Canham returns as Hereford United prepare for new Blue Square Bet Premier season (From Hereford Times)
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Canham returns as Hereford United prepare for new Blue Square Bet Premier season
8:30am Thursday 28th June 2012 in Sport By Richard Prime
Referee Robert Desmond brandishes the red card at Edgar Street on Boxing Day 2003 at then Exeter goalkeeper James Bittner, who has now joined the Bulls.
HEREFORD United are all set to begin the countdown to the new season.
“The players are in for fitness tests this week and they are back in for training next Wednesday,” said chairman David Keyte.
“The fixtures are out on Monday and both Kidderminster Harriers and ourselves have requested that we play each other on the Boxing Day and New Year fixtures which would be a good pay-day for both of us.”
“We expect to have seven pre-season fixtures and we’re hoping to confirm matches with Everton and Birmingham City.”
Boss Martin Foyle, who is away on a pre-arranged holiday this week, is still working on finalising his squad. “There were 1,600 players relaeased by clubs at the end of last season so there are a lot out there,” said Keyte.
“No doubt there will be some in for trials during the pre-season, selling their wares.”
Rob Purdie has yet to give a decision last week on whether to accept an improved offer to remain at Edgar Street.
But Football League clubs are also rumoured to be in the hunt for the Bulls skipper.
Full-back Ben Purkiss has announced, however, that he will not be part of the United set-up for the coming season.
Meanwhile striker Richard Brodie, a United target and a 30-goal striker under Foyle at York City in 2009-10, is staying with Crawley Town, at least for the moment.
But Sean Canham is back at Edgar Street on a short-term deal.
The striker spent most of last season on loan at Bath City but returns on less than half his previous wages.
Of the other two signings already announced — former Forest Green duo Luke Graham and James Bittner — one will have mixed memories of past associations with Hereford.
Keeper Bittner achieved the unusual distinction of being sent off twice in the space of less than a week when playing for Exeter against United.
On Boxing Day 2003, he saw red after tripping Paul Parry during a 1-1 draw at Edgar Street.
And then, on New Year’s Day, he was again dismissed for handling outside his area in the return fixture at St James’ Park.
To add further insult, Danny Williams curled home the only goal of the game from the resulting free-kick.
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