Former Hereford United manager Colin Addison dies aged 85
Addison was in charge when the Bulls famously beat Newcastle United in the 1972 FA cup
Former Hereford United boss Colin Addison has died at the age of 85.
During his playing career he played for clubs including Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, before moving to Hereford United in 1971 and joining the Bulls as a player-manager.
Addison was in charge when the Bulls famously beat Newcastle United in the 1972 FA cup, leading Hereford into the Football league for the first time.
He also managed Atletico Madrid before moving back to Hereford in 1990.
Hereford FC say they are "devastated" by the news of his passing and will pay tribute at their next home game.
In a statement Hereford FC Chairman, Chris Ammonds said: “Everyone with an allegiance to Hereford United or Hereford FC will be devastated by this news. The word ‘legend’ is overused nowadays, but never has it been more apt than it is for Colin’s achievements in football, and particularly at Hereford United in the early 1970s.
“The team he managed – and played in – put our city on the football map and without the work he did it is unlikely Hereford United would have been elected into the Football League at that time. In my view, Hereford United’s win over Newcastle United remains the greatest FA Cup upset of all time and his key part in that victory – and that cup run as a whole – will never be forgotten.
“Off the field he was a true gentleman and it always felt a real honour to be in his company. You knew he wanted the very best for football in Hereford and I feel privileged to have some spent time with him.
“Over the next few days we will discuss fitting ways we can pay tribute to Colin and it is likely that our home game against Southport will be dedicated to him. While the Curzon fixture will see us pay our respects to the fallen as our annual Remembrance Day game, in the 6th minute of the match – in acknowledgement of the number Colin wore against Newcastle – we would like supporters to come together in a minute’s applause in memory of Colin as our first tribute to him and all he contributed to football at Edgar Street.
“On behalf of everyone associated with Hereford FC, I would like to send our condolences to all of Colin’s family and many, many friends. The thoughts of us all are with them at this extremely sad time.”