We showed great resilience in Shrewsbury win

12:54pm Thursday 28th February 2008

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The gloss was taken off our victory at Shrewsbury last Saturday by accusations from their manager that we had abused the loan system by taking so many players from other clubs. This is, of course, nonsense. We have complied fully with the Football League's regulations.

A big issue was made of it in the press and then again on Sky Sports. There is a programme on there that is entitled the 'Big League 2'. The presenter appeared to want to make a big issue of it and the advantage that it has given us.

However, the 'guest', an old adversary of mine going back 30 years, dismissed any suggestion of wrong doing and even said that the comment may have been made out of jealousy. I have no doubt that the issue will be raised again.

Going back to the victory at Shrewsbury, our first there in a league match since 1936, it was another splendid achievement. We found ourselves a goal behind, ironically scored by a loanee at Shrewsbury. We displayed great resilience and character to come back with fluid attacking play to take the points. Although Shrewsbury put us under pressure late in the game, a good third goal from Theo Robinson was ruled out for offside. The video confirmed that the timing of Theo's run was perfect and that our victory should have been more emphatic. I have a team selection problem, which is a very nice problem to have. The players being selected are getting us good results. However, we have players who are looking excellent in training, really chomping at the bit to get back into the team. Players like Theo and Robbie Threlfall, among others, who were doing well earlier in the season, are looking at their best again. In order for them not to be discouraged and allow their sharpness and enthusiasm to diminish, there has to be a time when they need to start a match. With so much to play for and many matches in a short period, I am going to have to make changes in the starting line-up.

We have joined up with 'Children of Peace', a charity started by Richard Martin, a local man, and supported by the Hereford Times. It is designed to help youngsters in the Palestine-Israel conflict. The charity wants to unite youngsters through common interests. Although it has only been going for three years, the charity's list of patrons and supporters is impressive. Although it seems so remote from our interests, it is something we will support. Perhaps we can even host a joint Israeli-Palestinian team playing a match at Edgar Street against local youngsters. This will not detract from our support for local charities, which we are pleased to help.