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Former Hereford United manager Colin Addison is featured in the latest issue of Backpass, the retro football magazine produced in Herefordshire.
As the chilly weather descended on the football season of 1971-72, Colin Addison's winter of discontent was about to be resolved in dramatic fashion.
Addison had suffered a cartilage injury with complications and Sheffield manager John Harris asked him if he might consider a move to Hereford.
"The connection was a guy in the commercial department who knew the Hereford chairman. Hereford was a big job at the time...replacing the legend that was John Charles," said Addison.
It was a big decision and his wages would be halved to around £30 per week.
"I couldn't imagine how it would all turn out. I was 31. I think the biggest thing was that I felt I could improve the players from playing with them myself."
It wasn't the best of starts. His first game was at Poole and a defeat, then a draw with Worcester in front of 8,000 fans at Edgar Street.
"After that the cup took over which brought us Newcastle United. The rest is history.
"We must have played around 75 games that season. All those on some seriously heavy pitches using 14 to 15 players out of a squad of 18."
At the end of the season Hereford were voted into the Football League replacing Barrow. Frank Miles was chairman at the time and he and Addison nearly fell out. A bonus of £2000 per player had been agreed should the Bulls get into the League and Addison was promised £4,000.
"They couldn't be kept waiting, " remembers Addison. "They had deserved them, they had sweated blood for the club."
"I don't remember that Colin," said Miles.
Addison pushed his chair back and walked to the door. Luckily Miles's memory swiftly returned.
The following season didn't start well but then Addison purchased Eric Redrobe for £5,000.
"It was the best £5,000 Hereford United ever spent," recalled Addison. "He scored on his debut and we never looked back."
Promotion at the end of the season but Miles and Addison couldn't agree a new contract, with the chairman saying that the manager had refused to sign.
"As usual it was a pack of lies from Frank, and I was cut up I must admit.
"Hereford had given me such joyous times and suddenly it was all over."
The above is only a taste of the most enjoyable article written by David McVay.
More details about Backpass can be found on their website: www.backpassmagazine.co.uk
