WHILE Hereford United make an excellent start to the new campaign, a hooligan element among their fans is planning a season of violence via a web-site devoted to thuggery.

The trouble kicked off on Saturday when the Bulls' victory at Tamworth was marred by the behaviour of some fans who had to be separated from their Staffordshire counterparts by stewards and police.

Outside the ground, another eight recognised Hereford hooligans drank in Tamworth town centre before forming part of a 25-man brawl.

Hereford's football liaison officer PC Steve Thomas said new technology is becoming the hooligans' favourite tool with which to organise violence in and around soccer stadiums.

"The use of the internet is becoming a key instrument for these people as they try to organise pre-arranged meetings with rival groups," he said.

On a web-site dedicated to the 'Hereford United Youth Firm', thugs discuss the best gangs, designer 'clobber' and where to meet for the next brawl.

After Saturday's game, a fan calling himself 'Old School' pleaded for the Tamworth gang to come to Edgar Street but warned: "If they come here, they won't make it past Safeway."

Premeditated

Another Hereford troublemaker, calling himself 'D', offered a word of advice to his Tamworth counterparts regarding their concealment skills.

"If you are going to put a spotter at the train station, try and make sure no-one knows him. He stood out like a Burberry baseball cap," he wrote.

Hereford United manager Graham Turner, who personally attempted to calm down troublemakers at Tamworth, said: "The police know all about the web-site and are aware of its content. There are probably less than half a dozen people who will travel to away matches with the intent of causing premeditated trouble and having a fight on a piece of wasteland miles from the ground."

"They are not interested in football but they are sadly associated with this football club and should not be.

"They are an embarrassment and we hope to get rid of them soon."

PC Steve Thomas offered hope for the genuine Hereford supporters when he explained successful monitoring in the past had prevented unwanted scenes of violence.

"The final game of last season against Doncaster had the potential for a lot of trouble after a Hereford firm smashed up a few of their pubs a while back.

However, police intelligence ensured violence was kept to a minimum and there were no arrests," he added.