spots in 5th (the play offs were still but a twinkle in the eye) - could they have their cake and eat it and reach what is now the Championship? No - in short, they would fade to 11th at the end of the season, albeit with a load of wedge in the bank. 

In the Opposition: Goalkeeper Alex Smith was one of the last active players that had played at Accrington Stanley, who went under in the 1961-62 season. However, with that being his only season with them and the results being expunged with their demise, the history books have no official record of his time there.

John Quinn was the original player that was celebrated by Rotherham fans with the terrace chant based upon the Manfred Mann song Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn). It would be dusted down by Man City fans for Niall Quinn after he scored when he's out and saved when he's in during a game against Derby at Maine Road in 1991, having taken over from the sent off goalkeeper to save a penalty. A good save too. 

After playing 367 league games for Halifax, John Pickering would go onto become an accomplished coach/manager, culminating in being given the honour of leading Middlesborough out in the 1998 League Cup final against Chelsea by their manager Bryan Robson as recognition of his service to the club.

"Fiery" Fred Kemp would go on to play 13 league games for Hereford in the following 1974-75 season. Unfortunately for him, he was signed in the close season by Addison, before his departure, and his starting place would be taken over by the signing of Terry Paine, prompting him to leave and hook back up with Addison at Durban City. 

Dave Gwyther would go on to play for Newport County in their "golden era" early '80s team. John Wilkie would go onto help Wigan gain Football League status in 1977. Willie Irvine was once the 1st Division's top scorer, bagging 29 goals in the 1965-66 season at Burnley. 

Vital Statistics: Covered in a Bulls News post on September 17th 2024, this information fest summarising the previous season's accounts is surely worth a second glance? Big numbers. 

In the News: Kenneth Littlejohn, who is apparently a disgraced paratrooper, bank robber, jail breaker, IRA/UK double agent - I think the crime equivalent of a utility player? escapes from Mountjoy Prison in Dublin along with his brother Keith on 11th March 1974.

In the Singles Charts: Jealous Mind by Alvin Stardust gets to No.1 for a single week. 

In the Album Charts: The Singles 1969-1973 by the Carpenters is back at No.1 - something it will be quite good at in 1974.

In the Maternity Ward: Actor/Comedian Matt Lucas was born on 5th March 1974. Elbow lead singer Guy Garvey was born the next day.

He's One of Our Own: Mark Druce was born on 3rd March 1974. A striker during the 1997-98 "on loan to the conference" season, he scored 3 goals in 21 games. 

Warrington Set To Lose Striker Woods

Woods Scored For Southport Against Hereford In December 2021

Warrington, whose travel to Hereford next Saturday, could be without striker Connor Woods for the game.

It's been reported by the Warrington Guardian that three National North League clubs have expressed an interest in the 26 year old. One of these clubs have made an offer for the striker but it has been turned down.

In any case Woods has said that that he will be not be extending his current deal. So a move seems likely.

Woods is Warrington's top scorer this season with six goals to date.

ON THIS DAY 40 YEARS AGO | Hereford United 1-1 Arsenal - 5th January 1985 - FA Cup 3rd round

Sit back and enjoy the highlights of Hereford United facing Arsenal in the FA Cup 3rd round. 

A packed Edgar Street crowd of 15,777 saw Tony Woodcock open the scoring for the visitors. Local lad Chris Price then popped up with the equaliser.

Hereford 1 Kevin Rose 2 Chris Price 3 Ian Bray 4 Keith Hicks 5 Mel Pejic 6 Steve Emery 7 Jimmy Harvey 8 Ian Dalziel 9 Stewart Phillips 10 Ollie Kearns 11 Mike Carter Arsenal 1 John Lukic 2 Viv Anderson 3 Tommy Caton 4 Brian Talbot 5 David O'Leary 6 Tony Adams 7 Stewart Robson 8 Steve Williams 9 Paul Mariner 10 Tony Woodcock 11 Charlie Nicholas Sub Ian Allinson

Chapman Signs For Spalding

Goal-keeper Aaron Chapman has signed for Spalding. It's understood he lives in the area.

