The first HUISA newsletter was written on June 19th 1997.
It gives a good insight into what was uppermost in their minds just after Hereford United had dropped out of the Football League.
WELCOME to what we hope will be the first in a regular series of newsletters issued on behalf of HUISA, to all members. The purpose is simply to give you all a regular update, on what is (or is not as the case may be) happening at the Club.
Up front I must say that this is not intended to be a replacement or competition for Talking Bull, which I for one, hope will continue and flourish even whilst we are in the f***ing Conference. I hope that all of you reading this will continue to contribute to, buy and read TB; KEEP THE FAITH!!
OK down to business. Members of HUISA together with representatives from the Supporters Club met with Graham Turner at Edgar Street on Tuesday Evening (17th June). This was the second in what will be a regular series of "liaison" meetings with GT - the next is on 2nd July. The following subjects were discussed.
Player Update:
Tony Agana - GT to meet 19/6/97 - there remain some financial differences to resolve but he is under contract. We told GT that Agana is regarded as a key player for 97/98.
Foster/Williams. Both are still considering the Club's offers. Williams is on the available list circulated by the PFA. No interest in either as yet from other Clubs.
Hargreaves - Chesterfield might be interested. Bite, hand and off immediately spring to mind.
GT was due to talk to Derek Mountfield on 18/6/97. Dennison has gone to Hednesford. Hunt (Notts County) to Northampton and Naylor (Telford) to the Slops.
Cook and Warner have still to agree terms for next season.
Current "agreed" squad is: DeBont, Mackenzie (non-contract), Norts, Matthewson, Fishlock, Pitman, Mahon, McGorry, Ian Foster, Jordan and Shakey (I think). All together now.........
GM VAUXHALL CONFERENCE: This now kicks off on 16thAugust and not the 9th. Fixtures will be available by mid-July - published by The Disney Corporation!!!!
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
25thJuly - Sloppy Town (H)
27thJuly - Stoke City (H)
29thJuly - Gloucester City (A)
2ndAugust - Oxford United (H)
6thAugust - Newport County (A)
9thAugust - TBA (Poss. West Midlands Police) (H)
FANS FORUM: The next Fans Forum will be in the Carlsberg Suite on 16thJuly 1997 at 7.30pm. Questions to me please as soon as possible.
OPEN DAY: GT is looking to hold an Open Day, possibly on the Sunday before the Season starts. Ideas for events are welcome. There may be a new away shirt available on the day. This is likely to be a red/black quartered design, which was the HUISA members preferred choice, from the selection offered by the Club. They admit that the blue/white effort was not a popular choice (now I wonder why???).
NEW STADIUM: A very polished presentation was given by David Dawe, the Architect associated with the Planning Application submitted by Bristol Stadiums Ltd and the Club. It meets all required Govt. Planning Policy Guidelines and is impressive to look at in the designs and artists impressions. The Company are confident of approval although it was stated that the support of Fans was critical. There remain financial concerns associated with the relocation (i.e. how much money will find its way to the Team and how much will go "elsewhere") which Mr. Dawe obviously could not answer. Peter Hill and Robin Fry (ex. MD of HUFC in case you forgot) have agreed to come to a special meeting of the "Liaison" Committee on 24thJune to answer our questions (??????). We might in due course be looking to put together some form of petition to the Council.
GOLF DAY: HUISA is looking to organise a Golf Day at the Herefordshire Golf Club in September. The purpose is to raise funds for GT and the playing side of the Club. Any ideas, possible sponsorship, prizes for a Raffle or help on the day would be appreciated. Please contact me.
SUPPORTERS CLUB: The call for volunteers made in the local press, for help with getting the Supports Club re-furbished, drew a great fat zero response. Where has all the enthusiasm shown at the last Fans Forum gone? Answers on a postcard please!!! We are now looking at improving the Carlsberg Suite - more news when it is available.
SEASON TICKETS: Sales are (not surprisingly) some 50% down on last year. The Club need the money now (i.e. mid-Summer) more than at any other time, so if you are thinking of buying one then please do it now, if you can afford to!!
SPALDING CUP: We have a bye in the first round. Yes I know deal and big immediately spring to mind but I am trying to fill the page!!
BACK THE BULLS - BACK TO THE LEAGUE
MIKE "GFB" QUARRELL
HUISA CO-ORDINATOR AND FAT BLOKE
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Scarborough In The League At Edgar Street On Tuesday 19th November At 7.45pm