HUISA's Fifth Newsletter From 1997

From the archives BN continues its series featuring the first HUISA newsletters from 1997. Here's letter number five written in late September.

Welcome to yet another tale of woe. Smile though your heart is breaking..........

A particular welcome to all those who have joined HUISA in recent weeks. Membership is now a very healthy 130 and rising on a daily basis. If you know anybody out there who hasn't joined yet, but who loves the Club, tell them to contact us!!

SHARES: HUISA has received an offer from 2 of its members (who wish to remain anonymous at this point) to bid for these shares and to meet the costs in full. Whilst the shares would need to be held in their company's name and not HUISA's, they have promised to consult the association on any decision affecting the Club, that requires shareholders involvement. In addition they have promised to give HUISA first option to purchase the shares, should they decide to sell them at a later date. I believe this to be a fair offer. If any member objects to this approach, would they please let me or any other co-ordinator know ASAP.

Liaison Committee

The latest Liaison Committee meeting with Graham Turner took place at Edgar Street on 11th September. Whatever you might think of GT as a manager, few could criticise him for ducking his responsibilities to the fans. I can think of many a manager (including those that we have had in the recent past) who would not have wanted to sit and talk, direct to fans, after the start we have made to the season. That said the following is a summary of the issues discussed:

GT said that we needed two or three experienced players as a matter of some urgency. Agana is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks and his first priority therefore was a striker, as Grayson and Foster have shown that they are not the "ideal" partnership up front. At the time he said that he saw no chance of getting someone in before the Northwich game; Milner only became available on Friday! He has spoken to Darren Beckford, but he appears to be going to Rushden and Diamonds (they've obviously rumbled the Donkey).

Beyond that, he was looking to get an experienced keeper in, which given that 6 from 11 goals were directly attributable to GK error prior to Northwich (now 7 from 13), hardly came as surprising news. GT was at a loss to explain the "loss of form" of both keepers so far this season. Whilst neither DeBont nor Macca, have looked world beaters in the past, I cannot them making the sort of basic errors we have seen so far this season, at least not on such a consistent basis. If I were them I'd start looking at the Situations Vacant column! Charles West who had such a good game at Gloucester pre-season, is not to be offered a contract; GT says simply that he's not good enough at present. Whilst not given that much to do, Mark Gayle, on loan from Crewe, (see below) looked much more the part against Kettering.

GT is also looking for an experienced Midfield player and Centre Half, but is having trouble prising players away from other clubs so early in the season, even when they are now in the first team. He has also given Telford the 7 days notice required, before he can approach their 20 year old non-contract centre half, James Bentley. An ex Man City "player", GT has likened him to Nigel Pearson and is hopeful that he will sign.

The new players, will take GT further over the "football budget" he has been set by the Board, but he is not being restricted in his actions as yet! The obvious conclusion is however that the peripheral squad members, particularly those who do not have contracts for the season, will be on their way in the near future. GT told us that Cook and Warner are now prepared to sign contracts, but that he is not!

The main part of the meeting however was devoted to Team performances so far this season. GT was quizzed on motivation, commitment, tactics and the use of substitutes. On the first two he could only say that he and his backroom staff were working as hard as they could, on these aspects with the players. He does not believe that they lack either motivation or commitment, but did call into question the character of some of them, when they cross the white line on a Saturday. He accepted that a number had "hidden" in some of the games to date, although he suggested that this might be because we had so often been chasing the game from early on (back to the GK errors). The players have been in several times for extra training on Sundays!

On tactics he made it clear that he was telling the players to play it on the floor unless in trouble at the back, when a visit to Row Z is called for. He showed us several examples on video and in charts he had prepared, of what the Team had practised doing in training and what exactly happen on the pitch. Some are either incredibly stupid or let fear get the better of them! We informed him that Brian McGorry and Jamie Pitman had presented different versions of his tactical requirements, at the Hayes game and he promised to speak to Jamie!

We also referred to the abuse given to the fans by Hargreaves (and others) at the Hayes game, and stated that this was, in our view, unacceptable. It was pointed out that the fans, owe the players nothing, and given the support shown this and indeed every other season, this it is very much a case of the reverse being true. GT agreed and said he would speak to the players concerned.

It was further pointed out to him also that his personal support had suffered from the poor showing so far this season. We estimated that having been at about 95% before the start of the season, it was now down to about 50%. He was asked whether he would consider going if the fans turned against him completely. His reply was that if he could see a change in fortunes over say 2-3 weeks he might try to "dog it out". As soon as he felt he could not get through to the players and that the fans no longer wanted him at the Club, he would go, without being pushed.

One final thing from the meeting. The Club has cancelled its BUPA medical insurance for the players, which was costing �k per year. Its now pay as you go (so don't expect to see Tony James back here again) and the Surgeons at the Nuffield Hospital are even giving us reduced rates to help the Club, which warrants them an honourable mention in despatches I think.

Next Liaison Committee Meeting: Monday 6th October 1997. Especially so Andy Boyle can have an evening off from the Ante Natal Classes. As before if you want us to raise any issues with GT, just contact any co-ordinator.

