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The Price of Success
The recent departures from Edgar Street are only to be expected given the success of Hereford United last season. Conference sides now receive more publicity than in the past, especially with games being shown on Sky, and the standard of football has improved. The demolition of Dagenham by the Bulls will have been seen and talked about in many circles.
Two seasons ago, Graham Turner only retained six members of the squad and even one of those, Scott Voice, was soon off to a lower club. None of those released at that time has figured in any club in the Conference let alone a higher league since leaving the Bulls.
Nevertheless Turner, then joined by Richard O'Kelly, built up a side which was unlucky not to get into the play-offs. Brought into the side were players like Steve Guinan and Andy Tretton.
Today, just like two years ago. there are plenty of players out there looking for clubs. But this time around a position at Hereford United will command more respect after last years campaign which raised the profile of the club.
Many of the players who have recently left the club have moved on to higher clubs. Parry to Cardiff, Guinan to Cheltenham, Smith to Shrewsbury, Rose to Yeovil and coach O'Kelly to Bournmouth. How long ago is it since this number of players left to go to higher League teams?
And for the first time since the early nineties, the club is paying its way. The CVA is close to being paid off, and the bills are being paid on time.
Hereford United has to be a selling club. The extra income from transfers allows the club to function. To be able to have players to sell, they have to be improved and a club like Hereford can do this.
The signing of Craig Stanley, announced yesterday, is another player who has the potential to improve and in time be sold to another club.
Turner should be able put a side together that can mount a strong challenge again this coming season. More signings are on the way.