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Next Game: Home Against Farsley Celtic On Saturday March 23rd Kick-Off 3.00pm

Sunday, June 30, 2002

June 2002

June 2nd 2002

HEREFORD United have captured the signature of Southend United midfielder Ben Smith, according to reports.

The twenty three year old ex-Yeovil Town midfielder has joined on a one year contract, and is the Bulls' first pre-season signing. He started out as a schoolboy with Arsenal and also had a spell with Reading before joining Yeovil.

"It was a bit of a nightmare, " (last season) said Smith. "I bruised my foot in pre-season and then when I came back I tore my cartilage in training. Eventually I had an operation on it in November and starting playing for the reserves again in January. I was doing quite well and scored a few goals but then pulled my thigh muscle which ruled me out until just before the end of the season. Southend offered me a month-to-month contract but I thought that was too much of a risk with the way football's finances are at the moment. I spoke to Graham Turner and was very impressed with his plans for Hereford so I'm pleased to have signed."

Meanwhile, Rob Elmes and Jimmy Quiggin's moves to Halesowen Town have been confirmed. Richard Leadbeater, another former Hereford attacker who played last season with Nuneaton Borough, is also close to signing for the newly promoted Dr. Martens League Premier Division side.

"He gets into the box and gets on the end of things," said Yeltz boss Brendan Phillips of Elmes. "I'm delighted he has come back to the club. He scored 44 times for Hereford and is a great person to have around."

Phillips was also pleased to have finally signed midfielder Quiggin, who he had wanted when in charge at Nuneaton Borough. "He never got a consistent run when at Hereford, but has plenty of experience playing in the Conference. I can play him in midfield or wide on the right. He has plenty of goals in him and we didn't score enough last season, even though we won the league."

According to yesterday's Birmingham Post, ex-Hereford attacker Steve Piearce has agreed to sign for Hednesford Town on a two-year deal and there are some small issues to resolve before the signing is confirmed.

Hednesford manager Ian Painter suggested that Piearce will be a welcome addition to the squad and felt that the deal was as good as done.

June 4th:

THE following message was sent to the HU-FC.co.uk mail box earlier today. If you feel it is relevant, please proceed by clicking the link below.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Help us make football's future brighter.

We need your help to improve the state of youth football in England. In order to make football a safer and happier place for young people, the Football Association have invited the University of Gloucestershire to seek the views of the football public on the state of the youth game.

Full details of this research project, commissioned by Tony Pickerin at the Football Association are available from us by request, but essentially we need as many parents, young players, coaches and referees as possible to fill out our on-line survey. The results of this survey will help to shape the Football Association's policies for young people in football, and we are therefore anxious to give as many people as possible the chance to have their say.

There is an incentive (a prize draw for England World Cup shirts) for those completing the survey, which will be 'live' until mid July.

The address of the surveys is www.surveyshop.com/fa.

I do hope that you are able to assist with this survey - the first of its kind in English football.

Thank you for your time

Heather Sheridan
University of Gloucestershire

NEW Hereford United signing Ben Smith fell out of favour with Southend United and his departure was a choice between contract security or a Football League squad place.

Southend boss Rob Newman recently commented about the situation with the young midfielder. “I believe that Ben has got something to offer but he is not showing us that at the moment," said Newman. "The times he came back last year and we thought yeah he might have something, but he’s had a bad year through injury.

“With the financial constraints of this club I have to be 110% sure of the players that are going to be on long-term contracts, and when I say long-term contracts I mean a year.

“If Ben wants to be a professional footballer, for sure he’s had a couple of offers from non-league, but he is with a professional club. If he has got any confidence in his own ability then surely it might be in his interests, alright he’s currently on a month-to-month contract, but after a month to two months if in that time he shows me that he can do the business then I have said to him that I will give him a year contract. It’s down to Ben now he knows the situation, I’m not changing it, so basically it’s down to him.”

Smith chose a one-year full-time deal with Hereford instead of the risk with Southend United.

June 5th:

HEREFORD United will not be signing Telford United midfielder Gary Fitzpatrick after he signed a new contract with the Shropshire side.

The Shropshire Star report that the thirty year old has signed for Telford for another side after dismissing interest from Hereford and an unnamed Dr. Martens League side.

Telford manager Jake King said: "Gary has agreed to re-sign for us, which is terrific news. He has just had a great season and to think he will be playing for us again next season is a real shot in the arm. He is very experienced, very fit and knows all about the Conference. There was interest from Hereford United, but Gary very much enjoys playing his football with Telford and is happy here."

BEN Smith's move to Hereford United is not yet signed and sealed.

The Southend United midfielder has only verbally agreed his contract with Graham Turner, and needs to talk to Southend boss Rob Newman who has been on holiday over the past week.