Before moving to Hereford he played for Scunthorpe, Boston and Worksop.

The move was confirmed by Spalding manager Jimmy Dean late this afternoon. 

"Yes we've got Chappie in," said Dean.

"I've worked with Chappie previously.

"He's a great goal-keeper, great lad.

"He's been at Hereford, he's become available."

Dean said that their current keeper, Tony Breedan,was moving on.

"But we've got Chappie in." 

Update 9.30pm

Hereford FC have confirmed the move adding 'for a undisclosed fee'.

"'Chappy’ has moved on with our best wishes," said manager Paul Caddis.

"He was a brilliant character in our dressing room and I wish him nothing but the best with his future football career.

"I’d like to place on record my thanks for the brilliant commitment he showed us while here."

Today's National North League Results

Only two games were played in the National North League this afternoon.

Farsley Celtic 1 Rushall Olympic 3

Warrington 1 Kings Lynn 2

Hereford remain in 9th place in the table.

Former Hereford United Player 'Discovered' Morgan Gibbs-White

Brian Punter (bottom left) pictured with team-mates in November 1965.

 Former Hereford United player Brian Punter 'discovered' Morgan Gibbs-White who is now an attacking midfielder for Nottingham Forest.

Punter, who is now 89, joined Hereford in 1964. After his career on the pitch he became a scout for Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy.

And during his time scouting he discovered Morgan Gibbs-White.

Recently 'The Athletic' spoke to Punter who now lives in a care home near Wolverhampton.

Punter still has his scouting report from September 28 2008. He went to a Mid-Staffs Junior League tournament and saw eight year old Gibbs-White for the first time.

"I can still remember it,” said Punter.

"It was the way he headed the ball that really stood out. He wasn’t big. Most of the other lads were two years older than him.

"But when the ball came up to him, he set himself for the header and I thought, ‘Christ, he heads the ball like a professional’. He was running the game, making the difficult things look easy."

"It wasn’t hard to see he had a lot of ability.

"He had bags of confidence. So I took his details, filled out the trialist’s form — which I have kept all these years — and invited him to the Wolves academy. I went with him on his first night and he wasn’t out of his depth at all."

Until 'The Athletic' spoke to Punter it appears no one had realised that he had found Gibbs-White.

"You always hope to find a player who goes all the way.

"Morgan is mine. But until now, I’ve never had any recognition for it."

These days Gibbs-White is playing for Nottingham Forest which Punter finds 'bloody annoying.' 

More about Brian Punter

Brian Punter Talking To Matt Healey At Edgar Street In April 2019

Brian Punter started his career with Wolverhamton Wanderers, moved to Leicester and then Lincoln where he made 75 appearances scoring 21 goals.

At the beginning of the 1964/65 season he moved to Edgar Street. Manager Bob Dennison signed him along with Alan Rodgerson, Freddie Jones and Ronnie Burbeck.

Punter scored the winning goal on his home debut on August 26th 1964,  a game against Stevenage in the Southern League Division One which Hereford won 4-3

Initially Punter played centre forward with Albert Derrick as his number 10. But after Ron Fogg arrived, he moved to the right wing and continued to impress. 

Punter was in the side that defeated Millwall 1-0 in the FA Cup in front of 11,940 during the 65/66 season. 

 

Also noteworthy that season was his first half hat-trick in the Welsh Cup against Newtown.

 

He left at the end of that season to work in South Africa only to return a year later when John Charles was manager.

Even close to the end of his time with Hereford United he still featured regularily for the club.

In a report of a FA Trophy Tie against Brentwood Town FC in January 1970 it says that 'United's man-of-the-match however, is left-winger Brian Punter, who never stops running and covers every inch of the pitch.'

He moved on after the 69/70 season having scored 82 goals during his time at Edgar Street. 

Ten Years Ago - Another Look At Hereford United's Demise

This article, written by Tomas Shore, was originally published on: https://www.the-newshub.com/stories/hereford-uniteds-sad-and-avoidable-demise

 

As the FA Cup 3rd round weekend comes to a close, many teams’ dreams of a giant killing upset have been dashed and many are still hoping for that buzz that only the FA Cup can bring. One of the greatest FA Cup moments now comes with a slightly bitter tinge to it. Ronnie Radford’s thunderbolt of a goal against Newcastle in 1972 for Hereford was scored for a club that, at this moment in time, no longer exists.

