Light at the End of the Tunnel

Continuing BN's look back at the reign of Graham Turner at Edgar Street, we've reached the 2002/03 season when the Bulls finished sixth in the Conference table.

After a clear out of players, just six retained from the previous season, manager Turner soon started to bring in fresh recruits to Hereford. First, in early June, was Ben Smith, second was Jamie Pitman but perhaps the most important signing was that of Richard O'Kelly as coach.

"He is a keen, enthusiastic man and has got a good sense of humour and I think the players so far have responded very well to him," commented Turner.

In early July manager Graham Turner brought in Andrew Tretton, John Grant and Michael Rose. Later in the month keeper Ken Griffiths, Danny Williams and Rob Purdie were signed.

At the then annual open day Turner commented on the influx of new players:

"I think it was towards the end of the season, we looked at our position, finance played a part, but I do think a big change was required, I think sometimes players need a new club, they get stale at the same place and I think supporters sometimes want to see new faces. The ones we've brought in, I think the fans will take to. Just walking round here today you talk to one or two of the supporters and already they've got favourites out of the new players, they're talking about them and their ability."

Several days later Steve Guinan signed.

The opening Conference game was at home against Farnborough. The Bulls won 2-1, both goals coming from new signing Jamie Pitman, in front of a gate of 1910. The following Tuesday a 3-1 win at the Lawn put the Bulls joint top of the league. But then came a 3-1 defeat at Gravesend.

In September the accounts for the year ending May 31 2001 were released. They showed that Hereford United had lost over £109,000 in that year after a profit of £70,000 the previous year. However the next set of figures were expected to be closer to break even.

"We know there is a sword hanging over the club in the terms that we are contracted to pay £1m plus back to the developer in May 2003," said chairman Turner. "But it all hinges on some sort of development in and around the football ground and it is part of a 26 acre site and too big a concern for the council and developers to allow us to go out of business."

Later that month there was the curious situation of the banning of Welsh flags at Edgar Street. Mascot Billy the Bull had some Welsh flags in a collection he had around the ground. Turner decided to ban the Welsh flags then changed his mind after supporters objected.

"It was politely asked for the flag to be taken down on Saturday following some complaints from our supporters," said Turner. "I think it's an issue that the club could have done without, particularly when the team has been doing so well."

United's mascot, whose real name was Darren Coates, said: "The flags are put up to represent Hereford fans who cannot attend matches. We have 14 flags altogether, from Sweden to Algeria. My own feeling is that if I could not put up the Welsh flag, then I would take them all down."

On the field the Bulls were playing well and by the beginning of October were in 5th position in the table. But then came a run of six matches from which only one point was obtained and by the end of November the Bulls were down to 10th. Then two home wins, 4-0 over Barnet and 5-0 against Woking, restored the confidence of both the players and supporters. By Christmas the Bulls were in 6th position.

However off the field there was continued uncertainty. Developers Chelverton had gone into liquidation and they owned Formsole the company that had the first lease on Edgar Street. The Richardson Brothers were reported to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

Chelverton Group Limited owns Formsole to whom the debts of Hereford United are owed. Formsole has no employees and its sole interest is in Hereford United. Formsole is not in liquidation but is one of the assets of Chelverton and so could be sold to raise money for the liquidator. Much could depend on whether the liquidator decides to sell Chelverton as a whole or split the company.

At this time Hereford United received some excellent news. Sky had agreed to televise the FA Cup Tie against Wigan on November 16th. Although the Bulls lost 1-0, the money was most welcome.

By January gates at Edgar Street were averaging over 2000 which was over 500 better than the previous twelve months. It wasn't surprising as the Bulls lost just one Conference game in the first two months of the new year. Then on March 1st a 4-0 drumming at Yeovil with both John Grant and Tony James being sent off.

"I had no complaints (about Grant), but Skiverton should have gone as well," said Turner. "I questioned the referee and he said although Skiverton had kicked a player on the ground, he did not think it was a sending-off offence and gave him a yellow card.

"We are sure Tony got something on the ball and it was a bad decision. We shall have to look at the video before deciding whether to protest."

Off the pitch it was reported that arrangements with the 'liquidators of Chelverton Group Limited and Richmond Land Ltd will be concluded very shortly which will allow Carillion and Richardsons to continue discussions with the Board of Hereford United.'

The club also attempted to close the CVA by offering creditors 5p in the pound but this was rejected by the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise.

As funds were still tight HUISA funded an overnight stay for the squad before a game at Scarborough in mid-March but the Bulls lost 1-0. Steve Guinan was the only fit striker at the club so Turner searched for a loanee.

"If the right one comes along and we can improve things, then we'll jump in with both feet," said Turner. "But at the moment, we're still working at it."

But the lack of striking options cost the Bulls a possible top three finish. Although eventually Karl Hawley and Albano Correia were recruited it was too late and the Bulls finished 6th.

More good news off the pitch came in early April. The debt repayment date had been extended.

"There are verbal reassurances from Chelverton and representatives of the Richardsons that the loan payment date will be extended until May 2005. We have not been informed in writing but the latest we have heard is that the Richardsons and Carillion, who are taking over the project, were involved in talks with the receivers," said Turner.

And the first draft of the Edgar Street Grid was published.

"We need to have commercial ventures incorporated because a professional football club cannot survive on just money taken at the turnstiles once a fortnight," commented Turner.

"The catering facilities, the toilet blocks, the turnstiles and the general condition of the ground all need to be brought into the 21st century."

By the end of the season it looked as though there was some light at the end of the long tunnel Hereford United had been in for the previous seven seasons. The developers were not pressing for re-payment of the debt, the CVA was close to be paid off, gates had risen on the back of a sixth place finish. And there was Richard O'Kelly.

"I have enjoyed my greater involvement in team affairs this season, working alongside Richard who has proven to be a good acquisition for the club," said Turner. "Having talked to Richard about the future; he has enjoyed his involvement, we do not plan to do anything different."

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