It is hoped that Smith will be a Hereford United player by the end of the week.

June 6th:

HEREFORD United have confirmed that midfielder Jamie Pitman has rejoined the club after a four year absence.

Pitman, who was part of the relegated Hereford team in 1997, has signed a one-year contract with Graham Turner after playing for the Bulls between 1996 and 1998. Based in the city, the move came about after Pitman was released by Woking. He has also played for Yeovil Town and the twenty six year old played twenty one league matches in Hereford colours.

Turner told the Hereford Times of Pitman: "He works in Hereford and phoned me to say that he was struggling to get to Woking for training and he indicated his desire to come back here. Jamie can play right back, wide right or central midfield and has signed a part-time contract."

Ben Smith, who is thought to be joining Hereford, will be a superb acquisition according to boss Turner. "Ben did very well at Yeovil under Dave Webb," he said. "Technically, he is a very good player."

The Bulls have spoken to another potential signing in the Birmingham area and Turner commented: "Not all the players we are speaking to will end up at Hereford. For instance, we were hoping to sign Paul Tait from Crewe but he chose to join Bristol Rovers."

Meanwhile, there is a Supporters Direct meeting at the Richmond Club tonight, with Simon Binns in attendance. Start is at 7pm, according to the Hereford Times.

SIMON Binns from Supporters Direct was unable to attend tonight's meeting at the Richmond Club, but fifty or so turned up to discuss the next moves for the Trust.

It was agreed unanamously by a HUISA postal ballot that a trust should be formed, and it was agreed that a working party would be set up to organise the launch and constitution of the association. Eleven people were named and the party would disband on the launch date, when a new committee and working party would be set up at a meeting. The launch should be within about six weeks.

In other business, it was suggested that Graham Turner would push his Hereford United side as far as possible for next season. Whilst he felt winning the league would be a step too far, a top five place is possible and everything would be geared to achieving it. If the Football League approve the second promotion place to Division Three, a top five place would allow Hereford to reach the promotion play-offs.

June 7th:

HUISA chairman Kevin Wargen told BBC Hereford & Worcester about his delight that the setup of a supporters trust.

He said: "HUISA have taken the decision to launch a supporters trust."

The decision came after a vote of the membership, in which everyone who replied was behind the scheme. "It's the first time we've had a vote and one negative view hasn't been expressed so I'm quite pleased about that," he said. "It was 100%."

Meanwhile, any African-based Hereford United supporters are asked to contact Darren Morson regarding the formation of an African supporters club. Darren is based in Tanzania, and can be contacted by email at darrenmorson@hotmail.com.

BEN Smith has confirmed his move to Hereford United after discussions with Southend United boss Rob Newman.

The former Arsenal trainee midfielder joins Jamie Pitman as a new member of the Hereford squad, and the two know each other from their time at Yeovil.

It is also thought that Bulls boss Graham Turner is close to bringing former Wolves forward Don Goodman to Edgar Street.

The thirty six year old attacker played last season for Walsall, scoring one league goal from seven starts. He played for four years at Molineux when he was a first-team player, and also had spells with Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion, Bradford and Sanfrecce Hiroshima of Japan.

GRAHAM Turner has revealed in tonight's Evening News that offers have been made to six players.

"We have got six offers awaiting answer and that is before the PFA publishes its full list of available players," he said. "That should be a comprehensive list of every player available.

"As much as you get clubs concerned about signing players, players equally get concerned about finding a club. I've spoken to a lot of players about football matters and the ambitions of the club to find out their views on joining Hereford."

Whilst the club searches for new players, publicity surrounding its involvement in the World Cup finals continues to hit homes around the world. Ricky George, the striker of Newcastle folklore, is writing a column in the Daily Telegraph and a huge Hereford United flag was spotted behind celebrating England fans at the end of today's 1-0 win over Argentina.

June 8th:

JON Wells, the well-known Hereford United supporter, is getting on his bike again to help raise funds for the new fans consortium. He told BBC Hereford and Worcester about his travel plans.

"It follows on from last Autumn, when I did a similar ride. That time it was Lands End to John O’Groats, a sponsored ride to raise money for Hereford United and this one really follows on from that. Having done north to south I chose west to east with the wind hopefully behind me. It is 325 miles, from St Davids Head to Lowestoft.

"On average, I am hoping the whole thing will take about five days so about 65 miles a day. I am not what you call a serious cyclist but I have taken the bike out of the garage in the last six weeks and I am probably doing about a hundred miles a weeks training."

Talking of his accommodation arrangements, Wells said he would not be camping. "I will be looking for B & Bs this time - a lot less to carry on the bike. I am hoping that my wife will be able to do the trip in the car and that is fantastic physical and moral support when the going gets tough. What she normally does is to go on ahead to book the accommodation.