It was only 6 years ago that Hereford were flying high in League 1,very much punching above their weight and playing the likes of Leeds and Oldham who they recorded memorable wins against. This only lasted a season but it seemed like a club in good health. The then manager, Graham Turner, owned the club from 1998-2010 and managed the club from 1995-2009 and again for a spell in 2010. When he took over the club in 1998 he saved it from large debts incurred by the previous owners. By all accounts he left the club in good financial health.

In 2010 the club was bought by David Keyte.in the 2011-12 season Hereford slipped back into the Conference where it stayed for the next 2 seasons. During the 2013-14 season it became abundantly clear that the club was in dire financial difficulty. David Keyte had decided that the best way out of a bit of financial troubles was to not pay the players or manager. This is when the whole business becomes very murky. Keyte refused to sell to the Hereford United Supporters Trust (HUST) who had planned meticulously how to service the clubs debt and keep Hereford running as a club.

In May 2014 the club was sold for £2 to Tommy Agombar who, it emerged very quickly, had a conviction for being the leader of a gang which stole lorries. Agombar, unsurprisingly, failed the fit and proper owner test and resigned as director. On 17th June Agombar was suddenly no longer listed as owner leaving Keyte once again as sole owner.

During this stage Hereford were thrown out of the Conference and entered into the Southern Football League, Conference Premier, the 8th tier of English football. In this time Agombar was 'advised' by Andy Lonsdale. In August, after a month of uncertainty of who actually owned the club, Lonsdale is named as director of the club. Lonsdale had been involved with Agombar during his brief reign at the club. He was also owner of Feltham FC where he fell out with the locals and the law due to large scale dumping of rubble, more than he was given permission to, at one end of the ground.

In this time it emerged that Alpha Choice Finance, the company Lonsdale used to become majority shareholder, is owned by Alan McCarthy. Now McCarthy appeared to want very little to do with running the club and left that to Lonsdale. However, as owner of Alpha Choice Finance, McCarthy had to pass the fit and proper person test; he does not submit the paperwork for this to the FA leading to the FA charging Hereford United with breaching their rules. It was this situation which led to the FA suspending Hereford from all football activity on 10th December. This was quickly resolved by Lonsdale buying out Alpha Choice Finance and becoming majority shareholder.

Lonsdale and Agombar both undoubtedly put money into the club but with this chaos, rumours of the ground being sold off for real estate, countless mysterious investors dropping out and McCarthy, Lonsdale and Agombar all blaming the fans at some point you can understand why the HUST boycotted matches and why attendance is at its lowest ever levels.

The website SaveEdgarStreet, through a Freedom of Information request found that previous owner David Keyte had opened up talks about the possibility of selling the ground for real estate. Lonsdale and Agombar have never denied they are looking into this but they have stated they are investing in the club and looking to pay off the debts.

 

Between May and December Hereford United had a winding up petition adjourned 8 times. It was stated a few times that creditors had been paid only for this to be immediately refuted by either the creditors or the league. The murkiest aspect was the mysterious investors which Lonsdale claims to have found which pop up and disappear at an alarming rate. Lonsdale openly blamed fans for what says is a 'toxic atmosphere' which no-one wants to invest in. This was despite HUST repeatedly stating they will sit down with the owners once the creditors have been paid.

If we focus on two of these investors, Alpha Choice Finance and European Finance Guarantee we can see that neither stand up to much scrutiny. Alpha Choice Finance, the company which was majority shareholder till yesterday, no longer exist and were found to be in breach of the financial regulator when they failed to submit their paperwork a few months ago. European Finance Guarantee were another investor supposedly brought in to pay off creditors. They're listed as a dormant company and a quick search of their given address, 45-157 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PY, is a 'virtual office space' used as a place where anyone can register an office. According to a BBC report this building is often used as a front for fraudulent companies.