MEMBERS MEETING - 13th September 1997

Held before the Northwich game, the attendance was a disappointing 30+. HUISA is an association for its members, but it needs its members to get off their bums and get involved. So unless you've got a letter from your mum, we expect to see you next time! The following is a quick summary of the main points. (All those there, got the gist of the Liaison meeting only two days after it had happened!).

Letter to Peter Hill: PH has responded to the letter we sent him following the first members meeting. He says we can go to Morecambe and nobody at the Club has said anything derogatory about the fans (Bill Adamson has however already admitted saying "something" in a telephone conversation with me). He blames the Police entirely for the cock up over the Cheltenham KO time and refuses to acknowledge our request for compensation for season ticket holders (sorry to shock you with that). He will reconsider the position of the Fans representative to the Board of Directors, when hell freezes over and he won't give Keith Hall his job back because the Police and Adamson won't let him. All in all a very worthwhile exercise. Oh yes he did like our idea about the Herefordshire Senior Cup and promised to be nicer to sponsors in future. I have put a fuller response to the letter in Talking Bull, to show people that HUISA is active and as a means of encouraging new members to join us.

Hereford Times: The extent of their sponsorship with the Club is a princely �00. No wonder they didn't give the figure in their response to our letter.

The 5 Herefordshire Businessmen: I had a meeting with Alistair McHarg, on 11th September. There are no Jack Walkers, amongst the group, but they are all passionate and committed to the Club. They don't like what has been happening and want to get involved, to put things right. They see this taking at least 5 years (its taken us 20 to get here, so I think that's probably fair). They remain to be convinced on re-location and have seen sight of no business plan which supports the line taken by the current Board. They want to involve fans, repair relations with the local business community and get the local authority behind the Club (this sounds awfully familiar to me - isn't it what the fans have been saying for years???). They want up to 9 people on the Board with no one individual serving for more than three, including the Chairman (new blood/new ideas and all that). They want to re-instate the Supporters Club and have income generation plans for that and the Carlsberg Suite.

I wish they were Jack Walker's long lost sons (all of them) but they still sound light years ahead of what we have at present.

Social Evenings: Phil Hales has organised a Social Evening (piss up) at the Bridgend Inn, Howey, Llandrindod Wells (in God's chosen country - and don't forget your passports). He has got a function room, meal, entertainment including a singer and Karaoke machine chap (well I didn't know what else to call him), all donated free of charge. The tickets cost just �50 and he is laying on a bus (cost about �4) for those who want to travel from Hereford (picking up at the Ground). GT has promised that a "Club Personality" will attend to draw the raffle. All profits from the night go to the Supporters Fund.

Please support the evening and personally I believe that Phil deserves a drink from all of us for his efforts, although I suspect that Janet would prefer it, if they were not all brought at the same time!! The date - Friday 17th October 1997 [Saturday 18 = Southport (H)]. Tickets are available from Phil or any HUISA co-ordinator.

Lottery Syndicate: Another great idea from that "One Man Crowd" (as he has been described) Billy Bollox. On the day however this was a really fun discussion and I will admit to getting somewhat confused. I think we agreed that this Newsletter would include a standing order form, for all those interested in being part of the syndicate, to complete. This is attached. Please complete the relevant sections, relating to your account (if you don't bank with Barclays cross out the "20", in first section of the sort code and insert the appropriate numbers) and sign.

We will fill in the Beneficiary Details, i.e. the Supporters Fund, on return (by end October please). We will enter the first draw, as soon as possible thereafter. Before we enter any draw however (or put your S/O forms through), we will come back to all those who return them, with a formal agreement, for all members of the syndicate to sign. (Trust me I'm a doctor).

The cost will be �33 per month and I also think we agreed that prizes from 5 balls or less would come to the Supporters Fund, but that 5 plus the bonus ball and above would be split 50/50 between HUISA and the syndicate members. I may have got this completely wrong, as I have something about a questionnaire and options written down I my notes and even a reference to the Irish Lottery. If I have, can somebody let me know. I hop this is enough for now however. For those who don't want to do a S/O, cheques are fine but they must be received before we start (and for subsequent draws) or we won't be able to play your line for that week(s).

Beating Bollox: A reminder that Billy Bollox, now runs his Matchday Quiz from the Carlsberg Suite, before every home game. So far he's made � for the Supporters Fund. Please support him - its good fun (even though I think I've yet to get a question right!) and he deserves it, for all his efforts on our behalf. Bollox plans to run a super version of his quiz before Christmas. The questions will be sent out with the next Newsletter.

Police Meeting: We have written to the Hereford Police asking for a meeting and we await their reply.

Council Meeting: Ditto!

HUISA Constitution: With the help of Pete Banks and young Gareth, we have drawn up a draft constitution for HUISA, as requested at the meeting. This is attached and is one of the reasons why the envelope, is a wee bit bulky this time. I stress that it is a draft and your comments and suggested amendments are invited. These will be discussed at the next Members meeting, where I would hope that we can agree whatever form of words, members want.