"If possible it would be great if someone could join me for the whole five days but if not a day or two around the Hereford area. Due to illness I had to postpone it from the jubilee weekend but I am hoping to leave on Friday July 5th finishing on Tuesday July 9th. I am hoping to arrive in Hereford on Sunday July 7th, setting out from Edgar Street about 10 o clock at the football ground. If anyone wants to join me for that part of the trip they are more than welcome. At the moment I have had about £500 pledged, but obviously as much as possible is the aim."

HU-FC.co.uk will keep you informed of Jon’s progress. Anyone wishing to sponsor and/or help can contact Jon:

Jon Wells, Primrose Cottage, Hasfield, Gloucestershire GL19 4LQ.
Tel: 07989 904617 - email: jonwells@hotmail.com

Donations may be made by cheque payable to "HUFC Bike Ride" or by bank transfer to Lloyds TSB, Bracknell, sort code 77-49-07 A/c no. 78898660

HUISA have taken the decision to launch a Supporters Trust, and association chairman Kevin Wargen spoke to BBC Hereford & Worcester before the meeting on Thursday night, although the interview was broadcast yesterday.

A vote was held to determine how the membership felt to the Trust, and the response was good. "I've been very pleased with the response, we had from the members both by the use of the P.O. Box, telephone and e-mails, etc," he said. "We managed to get as many HUISA members as we possibly could so I am very pleased with the response.

"The move tonight will be to generally accept a Supporters Trust and then look at setting up a working party with a launch date of the middle of July, hopefully. The launch will be all over Herefordshire and everybody will know what’s going on.

"The ultimate aim is to purchase some shares and to assist the club in the day-to-day running of the club and hopefully with some financial clout. Graham Turner & Joan Fennessy are currently running the club and so we will be helping them in every way. HUISA was set up to assist the club and hopefully the supporter’s trust will go along the same lines.

"We have been very pleased (with the amount of money pledged) I understand it was somewhere around £30,000 which I think is magnificent. This has just come off supporters, hopefully the Supporters Trust can reach out into the communities and attract the business community and hopefully we can get some money that we can do some real stuff with the club and assist them with securing some better players for the club.

"We also gain the support of Supporters Direct which is the most important issue of all the legal technicalities that they bring with it, setting up the trust and you do have some good background with supporters direct. Supporters Direct are on the end of the phone if you have a query. The spokesman who was coming down to the meeting was ill but I have got a phone number for him so he could be contacted if needed. He has assured me that we will always have at the end of the telephone any help we need."

GRAHAM Turner has spoken of his confidence in new signing Ben Smith.

Despite an injury hit campaign with Southend United last season, Smith was inspirational during his spell at Yeovil Town last season and Turner told the Evening News: "He always impressed me when we played against him at Yeovil, whether it was going forward or being the playmaker, both roles he did well.

"I talked to Colin Addison who rated him highly and who he did a good job for and I'm sure he can fulfil either role next season. The fact that David Webb took him from Yeovil to Southend shows just how highly he regarded him but he was just unfortunate with injuries but as far as I am aware he is over those."

Meanwhile, it's D-Day today as the Fooball League chairmen will vote at their AGM whether to accept the two-up, two-down proposal between Division Three and the Football Conference.

An improved financial package has been agreed since last year, when the vote was rejected by 69-3.

Should it be passed, the Football Conference will implement play-offs between the second and fifth teams to determine the second promoted side.

Rob Bradley, chairman of Lincoln City - who finished 22nd in Division Three this season - said: "I know two-down would have troubled us this year, but the principal is right."

Cambridge chairman Roger Hunt added: "I've always been in favour, as if you have three-up and three-down between Division One and the Premiership, you can't have restrictive practice at the bottom. We're all frightened of being relegated, but two-up, two-down is the right thing for the good of football."

The chairman of the Conference Bill King said: "We've had strong support from the Football Association."

THE Football League have confirmed that there will be two promotion places from the Nationwide Conference to Division Three next season.

The move comes after a vote at today's league AGM, when an almost unanamous vote by club chairman accepted a move which was rejected last year.

A compensation package worth £6 million over five years was the dominant factor in swaying opinions, with all 24 Division Three clubs will receive £50,000 every August for the next five years. The two promoted teams will win a £35,000 hand-out, with relegated sides receiving parachute payments.

The second promotion place will be determined on a play-off between the sides in second-fifth places in the Conference, and the deal is implemented to include next season.

Football League chief executive David Burns said: "Twelve months ago this step was rejected because of the absence of a suitable financial package. I am very glad to say that this is no longer the case and I would like to thank the Football Association for the role they have played in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion.

