Richard Rose at Hereford United

Although his release was not unexpected, Richard Rose has been a good servant to Hereford United whom he joined five years ago.

Best described as a utility player, Rose could play in every position bar striker. And although he never played in goal in a match, he was touted as a sub should the unexpected happen.

Rose joined the Bulls from Gillingham along with John Wallis in the summer of 2006.

First news that Rose might join came on June 19th.

Two of the players Graham Turner is believed to be talking to are Jon Wallis and Richard Rose. Both were released by Gillingham last month.

Both players will know Dean Beckwith and Bulls physio Wayne Jones.

Rose first appeared for the Bulls in their 10-0 win at Ludlow.

BN soon noted Rose's ability during a friendly at Forest Green on July 25th.

Richard Rose also impressed with his strong tackling and versatality to play in more than one position.

Rose pictured at the 2006 Open Day

His first league appearance for Hereford was on August 5th at Stockport. The game was the Bulls first back in the League and they returned to Edgar Street with a 2-0 win.

And just a week later Rose opened his account in the 2-0 home win over Chester.

Just two minutes later, and United had doubled their advantage. Man of the Match Fleetwood was again involved, as he got the assist for Rose. Purdie had began the move with a ball into Fleetwood, who turned and ran at the Chester back line, before feeding Rose who'd made a run on the overlap. He had only Danby to beat, and did so with ease as the ball rolled into the far corner for 2-0, with seventeen minutes remaining.

Rose was a regular for much of his first season with Hereford making 29 League appearances. In his second season he made 31 League starts and in that year he scored one goal. This came in the home fixture against Darlington on November 3rd.

The opener came just four minutes in for United, after Ben Smith's shot was deflected out. Easton floated a corner into the danger area, and Rose nodded powerfully past David Stockdale in front of the Meadow End.

Two weeks later Rose's ability to play anywhere was noted when he took the right back position in the goal-less FA Cup tie against Leeds United in place of Trent McClenahan who was unavailable. However later in the game central defender Karl Broadhurst was injured so Rose took his place.

In the replay Rose returned to the right back position and after Lionel Ainsworth put the Bulls ahead after just three minutes, there was plenty of work for Rose. But to defeat Leeds 1-0 is something to cherish. And he might just remember he had an injury as well.

Glynis Wright explained for BN:

After that, for a while, the visitors had a horrid, torrid time of it, especially after ‘Rosie’ was viciously clobbered, and had to go off for stitches....But once Rosie returned from the doc’s sewing class, head swathed in bandages numerous and convincing enough to land him a bit part in the Hammer Films production ‘Curse Of The Mummy’s Tomb’ had he wanted one, with parity of numbers restored, the pressure on the Bulls eased, and for the remainder of the game, Leeds were never again capable of mounting quite the same degree of threat.

Near the end of the season on April 26 the Bulls went to Brentford, won the game and gained promotion to League One.

A very happy Rose with team-mates

The following season Rose made 40 League starts during the Bulls's time in League One. There were visits to stadiums he had probably only dreamed of when joining the Bulls but otherwise it was a season to forget. Hereford United and Rose weren't good enough to compete and it was no surprise when relegation happened in April 2009.

Back in League Two with John Trewick in charge, Rose found his starts limited particularily in the first half of the season when he found himself on the bench for 18 games. In all he started just 22 League Games and didn't score for the second season running.

Then in the season just ended once again Rose found his scoring boots. His first goal came on a Tuesday evening in November when the Bulls drew with Aldershot 2-2.

On 25 minutes, McQuilkin’s resulting flag kick was glanced home by a delighted Rose.

Four days later Rose was one of the scorers in Hereford's 5-1 FA Cup win over Hythe.

Then Stuart Fleetwood expertly set up Richard Rose, revelling in his new role as a goalscorer, and he slammed the ball home with aplomb from outside the box. Hereford’s nerves were calmed with 8 minutes gone.

But perhaps the goal he will be remembered for came just two months ago at Edgar Street against Barnet.

In what was to prove a false dawn, Bulls fans had their one chance to be impressed before the second hand had completed its first 360 degree sweep. Stuart Fleetwood went to claim a ball played in from the left flank, but checked as he saw Richard Rose in prime position for an attempt on goal. Rose, fully 25 yards out, hit a tremendous shot that dipped under the bar, giving Jake Cole no chance.

Rose with team-mates celebrating his wonder goal.

He even made the League Two team of the week, the first and only time since joining the Bulls.

But despite those three goals and fourty appearances in all competitions Rose was released by manager Jamie Pitman a few days ago.

Rose was on the bench at Macclesfield last Saturday.

Speculation that he was one of the clubs highest paid players may have played a part in Pitman's decision but whatever the reasons Richard Rose will be missed at Edgar Street. A steady but un-spectactular player who made 178 starts in all competitions whilst with the Bulls and picked up just ten yellow cards in those five seasons.

---