Pitman’s persistence paying off

After the sacking of Simon Davey, Hereford were linked with a variety of different names who would be given the unenviable task of dragging the Bulls from the foot of the football league. But after three games unbeaten in his role as caretaker manager, Jamie Pitman was handed the reigns for three months, and now the only way seems up for the charging Bulls.

Questions were asked about Pitman’s pedigree as a manager. Is he experienced enough? Does he have the contacts to be able to do the wheeling and dealing Graham Turner did so well? Can he successfully make the transition from friend and physio to just being a manager?

Well, so far, so good. Pitman is using all his know-how from his playing days to assemble a squad which can be competitive in the football league. Players have been brought in on short-term loan deals which have so far only served well. Tony James tightened up the back four, Rob Purdie has provided a real goal threat from midfield and now Bryon Webster and Nicky Featherstone have also joined the ranks for the same reasons.

No one ever expected miracles to happen over night, but Hereford are clearly a better side under Pitman and his methods are starting to reap the rewards.

The beauty of Pitman’s signings now is that Hereford can compensate for the loss of such players as Jonas Kovacs and James McQuilkin which before, they would have struggled to deal with.

There can be no questioning the boss’ man-management skills, either. He has recently publicly challenged Mathieu Manset to realise his potential to be the player he can be, stating he could even play at Championship level given some consistency in his game. Who would bet against the Frenchman netting against Lincoln this Saturday?

When you look at the league, you wouldn’t think Pitman has done a great deal, as his side are still second bottom. But Hereford are unbeaten under the new regime and look like a side who can beat just about any team in the division on their day. Three points on Saturday could lift the Bulls to 15th, if other results go kindly.

The frustration remains at home. Hereford are still without a win in the league all season at Edgar Street, and after the Bulls battered Hythe at home in the FA Cup, part of me expected them to go on and beat Cheltenham.

In the end, a draw was a fair result. Taking a ‘glass half full’ approach, it was also a game we would have lost pre-Pitman, so I was happy with a point. Even under Turner, Hereford were always a better side away from home; hopefully that’s a good omen for the weekend.

Pitman now deserves to be given a longer contract and a chance to really stamp his mark on the team. Under his guidance, fans could be dreaming of a trip to Wembley at the end of the season, and not dreading the drop.

 

Hereford United 0-1 Peterborough United

Well I have to say I didn’t predict us getting beat yesterday even against The Posh, who to be fair are one the better sides in the league, but still through gritted teeth I admit it was the right result.

Hereford created very little and never really looked like scoring in a game which the visitors dominated. Darren Ferguson’s men bagged their winner inside 30 minutes when Dean Keates headed in from close range after a quality cross from Chris Whelpdale.

Clint Easton and Steve Guinan both had chances for Hereford but were comfortably saved by the Posh keeperJoe Lewis.

Turner recalled Sammy Igoe from injury on the right hand side of midfield and Trevor Benjamin continued his return to fitness by coming off the bench with 15 minutes remaining.

Peterborough secured the inevitable with their victory yesterday, both them and MK Dons (who thankfully won away at Stockport) will now go up automatically.

As for the Bulls, because the Dons won we stay a point clear of Stockport and now Rochdale who have crept in un-noticed, in third place so promotion is very much in our own hands.

Wrexham will roll into Edgar Street on Tuesday night who themselves have everything to play for after a vital three points at home to Notts County.

 The race for promotion is now a three horse race, with Hereford, Rochdale and Stockport are fighting for that elusive third spot. We could have had it in the bag by now, but a little excitement wont do any harm!

Igoe Out For Darlo Away

On loan midfielder Sammy Igoe will miss the trip to Darlington after picking up an ankle injury in the home draw with Chester City.

Graham Turner is also likely to be without him for the game against table topping MK Dons on Tuesday night as well.

Igoe should be fit to face Peterborough United next saturday at Edgar Street but will be missed as the Bulls look to try and put thier promotion chase back on track after some disappointing results.