"I would also like to pay tribute to John Moules, the chief executive of the Nationwide Conference, for his sensible and consistent approach to negotiating and acceptable resolution. The Conference has been a national league for over 20 years with crowds now averaging over 1,500. There is no doubt that this extra promotion place will enable it to enhance and add to its appeal and this can only be good for football as a whole."

Conference chief executive John Moules said: "I am thrilled that a lot of hard work over the last few years has come to fruition and that next season we look forward to introducing play-offs for the first time.

"The champions will automatically go up and the next four clubs will go into a play-off. There will be two-legged semi-finals and a single-legged final."

But the Nationwide League were quick to point out that any club whose ground failed to meet their criteria would miss out - even if they finish as champions.

"It's the same," said League spokesman John Nagle. "In order to be promoted you have to have your ground up to scratch. The Conference have already put this into their rules and regulations which says that in order to get into the play-off and compete for the second place you have to have your ground up to scratch anyway.

"Only clubs who have their grounds up to scratch will compete in the Conference play-offs for that second place and they will be able to go for promotion. But if you look at it now, out of the 22 clubs in the Conference that's 14 or 15 now that have their grounds up to scratch. So it really is less of a problem now than it's been. There's just a few where there are still problems."

June 9th:

DAGENHAM & Redbridge chairman Dave Andrews has welcomed the move to introduce a two-up, two-down system between Division Three and the Nationwide Conference.

He said: "It's great news and gives the Conference a chance of a play-off situation for second place and it will bring in more revenue. It will keep the excitement going right up to the end of the season which can only be good for the league.

"It gives everyone a lift and keeps the latter part of the season alive for teams that are even in 10th position. It's great news for everybody so I am personally over the moon. The attendances would increase and who knows what can happen in the future?"

In 2001/02, Hereford United finished seventeenth but with five games left, they could still have finished fifth (now a play-off place).

June 11th:

THE Football Association's chief executive Adam Crozier has backed the two-up, two-down movement between Division Three and the Conference.

Crozier said from England's Awaji Island World Cup base in Japan through thefa.com: "We are happy that the great effort that the FA has put into this process has paid off. This is good news for English football at all levels and it's a real bonus for fair play too.

"A lot of hard work from a lot of different people has gone into making this happen and we're delighted to have been able to help bring about this change."

Conference chief executive John Moules said: "For the supporters of Conference clubs and clubs across the country, this landmark decision brings their dreams to fruition."

Meanwhile, Steve Piearce, the former Hereford United attacker, has confirmed his move to Hednesford Town.

The ex-Halesowen striker signed a one-year deal with the Keys Park based side yesterday.

Former Hereford goalkeeper Scott Cooksey also has aspirations to return to football, as a manager.

In an interview with this month's Grass Roots Newspaper, he said: "I suppose I'd like to work at a traditional non-League club, somewhere similar to Bromsgrove."

June 13th:

HEREFORD United have secured the services of Richard O'Kelly, who joins the club in a physiotherapy capacity.

The ex-Walsall, Grimsby Town and Port Vale striker will also undertake some coaching work at the club. Aged 45, O'Kelly lives in Sutton Coldfield and has gained much experience at West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa.

United director and company secretary Joan Fennessy said: "We are very pleased that Richard has decided to join us as a couple of Football League clubs were interested in obtaining his services. His considerable coaching and physio experience will be a big asset at Edgar Street."

Meanwhile, Hereford United have congratulated all involved in securing a second promotion place from the Conference.

In today's Hereford Times, company secretary Joan Fennessy said: "It will make a big difference in the second half of the season when 10 or more clubs are still likely to have a chance of making the play-offs until the final matches. In the last two seasons by early New Year only two or three teams had a realistic chance of winning the championship, bringing a subsequent decline in support at the other clubs."

HUISA chairman Kevin Wargen commented: "Everyone has known the previous situation was unfair and we are very pleased that justice has been done at last. Hopefully, the Bulls will be up among the top five clubs next season and we will be there at the end of the campaign battling to regain our place in the Football League."

THE new chairman of Consignia, formerly Royal Mail, has confirmed he is a Hereford United fan.

Hereford-born Allan Leighton moved away from the county at the age of three and is deputy chairman of Leeds United, but says his first love are the Bulls.

In today's Hereford Times, he said: "My grandfather lived in Bath Street so in the school holidays after we moved away from Hereford, I would go and stay with him and watch United, first in the Southern League days with Roy Evans and Brian Purcell in the team, all the way through to the Football League and back again."

Aged forty nine, Leighton continued: "My great United memory is Ronnie Radford's goal against Newcastle United. When I lived in Nottingham I remember watching Hereford lost 4-3 to Forest at the City Ground. I haven't watched Hereford for years, but I look out for the result every Saturday.

THE season's Conference fixtures have been released.

Hereford United will start with a home game against Farnborough Town and end with another Edgar Street match, against Doncaster Rovers. The Christmas/New Year double header again sees the Bulls take on Telford United.

