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Hereford United historian Ron Parrott has given BN some information on the above photo and kindly allowed us to publish images of three pennants that were presented to United during the tour:
It was taken during United's close season tour of Rhodesia in 1967/68 and headed by John Charles. Harold Rumsey was the tour manager, with Charlie Thompson being team trainer and also giving up his own free time to help coach the Rhodesian youngsters.
It was taken during United's close season tour of Rhodesia in 1967/68 and headed by John Charles. Harold Rumsey was the tour manager, with Charlie Thompson being team trainer and also giving up his own free time to help coach the Rhodesian youngsters.
The United touring side, which included guest players Ivor & Len Allchurch and another former international, Willie Humphries, played 14 matches during the tour, winning 12, including a double over Rhodesia's national side, and drawing the other two games to remain unbeaten. They scored 66 goals against 14 and made friends wherever they went.
They also beat a Rhodesian National League XI 1-0 but the outstanding success was when they hammered Rhodesia's league and cup winners Salisbury Tornados 7-0 and with the sun on his back, John Charles netted five of these! The Gentle Giant only played in eight of the tour games but was still the team's top marksman with 17 goals followed by Brian Punter with 11 and Albert Derrick and Ivor Allchurch with nine apiece.
Goalkeeper Lyn Davies revealed another side of his football make-up when he substituted at centre forward against Wankie FC (Real name!!) and netted four times in an 8-0 slaughter.
