FA Cup icon, Ronnie Radford has died at age of 79, over 50 years after his goal helped Hereford United eliminate Newcastle United in 1972.
Hereford had held Newcastle to a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park to earn a home replay at Edgar Street in difficult muddy pitch conditions, of which led to Radford’s 35-yard equaliser en route to The Bulls knocking out the Magpies in extra-time in one of the FA Cup’s most iconic giant-killings.
Hereford went on to hold West Ham to a goalless draw at home in the Fourth Round, only to lose the replay 3-1 at Upton Park to exit that season’s edition.
Announcing Radford’s death via their club website – Hereford FC (phoneix club after United were wound up in 2014) issued the following statement: ‘We are devastated to hear of Ronnie’s passing, and wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.
‘Ronnie is not just a part of Hereford United folklore, he is a part of football history and has kept Hereford on the football map since 1972.
‘His mild manner, and friendly and modest approach to life epitomised the man he was and he was always delighted to visit Edgar Street, to meet up with past teammates and watch the present day team in action.
‘We will always keep Ronnie close to our hearts at Edgar Street, not just at FA Cup moments, but forever and celebrate him and his huge role in propelling Hereford United to the forefront of the nations attention with that goal and being part of that team.
‘We will carry your spirit onwards. Rest in peace Ronnie.’
Despite having been knocked out against Hereford 50 years ago in a replay courtesy of Radford’s equaliser and Ricky George’s winner, Newcastle sportingly took to Twitter to pay tribute to Radford as they described his goal as a moment ‘forever written into FA Cup folklore.’
Though against us, a goal forever written into FA Cup folklore.
Rest in peace, Ronnie. 🖤🤍 https://t.co/DJZR8o1it7
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 2, 2022
FA Cup meanwhile sent their condoleences to Radford’s family and shared a clip of his ‘iconic’ goal on Twitter.
RIP to the scorer of one of the most iconic goals in FA Cup history.
Ronnie Radford’s long-range strike saw @HerefordFC overcome the odds to beat @NUFC.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time. pic.twitter.com/NzSYcYnLQH
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) November 2, 2022
Hereford will next be in action on Friday 4 November at home to League One’s Portsmouth as they look to spring another giant killing, as the First Round of 2022-23 FA Cup commences with Hereford’s match live on BBC Two in a 7:55pm kick-off.
Leave a Reply