Elsewhere local rivalries will be rekindled early in the season as United go to Forest Green on August 20th, with the return game on December 28th. September 17th will see Gavin Williams return with Yeovil Town to Edgar Street, and the Bulls host Dagenham & Redbridge on October 5th.

The full list:

Date Team Venue Score (United first)
Saturday 17th August 2002 Farnborough Town Home -
Tuesday 20th August 2002 Forest Green Rovers Away -
Saturday 24th August 2002 Gravesend & Northfleet Away -
Monday 26th August 2002 Morecambe (3pm) Home -
Saturday 31st August 2002 Nuneaton Borough Away -
Tuesday 3rd September 2002 Northwich Victoria Home -
Saturday 7th September 2002 Woking Away -
Saturday 14th September 2002 Chester City Home -
Tuesday 17th September 2002 Yeovil Town Home -
Saturday 21st September 2002 Stevenage Borough Away -
Tuesday 24th September 2002 Kettering Town Away -
Saturday 28th September 2002 Scarborough Home -
Saturday 5th October 2002 Dagenham & Redbridge Home -
Tuesday 8th October 2002 Leigh RMI Away -
Saturday 12th October 2002 Burton Albion Away -
Saturday 19th October 2002 Halifax Town Home -
Saturday 26th October 2002 FA Cup fourth qualifying round day TBA -
Saturday 2nd November 2002 Doncaster Rovers Away -
Saturday 9th November 2002 Southport Home -
Saturday 16th November 2002 FA Cup first round day TBA -
Saturday 23rd November 2002 Dagenham & Redbridge Away -
Saturday 30th November 2002 Barnet Home -
Saturday 7th December 2002 Margate (also FA Cup second round day) Away -
Saturday 14th December 2002 Woking Home -
Saturday 21st December 2002 Chester City Away -
Thursday 26th December 2002 Telford United (3pm) Away -
Saturday 28th December 2002 Forest Green Rovers Home -
Wednesday 1st January 2002 Telford United (3pm) Home -
Saturday 4th January 2003 Farnborough Town (also FA Cup third round day) Away -
Saturday 11th January 2003 FA Trophy third round day TBA
Saturday 18th January 2003 Gravesend & Northfleet Home -
Saturday 25th January 2003 Morecambe Away -
Saturday 1st February 2003 FA Trophy fourth round day TBA -
Saturday 8th February 2003 Nuneaton Borough Home -
Saturday 15th February 2003 Northwich Victoria Away -
Saturday 22nd February 2003 Stevenage Borough (also FA Trophy fifth round day) Away -
Saturday 1st March 2003 Yeovil Town Away -
Saturday 8th March 2003 Kettering Town Home -
Saturday 15th March 2003 Scarborough (also FA Trophy quarter final day) Away -
Saturday 22nd March 2003 Barnet Away -
Saturday 29th March 2003 Margate Home -
Saturday 5th April 2003 Burton Albion (also FA Trophy semi final leg one day) Home -
Saturday 12th April 2003 Halifax Town (also FA Trophy semi final leg two day) Away -
Saturday 19th April 2003 Leigh RMI Home -
Monday 21st April 2003 Southport (3pm) Away -
Saturday 26th April 2003 Doncaster Rovers Home -
Saturday 11th May 2003 FA Trophy Final TBA -

June 15th:

HEREFORD United's new physiotherapist/coach Richard O'Kelly is ready for the potentially gruelling challenge next season.

He replaced Ian Rodgerson, who left Edgar Street last month when his contract expired. Rodgerson had a busy task last season with Scott Cooksey and Scott Voice suffering from long-term injuries and others with further problems.

Club secretary Joan Fennessy told the Evening News: "He's got plenty of experience at both West Bromwich as a coach and physio and will be a great asset. He is here on a dual role and will be helping Graham out with coaching as well."

Chairman Graham Turner is due to arrive back at Edgar Street early next week after a holiday and further signings are expected though the Bulls boss is keeping possible deals close to his chest.

Fennessy meanwhile is unhappy at the prospect of having to visit Telford United on Boxing Day for the second year in a row. "Boxing Day is traditionally a big earning fixture so we have missed out again which is a little bit naughty," she said.

June 18th:

NORTHWICH Victoria midfielder Mark Devlin is attracting interest from other Nationwide Conference clubs, but Vics boss and former Hereford attacker Jimmy Quinn is hopeful the midfielder will stay.

Hereford United have been linked with the former Exeter and Stoke City schemer, but Quinn told the Northwich Guardian: "I think he wants to stay and hopefully we can sort something out."

June 20th:

NINE players are in talks with Graham Turner after the Hereford United chairman returned from holiday, according to the Hereford Times.