 

On the 19th December, in slightly farcical circumstances, Hereford United was wound up. The ruling came as the court heard Lonsdale was stuck in traffic and the judge stating that he’d had enough. The winding up petition could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The council have been very clear that they want the club to remain a community asset and had tried to seize the stadium during Lonsdale’s reign. In the meantime HUST are working hard to establish a club to play next season. A phoenix club akin to AFC Wimbledon will come out of Hereford but it is a situation which should never have got to this point.

Ronnie Radford and Hereford’s giant killing past are very much in people’s memories this weekend. When people see that goal again and again they should think of the supporters it brought so much joy to and a football club beloved by many. Ownership and lack of support for fans is a modern problem for many clubs and it should be a problem that is taken seriously. Fans are what make occasions like the FA Cup so memorable and to see any set of fans treated this way is a major blemish on the running of the beautiful game.

This Afternoon In The National North League

The weather has forced most of this afternnon's games in the National North League to be called off including Hereford's game at South Shields where the decision to postpone was taken yesterday lunchtime.

As at 10.30 just two games are still planned to go ahead.

Farsley Celtic v Rushall Olympic

Warrington v Kings Lynn.

Chapman And Teixeira - Out Of Favour?

 

Whilst nothing has been officially mentioned about keeper Aaron Chapman and mid-fielder Aurio Teixeira, there's been speculation that either one, or perhaps, both might have left Edgar Street.

Today's news from the club about another goalkeeper coming in on loan and manager Paul Caddis's recent comments suggest that Chapman isn't now seen as the club's number one keeper.

Chapman has recovered from an injury and was deemed fit several weeks ago.

Caddis spoke about Chapman after the Darlington match.

"Aaron Chapman has been fit for a good part of ten days, two weeks.

"We're obviously fortunate we've got two really good goalies, three if you include young Matt who is improving every day.

"At the moment Tom is the man between the sticks, that's where we are at.

"We've had conversations with Chappie, that will stay confidential, we'll see where that goes in the future."

 

And as for Teixeira, who is in the second year of a two year deal, whilst Caddis confirmed after the Leamington game that he was still with the club, he seems out of favour.

"Yes,Tex is still here."

Teixeira was an unused sub on November 30th and again on December 11th, away at Darlington. But he hasn't been on the bench since, and there's been no mention of an injury.

Bartley Back At Derby

 

As expected Ryan Bartley has returned to Derby County following a decent loan spell with Hereford.

Earlier this week manager Paul Caddis had said it would be difficult to hold on to the defender.

“I’d like to thank Ryan for his efforts while at the club. I wish him all the very best in what I hope is a brilliant career for a fantastic person," said Caddis.

"I’d also like to thank Derby County for trusting us with one of their young players.”

Bartley was Hereford's player of the month in October.

Richardson Linked To Hereford In 2018

 

Theo Richardson, who has joined Hereford on loan today, was linked to the club in October 2018.

This from BN dated October 18th 2018

'Rising talent' Theo Richardson is set to play for Hereford this evening as they host Cinderford Town in a training match at Edgar Street, the Hereford Times reports.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper is said to have trained with Hereford last week after spending the first part of the season playing for Northern Premier League Premier Division Grantham Town.

Grantham have lost five out of their last six games including a 5-0 defeat by South Shields. Manager Ian Culverhouse then resigned on Tuesday due to 'personal reasons' having only joined the club in the summer after leaving Hereford's Southern Premier rivals King's Lynn Town.

Richardson was released by Manchester United's reserves in May after joining them towards the end of the 2016/17 season from Leeds United and is represented by Oakmont Black Sports agency, which also represents Jordan Cullinane-Liburd and Jamie Bird.

The other two keepers who had brief spells at Hereford pre-season, Dean Lyness and Jahquil Hill, are also with the same agency.

 

Later it was confirmed by manager Marc Richards that Richardson had started the 'training match'.

 

At the time regular keeper Martin Horsell was injured. 

Richardson Comes In For Donaghy

Picture from AFC Fylde

Hereford manager Paul Caddis has brought in goalkeeper Theo Robinson as Tom Donaghy has returned to Fleetwood.

