Tributes to Frank Miles

The Hereford Times has printed an article with tributes to the late Frank Miles, a former Hereford United chairman.

THE death of Frank Miles, following so swiftly on the loss of Joe Wade the previous week, means that Hereford United have lost two considerable figures from the club's history in less than 10 days.

Miles, the club's chairman from 1969 to 1977, died on Monday after a long period of ill health.

He presided over the club's fortunes through an unparalleled period of success as the Bulls enjoyed glory in the FA Cup with the famous Giantkillers side, were elected to the Football League and gained promotion to the old Division Two, all within a period of less than five years.

"Following on so fast from the death of Joe Wade, we were saddened to hear of the death of Frank Miles, who also played a very significant role for Hereford United," said current chairman Graham Turner.

"He was a man who presided over a very successful period in the club's history and we send our condolences to his widow and family."

Colin Addison, the man whom Miles appointed as player-manager at the club in 1971 and led the club into the Football League, paid tribute to his old friend.

"I called in to see him only last week and he seemed quite bright," said Addison.

"I have a lot to thank him for as I was only 31 when he appointed me. There were a lot of changes going on at the club but Frank was very positive and knew what he wanted.

"He was not everybody's cup of tea and, as manager and chairman, we fought and argued and had our battles along the way but we laughed about it later.

"He was very strong-minded and had his opinions which he was not afraid to put forward and I always respected him for that.

"You either liked him or you didn't, but he made the decisions and he had some very big decisions to make.

"He was the one who really set the club on its way."

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