United secretary Joan Fennessy said: "There seems to be a feeling of optimism among the supporters and it's important now that we start signing some players. A lot of players have been released by clubs and are now on the market. Now that Graham is back from his holidays, he is striving to put together a competitive squad."

Details on moves are expected soon.

June 21st:

HEREFORD United are ready to secure the signatures of several unnamed players, according to reports surrounding the club today.

Discussions have been takng place over the past few days with players, and Graham Turner hopes to have contracts signed soon.

Any incoming players will bolster a squad of just eight players, including just one goalkeeper and one attacker. Various veteran professionals have been linked with the Bulls, but none of the links have yet come to fruition.

June 22nd:

HEREFORD United director of football Graham Turner told BBC Hereford & Worcester that offers have been made to players as he hopes to bolster an eight-man squad.

"There's still the priorities that we need a left back, a central midfield player and we need a striker," he said. "We need the squad strengthening as well. We've worked hard on strikers; a left back that we thought was going to come in, the club is asking a fee for him. Midfield player we've made offers to. We have a number of offers out to players but they want to see whether they stay in the league and it's almost a period of inactivity as far as clubs are concerned right at the moment. The league clubs have their list of priorities but are keeping others stringing along. They get their first and second choice, and the third and fourth choices are discarded and that's when they might make their minds up."

The players that Turner is after could be out of his reach, he explains.

"There's no doubt about it, we've lost one or two to league clubs and one or two to other Conference clubs and whilst there's many financial difficulties in the league with clubs going into administration and crying poverty, there doesn't seem to be any shortage of money in the Conference. Player are coming back to me and saying they can get better deals at other places and we've lost one or two that I would have liked to have brought in. It's still early yet, and players are still being paid by league clubs. The day their pay stops, the day they'll rush into doing something and we should have our full squad of players within the next week or two."

Offers have been made, and John Grant of Crewe is expected to sign within the next few days.

"We have made a definite offer to a boy called John Grant from Crewe Alexandra. He was on-loan at Northwich last season. He comes very highly recommended and we saw him play for Northwich last season. He's very quick and very mobile, just under six foot and he has accepted but right at the moment, he hasn't actually put pen to paper and sent the contract back. There's a striker, but I still need a number one striker. We've been looking at big lads; one boy Paul Tait I thought we were a long way down the line with him but we lost him to Bristol Rovers. These are the sort of calibre of players that we start off with and if they get better offers, we have to set our sights a little bit lower."

Of the new signings made already, Turner thought Ben Smith has great potential. "Unfortunately, Ben has a series of injuries whilst at Southend and never made any sort of impact," said Turner. "At Yeovil, he was a very, very good midfield player whether being the playmaker or getting forward. I thought it was an opportunity to get him."

"Jamie Pitman made an approach to me," he explained. "He still lives and works in the city and asked if we were interested. I looked at Jamie's record and how well he's done in the Conference at different times and thought it's worth taking a chance with him. He's an experienced player and has played in a variety of positions and I'm sure he's capable of doing a good job with us."

June 24th:

HEREFORD United are close to, but have not yet completed, signing striker John Grant from Crewe Alexandra.

The twenty one year old was released from Gresty Road at the end of last season, and Turner told the official Crewe website: "He comes very highly recommended and we saw him play for Northwich last season.

"He's very quick and very mobile. He he has accepted our offer, but right at the moment he hasn't actually put pen to paper and sent the contract back."

Elsewhere, it appears that the Bulls will not have a reserve team next season. Several sides have withdrawn from the Central Conference and it is unlikely that the competition will run for the 2002/03 season, leaving United without a league. However, a small squad will be unable to cope with the rigours of reserve matches as well as first team games and at £250 per match, it is not viable to host such games at Edgar Street.

The youth team is likely to continue in some form. It is thought that the deal with North Birmingham College has been terminated, but the Bulls are likely to be based in Pershore and remain in the Midland Floodlit Youth League for the new campaign.

Finally, ex-Hereford United player Roy Jordan has moved from Kington Town to Westfields after scoring for Kington against the Hereford-based side in the Herefordshire Football Association Challenge Cup Final on Good Friday. Jordan ended up on the losing side, by three goals to one.

HEREFORD United have been invited into next season's LDV Trophy competition.

The cup includes teams from the second and third divisions, and various sides from the Conference.

Hereford's last appearance in the competition came in 2000/01 when the Bulls beat Yeovil Town 4-0 before losing 2-1 against Reading in the second round.

June 25th:

HEREFORD United will be one of twelve Nationwide Conference teams in the LDV Trophy next season.

The dozen will be joined from clubs in Divisions Two and Three in the competition formerly known under several guises, including the Autowindscreen Shield.