This from AFC Fylde:

AFC Fylde can confirm that goalkeeper Theo Richardson has left Mill Farm to join Hereford on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

Richardson has started five games this campaign, including the opening day victory over Solihull Moors.

He joins Hereford who are sitting in ninth place in the National League North, just one point outside the play off spots.

Hereford manager Paul Caddis spoke about his new player.

“After the news of Tom leaving us, it was important we found a replacement we see as a longer term position for us. Theo had offers from the league above but he pinpointed the fact he wanted to come to a club under our management and to play in front of our well supported club.

“We are signing a goalkeeper who has played over 60 games in the league above and 40 plus of them coming only last season. I believe Theo is a brilliant signing for us and one we are looking forward to working with for the remainder of the season.”

Donaghy Returns To Fleetwood

 

Goalkeeper Tom Donaghy's loan spell at Edgar Street has come to an end and he has returned to Fleetwood.

'Short and sweet,' he tweeted.

'Been a pleasure. 

'Wish nothing but the best for the club moving forward and hopefully they get back to where they belong.'

Hereford manager Paul Caddis thanked Donaghy.

“Tom came in at a time when we needed a goalkeeper due to Chappy getting injured. 

"He goes back to Fleetwood with our best wishes and huge thanks and gratitude for his commitment he showed us. 

"We wish Tom all the best for his future career.” 

South Shields - Match Postponed

This from South Shields:

'Unfortunately, the pitch inspection has been concluded and it has been decided that tomorrow’s fixture cannot go ahead.

'Any tickets that have been purchased will be valid for the rearranged game.'

Good decision given the forecast. 

It has been taken early enough to stop the Hereford team bus leaving Edgar Street. 

Pitch Inspection At South Shields

 

There will be a pitch inspection at South Shields at lunchtime ahead of tomorrow's game against Hereford.

This from South Shields.

'Due to current weather conditions, a precautionary pitch inspection has been planned to take place today at lunchtime.'

Hereford's team are due to travel north later today so ideally if there is a doubt about the pitch then best call it off before they leave. 

Bulls News Prediction League: standings after match 29

The Bulls News Prediction League table has been updated after the 2-1 defeat at Leamington on New Year's Day.

With 109 predictions submitted, only six went for a loss. Some 85 went for a win and 18 for a draw.

It's a maximum 10 points for NewentBull, The Tromboncinos, and Sisyphus who correctly predicted the 2-1 defeat.

See the updated table below, click read more if you cannot see it.

Next up is South Shields away on Saturday.

Be sure to email your username and prediction to bnpredictions@outlook.com by 2pm on Saturday.

Second Half Pictures Leamington v Hereford

A selection of pictures from the second half of yesterday's game at Leamington.

 

First Half Pictures Leamington v Hereford

A selection of pictures from the first half of yesterday's game at Leamington. 

Yellow Card For Lewis Hudson

Chance For Jason Cowley

Highlights From Leamington v Hereford

 

Highlights from yesterday's National North League game between Leamington and Hereford are available to watch.

Please go to: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/highlights-leamington-2-1-hereford/

Speculate To Accumulate?

It’s the longest trip of the season for Hereford FC on Saturday as they travel up to full-time South Shields, a 550ish-mile round trip. The only remotely southerly thing about South Shields is that it’s not North Shields. Having said that, the forecast is OK – a balmy four degrees, which you’d take in early January. In fact, that’s warmer than the forecast for Hereford, so if you’re looking for a new year getaway to winter warmth, what better option than a long weekend on Tyneside, taking in the game? The Mariners should provide a properly stern test for Paul Caddis and his squad, before a hectic festive glut of fixtures starts to settle back into something a little more sane.

Paul Blackett ended up as the division’s top scorer with 30 goals last season. He’s got 14 already in 2024/25 and is therefore on course for another 30-goal season. Some achievement. He’s been on the cusp of a five-yellows one-match suspension for a few weeks, but doesn’t look to have done anything too dastardly over Christmas, at least on the football pitch, and should therefore start here. Partly due to that centre forward’s contribution, they’ve scored more goals than anyone else in the division at home, with a big chunk of those goals coming in a recent 7-0 demolition of Rushall, who played much of the game with ten men after ex-Bull Nathan Cameron was sent off. Blackett got three of them.

