Preview from the Telegraph

This look at Hereford United comes from this morning's Daily Telegraph:

They were in mourning in Hereford this week. An incongruous state given the local football club celebrates its return to the Football League on Saturday following an absence of nine years.

Yet the dichotomy of emotions sits easily within the community spirit of this market town that paid its respects to Roger Griffiths on Monday. Griffiths, who died aged 61 last week shortly after retirement, was the Hereford United full-back during that unforgettable FA Cup third-round replay that witnessed the defeat of Newcastle United at Edgar Street in 1972, an astonishing extra-time victory for the Southern League side over First Division opponents.

His contribution was even more staggering, the stuff of legends, given that he played for over 75 minutes with a fractured leg following an early collision with Fred Potter, his own goalkeeper. Unsurprisingly, all but one of that giant-killing team and a large contingent attended the funeral.

"I think these sort of things show how important the football club is to the community," says Hereford's chairman and director of football, Graham Turner.

"This is a close-knit community and when we took over 10,000 to the Walkers Stadium for the play-off final [last May], it also showed the dormant support there is in this place. This is a tourist town and we do more than anything else to put this place on the map and attract visitors." If that stirring triumph 34 years ago remains the epitome of FA Cup romance, Turner's revival of the club's fortunes, while less enchanting and spectacular, should stand as a testament to frugal and sensible stewardship in a sport where reason often departs when money enters into the equation.

In early 1998, Turner became the club's main shareholder when chairman Peter Hill decided to jump the debt-ridden ship that was United.

"Nobody else in the town wanted to take it on," recalls Turner. "The whole thing was a financial disaster and the players had not been paid for weeks.

"On reflection, it was a moment of madness!" Two years previously, Turner, as manager, had began a new season full of hope and expectation of promotion. It ended in demotion to the Conference, a draw with Brighton and Hove Albion confirming relegation on the final day of the season at Edgar Street.

"I have never seen so many grown men cry in a dressing room. Nobody can tell you what it's like to be in that position; nobody can understand how you feel. I tendered my resignation that night but the board would not accept it and the fans wanted me to stay. So I was always in for the long haul." If Edgar Street retains the feel of the ground that time forgot, the club have kept pace with the changing demands of the game and another extra-time win, against Halifax Town, in the play-off final, restored Hereford's status earlier this year.

"Let's say it was an immense moment of satisfaction." Turner has retained 10 of the squad who secured promotion and added a further nine this summer. 'Lean and mean' seems to be the predominant theme, which translates into younger players and pleasingly lower wages as well. Luke Webb, a 19-year-old midfield player released by Coventry City and formerly with Arsenal, is the latest recruit.

"We also have Richard Rose who played in the Championship with Gillingham and Phil Gulliver, who played over 80 games for Rushden, so there is experience. It is a nice blend but we are not finished just yet."

Hereford's League Two campaign kicks off away to Stockport County on Saturday. The last time they stepped up to this level, they lost 1-0 to Colchester United on the opening day. That was in 1972, the August after their dramatic FA Cup exploits. Griffiths was a substitute that day but despite the reverse, promotion was achieved at the end of their debut season in the League. Doubtless a repeat performance would be a fitting tribute.

---