Igoe joined on loan from Bristol Rovers at the end of March and has bought some much needed experience to the side for the final push at the end of the season.

Something about nothing!

A VERY very slow news day, but seeing as I have yet to fulfill my duties today as author of this here site I am going to have a quick ramble about nothing much (any posts would be appreciated…)

 Normally I would be previewing tomorrow’s game about now, but I cant because we don’t have a game. What is more annoying is it is supposed to be against Mk Dons which would have been some game but because of their prior engagement at the slighty inferior Wembley Stadium they can no longer travel to the Holy Grail that is Edgar Street.

So what, a well earned rest for Turners troops I hear you say? Well not quite. On Tuesday Hereford must participate is what is quickly becoming a nothing tournement ie the HFA Senior Cup.

I suppose it is the final and silverware is silverware, but really who cares? We have already beaten Westfields once this season and now we shall have to do it again!

One good thing to come of it I suppose is that Turner may see this as a perfect opportunity to throw new boy (or old man) Sammy Igoe into first team football, as a start against Paul Ince’s table toppers tomorrow would have surely been too soon for a guy who havent played in some time.

On a more selfish note what am I supposed to do tomorrow? I will have to turn into a man of football, route for the underdogs, the refs! And certainly the teams facing our promotion rivals. I will also wish a win on doomed Derby County for the good of the game and to be honest im started to feel their embarrassement and I have nothing to do with the football club.

Well I have talked invariably about nothing yet I believe this has been my longest post to date. If you have bothered to read this I offer you my sincere apologies for wasted your time.

So until there is something decent actually worth writing about I shall go back into my hut outside Edgar Street; waiting for something, anything to happen….

Back the Bulls Promotion Bid!

All you fans of The mighty Hereford United are being urged to help the team secure atuomatic promotion in the last stretch of the season.

 With just nine games left Hereford boss Sir Graham Turner has pleaded with fans to turn up in numbers to push the boys on.

The club have even launched a promotion where season ticket holders can pick up a free guest ticket from the club office to boost the attendance for the home game against Bury on Saturday.

Turner has made it known the fans have a big part to play in the remainder of the season and that the fans underestimate their importance.

So you’ve all heard it from God himself – get yourself to Edgar Street this Saturday at 3pm and Back the Bulls!

MacDonald back for Baggies

Sherjill MacDonald made his first appearance for West Brom on Saturday after a swift return from his loan spell at Edgar Street.

MacDonald came off the bench in the second half in the Baggies shock 1-4 defeat at home to struggling Leicester City. The Dutch man looked sharp despite the loss and could feature more regularly for the Championship club who have lost several first team players through injury and suspension.

The former Ajax academy striker was an instant success at Hereford during his short spell here scoring seven goals in six appearances, including a hat-trick against Rochdale.

Bulls boss Graham Turner has been linked with another loan move for him but admitts that interest is high in the 24 year old and that West Brom would be reluctant to let him go.

One thing is for sure, if Hereford manage to secure promotion the fans at Edgar Street will definately not forget his contribution and he has become an overnight fans favourite in the Meadow End.

Can the Bulls finish in the top three?

Talk is starting to surface about a possible top three finish for the Bulls after good recent wins away at Accrington and Mansfield – but can we actually do it?

Mad4bulls verdict is of course we can! This final stretch is going to be so important and nothing is decided yet, but consistency is a must and results such as the disappointing loss at home to lowly Dagenham and Redbridge must be avoided.

Hereford welcome a strong Wycombe side to Edgar Street tomorrow with three points a must if both sides are to keep promotion hopes alive.

Wycombe have won four of thier last five league games and the reverse fixture in December last year saw Hereford snatch a 2-2 draw after two goals in the last 3 minutes.

Come on you Whites!

Hello all you Bulls!

Welcome to mad4bulls –  a site for people who live breathe and sleep Hereford United. I urge you all to view and comment as we look to provide an in depth view on life inside Edgar Street.