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| Peter Isaac and Hereford mayor Dan Powell. Picture: Hereford City Council |
Hereford City Council said it was for his dedication to the Edgar Street club since first joining them in 1960.
Born William Henry Isaac in 1935, he went on to have a long and storied career.
In the summer of 1960 the then Hereford manager Joe Wade persuaded Isaac to sign for the Bulls and in the next eight years he made a total of 353 appearances for the club, including 258 Southern League games.
According to Talking Bull, his most notable performances arose against higher-graded opposition in the FA Cup. Isaac was outstanding in the Bulls 1-0 FA Cup win over Third Division leaders Millwall, and in an earlier 1-1 away draw with Bristol City in the same competition. He also played in both legs of the Welsh Cup Final against Cardiff City in 1968.
The match at Ninian Park in May 1968 turned out to be his last appearance for the Bulls before a move to Worcester City. Isaac spent twelve months at St George’s Lane before linking up with Kidderminster Harriers.
However, Isaac returned to Edgar Street as trainer in July 1970 becoming John Charles’ right hand man, and when Hereford were elected to the Football League two years later he became a full-time member of the staff.
He completed over 30 seasons at Edgar Street as player, coach, physiotherapist, trainer and caretaker-manager. Indeed, that included over 23 consecutive years as one of the club's backroom boys. He served with thirteen managers; Joe Wade, Ray Daniel, Bob Dennison, John Charles, Colin Addison, John Sillett, Tony Ford, Mike Bailey, Frank Lord, Tommy Hughes, John Newman, Ian Bowyer and Greg Downs.
Now aged 90, Isaac remains a proud supporter of the club he served for more than three decades.
The title of Honorary Freeman is the highest honour a City Council can bestow. Hereford City Council may admit “persons of distinction and persons who have in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the City”, as Honorary Freemen.
Graham Turner, the former United owner, chairman and manager, is also one of the current freemen of the city having been honoured in 2010.