It is assumed that the twelve Conference sides in the competition will be Halifax Town, Dagenham and Redbridge, Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers, Morecambe, Stevenage Borough, Scarborough, Chester City, Southport, Leigh RMI, Hereford United and Woking.

Other teams who finished in qualifying positions were not admitted as their grounds do not meet Football League standards.

June 26th:

SATURDAY 13th July sees the Ultimate Tribute Show return to Edgar Street for the third year, with all proceeds to Hereford United.

Britney, Tina Turner, Robbie, Abba, Rod Stewart and Kylie will all be 'performing' after last year's success, when over a thousand people attended.

Tickets are priced at £15 each, but there are family tickets available from Hereford United FC in Blackfriars Street, and also at the Classic Gold Shop in Broad Street. All enquiries should be addressed via telephone on 01432 270470.

This week's Admag is giving away two tickets to the show - see page 20 for more information.

Meanwhile, this Saturday (29th June) is the first of two HUISA Painting Saturday events. Turn up with your brushes (paint is provided) and help tart up the ground from 10am.

June 27th:

HEREFORD United have added another pre-season match to their summer itinery.

The Bulls travel to Evesham United of the Dr. Martens Western Division on Saturday, 10th August, a week before the league season begins.

Meanwhile, Graham Turner has revealed in today's Hereford Times that he is talking to players and three goalkeepers will join the club for pre-season training.

KEVIN Wargen is set to resign as chairman of HUISA, according to the Official Website.

Wargen told the Liaison Committee on Monday night of his intention to quit, due to increased work commitments.

HUISA will help the club on Saturday with their annual Painting Day at Edgar Street. Anyone wishing to help with decorating, strimming or maintenance work is asked to meet at the club from 9.30am onwards.

June 28th:

A REPORT on the Nationwide website says that Division Two and Three clubs are being urged to consider regionalisation by the latest financial report into the state of English football.

Financial consultants Deloitte and Touche have produced the report which concludes that 70 per cent of turnover is the 'comfort' level for expenditure on wages and their head of sport Gerry Boon believes regionalisation could help save clubs £100,000 a year.

"We raised this issue in 1997 but there was a lot of emotion of anger against it," said Boon.

"However, most of the other recommendations we made at the time have been implemented and people are now bringing it back on to the agenda.

"The issue is not about saving on travelling costs, it is about looking at ways to generate significantly more money.

"The games would generate more interest because there are more local derbies and more travelling fans.

"In 1997 we estimated that each club could gain an additional £50,000 a year if they regionalised the league. Now we are probably looking at £100,000."

June 29th:

HEREFORD United are poised to unveil two more new signings, according to today's Evening News

John Grant, a striker formerly with Crewe Alexandra, has agreed terms to come to Edgar Street on a free transfer.

Director of Football Graham Turner has also recruited a left-back from a League club, although he will not name him until his contract with his previous club expires next week.

Turner said of 20-year-old Grant: "He is quick, mobile and strong, and has played about 10 times for Crewe."

June 30th:

HEREFORD United are set to play Aberystwyth Town in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday 6th August.

The game will be played at Aber's Park Avenue Ground with a 7.30pm kick-off.

It was originally scheduled for Tuesday 30th July but due to a clash with the Ian Rush Soccer Tournament, the previous date was moved.

HEREFORD United will make the trip to Gloucester City in the first qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup.

The game, which must have been played by Saturday 7th September 2002, will be arranged soon.

There are no replays in the FA Youth Cup, If a match is level at the end of 90 minutes, extra time of 15 minutes each way must be played. If the scores are still level at the end of extra time, kicks from the penalty mark shall be taken to decide the winner.

Saturday, June 29, 2002

Turner signs two
HEREFORD United are poised to unveil two more new signings, according to today's Evening News

John Grant, a striker formerly with Crewe Alexandra, has agreed terms to come to Edgar Street on a free transfer.

Director of Football Graham Turner has also recruited a left-back from a League club, although he will not name him until his contract with his previous club expires next week.

Turner said of 20-year-old Grant: "He is quick, mobile and strong, and has played about 10 times for Crewe."

Friday, June 28, 2002

Regionalisation set to return?
A report on the Nationwide website says that Division Two and Three clubs are being urged to consider regionalisation by the latest financial report into the state of English football.

Financial consultants Deloitte and Touche have produced the report which concludes that 70 per cent of turnover is the 'comfort' level for expenditure on wages and their head of sport Gerry Boon believes regionalisation could help save clubs £100,000 a year.

"We raised this issue in 1997 but there was a lot of emotion of anger against it," said Boon.

"However, most of the other recommendations we made at the time have been implemented and people are now bringing it back on to the agenda.

"The issue is not about saving on travelling costs, it is about looking at ways to generate significantly more money.

"The games would generate more interest because there are more local derbies and more travelling fans.

