1972 is probably the year most people think about when remembering the history of Hereford United. And in that year it's still likely that the famous FA Cup victory over Newcastle is main topic that comes to mind.
But some five months after the Newcastle game another milestone was achieved - Hereford were voted into the Football League at the expense of Barrow.
Tomorrow evening the two teams meet in a Conference fixture. Every reason to look back 40 years and remember when Hereford replaced Barrow in what was then the Fourth Division.
It was back in October 1970 when thirteen directors decided it was time to launch a campaign to try and gain a place in the league. Frank Miles was chairman at the time and a committee was formed.
However Hereford finished fourth in the Southern League that season and despite having an average gate of 5,224, which was higher than 23 Third and Fourth Division clubs, their application failed.
Hereford's directors were determined to succeed so the campaign continued. It received a real boost with the FA Cup victory over Newcastle and whilst they failed to win the Southern League, gates continued to be higher than some 29 Third and Fourth Division clubs. On top of that the balance sheet was healthy.
On June 2nd 1972 a party of 12 Hereford United directors and officials snatched an early breakfast before setting out from Hereford to London. Spirits were high and the National Press had given encouraging support for the application.
"If all the clubs who have promised to vote for us keep their word we'll be in the Fourth Division this evening," said Miles.
The conference room in the Cafe Royal was crowded.
Northampton Town, Stockport County, Crewe Alexandra and Barrow were the four clubs applying for re-election. Hereford United was one of a dozen non-league clubs seeking associate membership.
Then came the moment of truth.
"I am afraid there will have to be another ballot," said Len Shipman who was the League President.
Hereford and Barrow had both received 26 votes.
| 49 votes | Northampton Town | Re-elected to the League |
| 46 | Crewe Alexandra | Re-elected to the League |
| 46 | Stockport County | Re-elected to the League |
| 26 | Barrow | 2nd ballot |
| 26 | Hereford United | 2nd ballot |
| 1 | Bradford PA | Not elected to the League |
| 1 | Cambridge City | Not elected to the League |
| 1 | Wimbledon | Not elected to the League |
| 0 | Bangor City | Not elected to the League |
| 0 | Bedford Town | Not elected to the League |
| 0 | Boston United | Not elected to the League |
| 0 | Hillingdon Borough | Not elected to the League |
| 0 | Romford | Not elected to the League |
| 0 | Telford United | Not elected to the League |
| 0 | Wigan Athletic | Not elected to the League |
| 0 | Yeovil Town | Not elected to the League |
The re-count was worth waiting for, although it seemed an eternity before the result was announced.
Hereford was elected by 29 votes to 26 for Barrow.
It was the start of a new era at Edgar Street.
(This article is based on a chapter called the League Campaign written by Ted Woodriffe as part of John Williamson's book The Hereford United Story - 50 years at Edgar Street)