20 years ago this week Hereford United were desparate for cash and so were pleased to sell Gavin Mahon to Brentford.
Here's a look back to November 1998
YOUNG ace Gavin Mahon will next week complete a dream move into the
Football League - and ensure cash-strapped Hereford United's immediate
survival reports the Sports Argus.
The Bulls and Third Division title-chasers Brentford have agreed a £90,000 deal for the exciting front-runner and, with Brentford concentrating on the FA Cup this week, he is expected to sign after the weekend.
Hereford will receive £50,000 up-front plus another £40,000 based on first team games as well as a share of any sell-on fee.
But director of football Graham Turner had already been able to add to his own squad to sign midfielder Wayne Dyer from Walsall, while he is still tracking Hednesford Town fullback Kevin Collins.
Turner had last month been forced to sell Richard Walker to Cheltenham Town to pay imminent debts.
But he stresses that the Mahon deal is not only right financially for the Bulls - but also to further the career of a player he believes can play much higher still.
"From a financial point of view, we need the cash. The money will ease the pressure for the rest of the season," he said.
"But having persuaded Gavin to join us despite competition from Port Vale and Watford we've made it clear we've wanted to help him progress.
"It's important for Hereford that we build a reputation as a club that gives youngsters their chance and provides the platform for them to move.
"Gavin has done that. I wouldn't be surprised if he is at Brentford for a couple of seasons and then moves higher again."
Indeed First Division Norwich have been monitoring Mahon, and had wanted to take him for a trial spell.
Mahon had joined Hereford from Wolves after being freed in 1996. After making 12 appearances in his first season, he was an ever-present last term and ended as the supporters' player of the year.
Meanwhile, Dyer's arrival is likely to be the first of a couple of new additions as Turner looks to get the team back on the promotion track.
The 20-year-old former Blues trainee, who had been at Walsall at the start of the season, caught the eye in reserve action and Turner believes he could be one to watch.
Turner also has not given up hope that he can sign the experienced Collins from Hednesford. Though the Pitmen have given him a free transfer, league rules mean they can demand a fee if he moves to another Conference club.
Collins, who played for Hereford's reserves in midweek, is keen to join though Turner reiterated that they would not be able to afford to pay for the 34-year-old.
The Bulls and Third Division title-chasers Brentford have agreed a £90,000 deal for the exciting front-runner and, with Brentford concentrating on the FA Cup this week, he is expected to sign after the weekend.
Hereford will receive £50,000 up-front plus another £40,000 based on first team games as well as a share of any sell-on fee.
But director of football Graham Turner had already been able to add to his own squad to sign midfielder Wayne Dyer from Walsall, while he is still tracking Hednesford Town fullback Kevin Collins.
Turner had last month been forced to sell Richard Walker to Cheltenham Town to pay imminent debts.
But he stresses that the Mahon deal is not only right financially for the Bulls - but also to further the career of a player he believes can play much higher still.
"From a financial point of view, we need the cash. The money will ease the pressure for the rest of the season," he said.
"But having persuaded Gavin to join us despite competition from Port Vale and Watford we've made it clear we've wanted to help him progress.
"It's important for Hereford that we build a reputation as a club that gives youngsters their chance and provides the platform for them to move.
"Gavin has done that. I wouldn't be surprised if he is at Brentford for a couple of seasons and then moves higher again."
Indeed First Division Norwich have been monitoring Mahon, and had wanted to take him for a trial spell.
Mahon had joined Hereford from Wolves after being freed in 1996. After making 12 appearances in his first season, he was an ever-present last term and ended as the supporters' player of the year.
Meanwhile, Dyer's arrival is likely to be the first of a couple of new additions as Turner looks to get the team back on the promotion track.
The 20-year-old former Blues trainee, who had been at Walsall at the start of the season, caught the eye in reserve action and Turner believes he could be one to watch.
Turner also has not given up hope that he can sign the experienced Collins from Hednesford. Though the Pitmen have given him a free transfer, league rules mean they can demand a fee if he moves to another Conference club.
Collins, who played for Hereford's reserves in midweek, is keen to join though Turner reiterated that they would not be able to afford to pay for the 34-year-old.