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[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] Hello guys and welcome to another blog, plenty has happend since I last updated the page (due to 'tech' problems I have been unable to post blogs), the biggest news would obviously be the takeover of Plymouth Argyle by James Brent, the club is now safe and able to move forward. Shortly before that Peter Reid was sacked in his managerial position and replaced by captain Carl Fletcher with RO to help out. Not too long ago chairman Peter Ridsdale exited his post to take over at Preston North End. Fletcher has made numerous improvements to his side, including signing Blackpool defender Paul Bignot (currently suspended), Blackpool striker Craig Sutherland, Millwall's Darren Purse has joined on loan and will be signing an 18 month deal in January, Wolves striker Ashley Hemmings and Nick Chadwick has also returned to Home Park. Argyle will still look to improve the side in the January transfer window, and Stourbridge striker Ryan Rowe has been rumoured to join Fletchers lads. The new signings have helped Argyle to move off bottom with a 1 1 draw at Bradford, and the week before the Pilgrims crushed Tim Flowers Northampton 4 1 at Home Park.
The Pilgrims return home for another six pointer after they drew 1 1 away to Bradford last time out, and the week before, Fletchers men thrashed sorry Northampton 4 1 at the theatre of Greens. Hereford go into this one on the back of 3 straight defeats against Rotherham, Crewe and Burton (teams that have all beaten the Greens this season to), however thats not been through lack of trying, the Bulls lost all 3 by just one goal and managed to net 4.
After picking up a point against Bradford, Argyle finally moved off bottom spot and Dagenham replaced us as the leagues basement side. Hereford sit in an un-comfy 21st place, just 4 points above Plymouth Argyle. It's look like it could be a merry christmas for the Green Army as they continue to improve, and with the knowledge that the club is safe, there is plenty off optimism flying around Home Park. Hereford on the other hand have had a season barren of any real excitement and there hasn't been much to cheer in Herefordshire, unless your a fan of Hereford rugby club who have recently announced plans to spend 6 million pounds on moving to a new home.
WHO'S READY?: Team news
Argyle have a healthy sized team to pick an 11 from, the only two players they are unable to include are Paul Bignot and Onismor Bhasera. On loan Blackpool defender Paul Bignot was sent off in the Pilgrims FA CUP first round replay at Stourbridge, the defender stupidly kicked out at a Glassboy and was sent packing early on before being given a long suspension, recently however Bignot donated a large sum of money to St Lukes hospice when the entire team went to learn about the charity and pass on their christmas wishes. Star left back Bhasera was sent off in stoppage time at Bradford when he picked up a second booking, Carl Fletcher said he was angry with the decision from the ref. Despite leaving the field at half time against Bradford, crucial centre back Darren Purse will be fit to play. Durrell Berry is expected to continue at RB for Argyle while Robbie Williams will most likely fill in for Bhasera.
Hereford just about have a fully fit side in which to select an 11 from, though Jamie Pitman might have some thinking to do in terms of his defensive line up, the back 4 struggle to clear set pieces (something the greens have also struggled with this season). Bulls fans are calling for the return of striker Nathan Elder but its likely that Facey and Arquin will start up front. Winger Joe Colbeck has been declared fit but it might be too early for a man barren off any match action for 3 months
HEAD TO HEAD: The managers
Both managers find themselves fairly new to the job, Jamie Pitman with the slight upper hand on Carl Fletcher.
Fletcher took over at Argyle earlier in the season when Peter Reid was sacked due to lack of results. At first it looked to be a temporary decision but recently owner James Brent has pledged his support in the rookie skipper. In Fletcher's first match in charge the Pilgrims picked up their first win of the season at home to Macclesfield Town, when goals from Warren Feeney and Robbie Williams helped Argyle onto a 2 0 victory. The Pilgrims have looked improved on the pitch but maybe not enough, as the Greens have only recently climbed off bottom. There was talk of trying to get a new manager in but that seems to have faded, and ex Doncaster and Bournemouth manager Sean O'Driscoll has been advising Carl Fletcher. In his playing career, the Argyle manager played for Bournemouth, West Ham, Watford, Crystal Palace, Notingham Forest and has been a Green since 2009.
Jamie Pitman (aged 35) has been manager off Hereford since 2010 after Simon Davey was sacked, it was at first on a caretaker basis however in April 2011 it was decided he would be given a new 2 year contract as the Bulls manager. It hasn't been a superb season for Pitman sofare however, but there does not seem to be any concern from the fans as to his position as manager. Pitman was a schoolboy when he joined the youth set up at Swindon Town, he went onto play for Swindon, Hereford, Yeovil, Woking, Forest green rovers before returning to Hereford.
END IT THERE: Summary
Saturday's match will hopefully be an interesting one indeed, both sides have points to prove and will certainly want to be taking the ultimate prize, 3 valued points.
My prediction: Argyle 3 Hereford 1
Make sure you check on Sunday or Monday for my match report on PLYMOUTH ARGYLE V HEREFORD UNITED.
Cobi Budge
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Fri Dec 16, 2011 6:19 pm
