Only Hereford FC supporters have the opportunity to read a regular 48 page professionally designed print publication which is not the programme. Talking Bull fanzine is in its 35th year. Issue 143 was on sale for the opening day and sold out. Again. The 13th sell-out in a row.
Publications “for the people by the people” in various forms have been around for over a century or probably even longer. Football fanzines became very popular in pre-internet days of the 80’s and 90’s. They were popular at smaller clubs who lacked widespread coverage. Locally, Kidderminster Harriers, Leamington, Halesowen and Stourbridge all had independent publications. Hereford United did too in the form of Talking Bull. The big difference is that the Bulls publication just kept going. The Hereford FC alternative organ is now thought to be among the top ten longest running ‘zines in the UK.
Talking Bull, with the possible exception of one Birmingham City title, is the only remaining fanzine in the West Midlands, probably the whole of the Midlands. That’s a shame because other regions have a variety of offerings.
“We don’t see ourselves as a footballing answer to Last of the Summer Wine. Fanzines aren’t dead and neither is print” said editor Simon Wright. “I think Talking Bull is a vanguard publication, inspiring others to start their own. We’ve directly or indirectly supported probably dozens of ‘zines now. There are at least 60 club fanzines on sale though sadly a few fell prey to rising paper costs recently. An appetite remains for well written, in depth and honest prose as an alternative to club speak. It’s not easy though. A successful fanzine requires time, knowhow and determination. In depth club knowledge and a huge contact book also matter.”
Curiously, covid was a great boost for Talking Bull. Every other publication went into hibernation. The Hereford alternative organ did the opposite, turning out free monthly issues online. Readership increased 500% and went worldwide. Bored supporters were happy to contribute and by the end of lockdown, TB were giving away monster 72-page editions. They were eagerly anticipated too becoming the prime way to keep a supporter base engaged.
Retaining some of those contributors and some readers for paid for copies when matches restarted made a difference. The publication generated sufficient surplus to sponsor matches and raise the ‘zines profile further. The decision by Hereford FC to offer online programme only from the start of last season increased the popularity further
Talking Bull is run by volunteers and all surplus cash goes to benefit the football club. Four matches were sponsored so far (unheard of by fanzines), so too several match-balls. There was assistance for printing costs of club draw tickets and a donation towards a fund to buy tickets for disadvantaged groups. The club radio station licence fee was paid. Not to mention renewing a large advertising board.
With an online pdf version increasingly popular and a growing subscription base, the fanzine’s future looks rosy. For more information see Talking Bull – Online Shop | Talking Bull
Simon Wright