"In 1997 we estimated that each club could gain an additional £50,000 a year if they regionalised the league. Now we are probably looking at £100,000."

Thursday, June 20, 2002

Follow the Bulls...
All around the Conference with HU-FC.co.uk - the Independent Hereford United Online Resource.
Please note that the 'TURNER READY TO TALK TO PLAYERS' story is not currently accessible.
We hope to rectify the situation as soon as possible.

Tuesday, June 18, 2002

Devlin linked with Bulls
Northwich Victoria midfielder Mark Devlin is attracting interest from other Nationwide Conference clubs, but Vics boss and former Hereford attacker Jimmy Quinn is hopeful the midfielder will stay.

Hereford United have been linked with the former Exeter and Stoke City schemer, but Quinn told the Northwich Guardian: "I think he wants to stay and hopefully we can sort something out."

Monday, June 17, 2002

No news...
Every summer I have to post one of these - a no news article!

It's been a fairly quiet weekend at Edgar Street but hopefully, the squad will be bolstered from its current role of eight and we'll see some progress on the field too within the next few weeks.

Thursday, June 13, 2002

Follow the Bulls...
All around the Conference with HU-FC.co.uk - the Independent Hereford United Online Resource.
Conference fixtures released
The Conference fixtures are out - here's Hereford's campaign in full:

Saturday 17 August - Hereford v Farnborough 15.00
Tuesday 20 August - Forest Green v Hereford 19.45
Saturday 24 August - Gravesend v Hereford 15.00
Monday 26 August - Hereford v Morecambe 15.00
Saturday 31 August - Nuneaton v Hereford 15.00
Tuesday 3 September - Hereford v Northwich 19.45
Saturday 7 September - Woking v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 14 September - Hereford v Chester 15.00
Tuesday 17 September - Hereford v Yeovil 19.45
Saturday 21 September - Stevenage v Hereford 15.00
Tuesday 24 September - Kettering v Hereford 19.45
Saturday 28 September - Hereford v Scarborough 15.00
Saturday 5 October - Hereford v Dag & Red 15.00
Tuesday 8 October - Leigh RMI v Hereford 19.45
Saturday 12 October - Burton Albion v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 19 October - Hereford v Halifax 15.00
Saturday 2 November - Doncaster v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 9 November - Hereford v Southport 15.00
Saturday 23 November - Dag & Red v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 30 November - Hereford v Barnet 15.00
Saturday 7 December - Margate v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 14 December - Hereford v Woking 15.00
Saturday 21 December - Chester v Hereford 15.00
Thursday 26 December - Telford v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 28 December - Hereford v Forest Green 15.00
Wednesday 1 January - Hereford v Telford 15.00
Saturday 4 January - Farnborough v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 18 January - Hereford v Gravesend 15.00
Saturday 25 January - Morecambe v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 8 February - Hereford v Nuneaton 15.00
Saturday 15 February - Northwich v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 22 February - Hereford v Stevenage 15.00
Saturday 1 March - Yeovil v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 8 March - Hereford v Kettering 15.00
Saturday 15 March - Scarborough v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 22 March - Barnet v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 29 March - Hereford v Margate 15.00
Saturday 5 April - Hereford v Burton Albion 15.00
Saturday 12 April - Halifax v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 19 April - Hereford v Leigh RMI 15.00
Monday 21 April - Southport v Hereford 15.00
Saturday 26 April - Hereford v Doncaster 15.00

Play-off dates will follow.

Fixtures courtesy of confguide.com. This is a provisional lists and changes may be made.

Tuesday, June 11, 2002

The road forward...
With the Conference having two promotion places and play-offs next season, can Hereford United make it? Follow the action with HU-FC.co.uk.
Crozier backs move
The Football Association's chief executive Adam Crozier has backed the two-up, two-down movement between Division Three and the Conference.

Crozier said from England's Awaji Island World Cup base in Japan through thefa.com: "We are happy that the great effort that the FA has put into this process has paid off. This is good news for English football at all levels and it's a real bonus for fair play too.

"A lot of hard work from a lot of different people has gone into making this happen and we're delighted to have been able to help bring about this change."

Conference chief executive John Moules said: "For the supporters of Conference clubs and clubs across the country, this landmark decision brings their dreams to fruition."

Meanwhile, Steve Piearce, the former Hereford United attacker, has confirmed his move to Hednesford Town.

The ex-Halesowen striker signed a one-year deal with the Keys Park based side yesterday.

Sunday, June 09, 2002

Justice!
With the Conference having two promotion places and play-offs next season, can Hereford United make it? Follow the action with HU-FC.co.uk.

Saturday, June 08, 2002


The League Chairman has agreed to operate a 2 up 2 down system for the Conference. The number of loan players allowed in a season has been doubled. More later..