Yesterday the Hereford United manager told the press after yet another defeat that he will say something about the future at Edgar Street in the next week or so. He's not sounded as solemn in an interview for a long time.
It's nearly eight years since Graham Turner felt he couldn't continue as manager of Hereford United. The circumstances off the pitch were much different in those days but it probably was the poor performances on the pitch that made up his mind to quit the job, temporarily.
It was a warm September Saturday afternoon. Hereford United had travelled to Hayes. However nothing went right on the pitch and the Bulls were soundly defeated 4-1.
Total humiliation was the result for the travelling Hereford United faithful as their side crashed 4-1 to bottom club Hayes in the Nationwide Conference.
The result leaves the future of the club in the balance with many fans finally fed up with poor performances and disappointing results. An announcement about the direction of Hereford United is expected early next week. The Bulls have dropped to fifteenth in the Nationwide Conference. reported hu-fc.co.uk
Two days later the following press release was put out by the club:
Following a disappointing start to the season, Graham Turner has decided to relinquish all involvement in Team Matters. He has been unable to devote as much time as is necessary to the playing side of the club, and therefore feels it is inappropriate to continue.
Coach Phil Robinson will take charge of the team for tomorrow's match against Farnborough.
The following day Turner said why he had come to his decision.
"The biggest problem is that I have not been too involved in the day-to-day coaching this season," he said. "I've had one or two disciplinary problems and the players probably see me as this big ogre that shouts a lot and rarely gets involved. After Saturday's performance I thought it was best if I relinquished control of the playing side.
"The truth is I've been trying to wear too many hats during what has been a crucial period for the club.
United are in desparate financial difficulties and Turner finds himself overworked. "It's a difficult job just keeping the club alive and at times we have been in absolute despair wondering where the next lot of money was coming from to pay the wages."
Anyone wanting Turner's majority shareholding could have them as he remained a football man, but he doubted if anyone would step in. "There's no fun sitting round a boardroom table discussing tax and VAT when you are a football man," he said.
The new manager, for the next two games at least, is Phil Robinson, who is also a player. Tonight, the Bulls are at Edgar Street against Farnborough Town and Robinson said: "Everybody is disappointed and feels a little responsible - and rightly so. I am just hoping for a positive response from the players.
"I've had a chat with them and everybody is fully behind me and I just want to see if that shows on the field. Sometimes something like this can spark a response from players and that is what I'm hoping we will get."
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Marine At Edgar Street On Saturday 9th November At 3.00pm