Radford's battle with depression

Ronnie Radford is facing the challenge of depression reports This is Leeds. The Hereford United legend went missing from his home at Wakefield last week.

Radford shot from obscurity to sporting legend status after unleashing a powerful 35 yard strike that produced the most famous goal in FA Cup history.

It led to one of the competition's greatest ever upsets as non-league giantkillers Hereford United knocked out Newcastle in the third round replay in 1972.

After injury ended his football career in 1974 Radford, now 61, happily slipped back into obscurity at his home in Kirkhamgate, Wakefield. He enjoyed a contented family life and worked as a self-employed joiner until a devastating illness struck around eight years ago.

Radford's battle with depression reached crisis point this week when he went missing from home.

His wife Annie, 62, frantic with worry, alerted police after her husband failed to come home after driving off in his P-registered Vauxhall Astra on Thursday morning.

The grandfather-of-two eventually returned early yesterday and told his wife he had spent the night walking across Heath Common in Wakefield after taking some tablets.

Mrs Radford took her husband to the accident and emergency department at Pinderfields Hospital for treatment and he was later expected to be transferred to Fieldhead Psychiatric Hospital.

"I was really worried," said Mrs Radford today. "He has never done anything like that before, but I am just so pleased he is back."

Mrs Radford said her husband, who was born in South Elmsall near Pontefract, has been in and out of Fieldhead Hospital for the last seven months.

"He can't put his finger on why he is depressed. He says he has got a wonderful life and family, we all love him to bits, and he gets on with everybody.....he can't explain to anybody why he is feeling like he is. He doesn't mind people knowing about it. It can happen to anybody."

Mrs Radford said her husband rarely, if ever, mentions his greatest sporting achievement.

His wondergoal helped launch the career of John Motson, whose commentary has been replayed endlessly, accompanied by images of Radford celebrating with arms aloft and socks rolled down.

Hereford's hopes of a fourth round tie looked to be fading fast as Newcastle's Malcolm McDonald, put the visitors ahead with only eight minutes left on the clock.

But with four minutes remaining, Radford picked the ball up from near the half-way line and started to run at the Newcastle goal before unleashing his magnificent effort.
Ricky George scored an injury time winner to ensure Hereford a place in the4 fourth round.

As a teenager Radford turned professional with Leeds United but moved to Cheltenham Town after failing to secure a first team spot.

A spokesman for the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust said one in five people will suffer from depression at some stage in their life.

"Depression is a very misunderstood illness and unfortunately the stigma that surrounds it often prevents people from seeking help and advice. People can find it hard to admit that they are suffering from depression, but it's a real illness, as real as any physical condition, and treatment can greatly reduce its duration and severity."

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