Membership Cards: God and printers willing these should be available in time for the next Members meeting.

Donation Level: I have said enough about this in past newsletters. Currently donations stand at �8.50, from 51 members (and JOB has donated his Matchday Quiz prize). Membership is 130 (as at 24/9/97). Membership fees have been received from 34 members.

HUISA cannot and will not prosper until or unless ALL members do their bit! End of sermon. I will leave it to your conscience.

This Newsletter was brought to you courtesy of the above members and their donations and fees.

Next Members Meeting: Saturday 18th October, at 12.00pm [Southport (H)]. Venue as before, The Richmond Place Club, on Edgar Street. Please try and attend.

FANS FORUM

Another successful FF was held on 18th September, at Reg's pub in Malvern. Attended by GT and about 50+ supporters, a good time was had by all. Thanks again Reg, a marvellous effort which raised �0+ on the night for the youth team. Issues to come out of the night:

Mark Gayle (ex Walsall amongst others) 6'2" keeper has been signed on loan from Crewe, initially for a month, but possibly longer. As Liverpool have been looking at him don't expect it to become permanent. DeBont has been put on the list, (would you buy him?) He was also fined for his last minute withdrawal from the Northwich Game. I don't think GT was best pleased. "Loss of Bottle" was mentioned!

If Gareth Davies does go to Crewe for the reported �0k, then we get only �, which is in any event owed to Steve "Chalky" White.

If he does decide to sign Milner, GT might need � from the supporters. If you have any ideas...... Actually HUISA may be some way toward this, after the Golf Day and Social Evening, but whether we should use the funds in this way, is open to debate. What do you think? A subject for discussion on 18th October?

GT confirmed that the Club do scout the local leagues including the League of Wales (but not the Abergavenny Thursdays Mike, 'cos they are crap). He said that if any supporter passed the name of a potential player on, the Club would take a look, so if the next Alan Shearer is playing for your pub/school/prison side please let him know!!

We are probably going to stick with 442 for the rest of the season. When Norts is fit again, he may well end up being McGorry's midfield partner.

The scouts are still looking at Hargreaves, but they're not sure he's the right man to take them on their Easter Camp (sorry to those who heard that joke in 1975).

Foster was not the nominated penalty taker for the Northwich game. Grayson was. Both have been bollocked. Grayson will take the penalties from now on.

We asked GT for a FF with the players. Three or four (probably) from a list of Brough/Hargreaves/ Norts/McGorry/Agana and Grayson. With Foster taking the penalties. This has now been arranged for Monday 13th October in the Carlsberg Suite, at 7.30pm. Questions as before to any co-ordinator. (I will not be phoning you!!).

Bulmers: Steve Harris has been working on George Thomas and we may have some good news in the near future. Before anybody gets carried away with the idea that they are about to pump millions in - don't. But we may get some small support for HUISA, which is at least a start. Thanks for your efforts Steve.

Yet Another Property Developer: HUISA has been approached by one David Williams, who also has relocation plans, for the Club. His are based on a site at Rotherwas and include (require) the relocation of the Cattle Market, as well as the Football Club (not the same site). It is good to know that there are other options out there and that HUISA is being recognised, as representing the fans interests. It is fair to say however that Mr Williams plans, are some way off completion and require a considerable amount of further work on his part. He has agreed however to keep HUISA informed of developments, which of course, we will pass onto all members as soon as we get them.

And Finally (as they say on News at 10): The majority of HUISA members will have received correspondence from Meadowender, criticising me for certain actions undertaken, on behalf of the Association. I do not intend to respond to them in this Newsletter, (to save on photocopying costs!), but as he has also seen fit to publish them in Talking Bull, I have been compelled to put my side of the argument, in a counter article (over 700 fans buy and read TB). I apologise to HUISA members for dragging them and the Association into this rather pointless bickering, but I do not believe that my actions, which were undertaken on behalf of the Association and together with the other co-ordinators, warranted the response and level of personal abuse it has generated, from Meadowender.


BACK THE BULLS - BACK TO THE LEAGUE
MIKE "GFB" QUARRELL

HUISA CO-ORDINATOR AND PERSONALITY CULT

24th SEPTEMBER 1997

STOP PRESS.....STOP PRESS.....STOP PRESS.....STOP PRESS.....STOP PRESS.....

Golf Day: Stand up Richard Hemmings. Thanks to his efforts, the Golf Day was a great success and raised approximately, �0 for the Supporters Fund. Final figures and a full list of sponsors who have helped HUISA on this occasion, will be included in the next Newsletter.

Balls to Turner (that's what I say!): GT has asked whether HUISA will consider purchasing 20 of the Spalding Match Balls the Club are required to use this season. Apparently, and not to put too fine a point on it, they are crap and don't last anything like as long through training, as did the Mitre balls, the Club used last year. They absorb water and go out of shape very quickly (sounds familiar!) Price? About � each, so the total cost will be about �0. If any member has an objection to HUISA using its funds for this, then please let us know ASAP!

GFB (still a cult)

26th September 1997

---