Everyone at Hereford FC is devastated to learn of the passing of Hereford United Legend, Colin Addison, at the age of 85.
Colin’s playing career took him to the top-flight of English football for the likes of Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, before a move to Hereford United came in 1971, where he joined the Bulls as player-manager.
Colin Addison was a major part of the famous FA Cup run of 1972, guiding the side to victories over Cheltenham Town, King’s Lynn, Northampton Town, and, famously, Division One Newcastle United. He then led the Bulls into the Football League for the first time in the club’s history, an achievement every bit as significant as the win over Newcastle.
A long and impressive career in management led him to the Spanish capital when he took the reins at Atletico Madrid before a return to Hereford in 1990.
After his retirement, Colin stayed a much-loved part of our community here at Edgar Street and supported both Hereford United and Hereford FC passionately, always wanting the best for the team from his adopted home city.
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.”
