ALVECHURCH manager Ian Long has denied telling Hereford fans that he is "the King of Birmingham".

Some Bulls supporters stated that Long made the remark following the 1-1 draw between the two sides at Edgar Street last month.

"I was supposed to have said that I was the King of Birmingham, but I'm actually from the Black Country," joked Long.

"I would never say that and some of the things that have been said, you just take it with a pinch of salt.

"There were a few words exchanged in the bar, but the King of Birmingham? I don't know where that has come from.

"I think someone from the Black Country is a bit insulted to be called a Brummie and vice-versa.

"I just take it with a pinch of salt and it's a bit of banter with the crowd.

"They give me a bit of stick and I accept it, it's just part and parcel of football."

Alvechurch lost 3-1 to Hereford in the third round of the Polymac Midland Football League Cup on Tuesday night.

"I thought we had a good spell in the first half," said Long.

"We hit a post, there was a sort of pinball into the box that could have gone anywhere.

"But, when we got the goal, it's criminal then to concede within a minute.

"There is a bit of luck in the second goal and potentially we could have had a free-kick on the far side, which was given to Hereford.

"He's then gone to strike it, completely mis-kicked it, but to be fair to him, he has hit second time very well.

"I was a little bit disappointed with the penalty, although I would have to look at it again.

"It just looked like shoulder-to-shoulder from where I was.

"All in all, it's disappointing to go out of the cup.

"It's a good competition, with the final at the Bank's Stadium."