They tend to profit from repeatedly bringing Gateshead players in on loan. The latest in a string of Heed loanees is right winger Tom Allan. He’s scored three times since arriving last month, which is loosely comparable with what Hereford have collectively scored in a similar timeframe.

Five of their seven midfielders have beards. That may or may not have a relevance in terms of the outcome of this game. Actually, it probably won’t will it, it’s just fashion. If it was the 1980s, five of them would have really, really appalling haircuts.

The tactics last season home and away against the Mariners involved sitting back and allowing them as much possession as they wanted in front of banks of defensively-minded but hard-pressing Bulls. That worked well in a 0-0 draw up there but not so well at home, when Shields outplayed the hosts and eased to a 3-0 win. Contrastingly, the Bulls were bolder in the opening game of this season, running out 3-0 winners, with Tate Campbell providing arguably the assist of the season for Yusifu Ceesay to sweep home the third goal.

Given that the onus will be on the hosts to make the running here, it could be that a surrendering of possession and a focus on counterattacking could be the Caddis approach tactically.

Following that commanding and impressive South Shields performance at Edgar Street last season, it was baffling that the full-timers didn’t then go on to be right up in the top three by the end of the season. Instead they finished a point outside the play-offs. This season, they currently sit in 12^th place, a point behind Hereford having played a game more. That looks like underachievement given the funding that affords them their full-time status.

After an indifferent start to the season, they’ve picked up a bit of late, but on New Year’s Day they lost 1-0 at home to in-form Darlington. Darlo were reportedly ‘disciplined and organised’ and set up to counterattack. It was an approach that the home side failed to break through, and is something Hereford should look to emulate. The defensive organisation that was in evidence before the Kidderminster and Leamington defeats will be needed, and no-one’s been sent off for a while now so maybe the discipline’s improving too (although there were a number of yellow cards at Leamington, with dissent seemingly still an issue, which is a bit daft really).

A last-minute penalty miss cost the Bulls a point on New Year’s Day and was a bitter pill to swallow. One point from the last three games has resulted in a slip down the table to ninth place, and is a run that will need to be arrested pronto to remain on the play-off premises.

Yusifu Ceesay missed the trip to Leamington and his absence was felt. A niggling hamstring is a concern as it’s the sort of thing that could rob him of the burst of pace he uses to get round full backs. Hopefully he’ll be back here, along with his bursts of pace and indeed his marathon runner’s energy and endurance.

Ryan Bartley’s loan spell ended on Wednesday, but efforts have been ongoing over the last fortnight to get that deal extended. If that’s not possible, at least one new loanee could be brought in at short notice to plug that gap and perhaps to inject some freshness and quality in a bid to get back to winning, and goalscoring, ways. That bumper Boxing Day payday for the club on top of an improved overall financial situation at Edgar Street may even mean that Paul Caddis is slipped a few bob to give him a little more flexibility and ambition in his recruitment. Reliable sources suggest to me that Paul Blackett, for instance, has a passion for beef, cider and Shobdon – offer him all three and he’d happily relocate, I’m sure.

You can understand that the disparity between Hereford and Kidderminster is a result of the £3.5m the Harriers chairman pumps into his club each season (£3.5m that didn’t prevent them losing at home to Rushall on New Year’s Day). To be much of a muchness with Leamington though given that they don’t have that subsidy and Hereford do have ‘an EFL-level fanbase’, contributing EFL-level money every home game through the turnstiles, is frustrating. I should say that I’m in no way advocating against fiscal prudence here. It should be a badge of honour to act sensibly in a footballing world of reckless financial insanity, but Leamington don’t get 5,000 gates. They get 500 gates.

It would feel like a good time to play South Shields if the Bulls weren’t themselves in a bit of a mini-slump, but nicking this before going into the rest of the January fixtures (all four of which are winnable with a capital W) will work wonders in making Christmas a distant memory, as it’s been a right old pudding football-wise.

COYW