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Former Hereford United player Stewart Phillips pays tribute to Mike Bailey
Former Hereford United player Stewart Phillips has paid tribute to his former manager Mike Bailey, who has died aged 84.
Phillips, who was a young apprentice professional during Bailey’s time at Edgar Street, told Your Herefordshire:
“I am so sad. He was such a lovely guy! He was my manager when I was an apprentice professional and he expected high standards all the time. He also believed in me and kept putting me in the team at a very young age.
“I will always remember scoring my first league goal against Wigan in 1979 [pictured]. I was 17 and he was more excited for me than I was — and I was pretty pleased!”
Phillips added:
“I am extremely grateful to him for giving me the opportunity at such a very young age. RIP boss.”
Bailey was known for giving opportunities to young local players during his time at Hereford United, with the likes of Chris Price, Paul Hunt and Andy Feeley featuring in his teams.
He also brought several popular players to Edgar Street, including Winston White and Frank McGrellis.
Hereford United managers in the Football League
Following Bailey’s passing, we have also compiled a list of Hereford United managers during the club’s Football League years, from 1972 to 1997 and again from 2006 to 2012:
- Colin Addison — 1972–1974 — Passed away 31 October 2025
- John Sillett — 1974–1978 — Passed away 30 November 2021
- Tony Ford — 1978
- Mike Bailey — 1978–1979 — Passed away 16 August 2026
- Frank Lord — 1979–1982 — Passed away June 2005
- Tommy Hughes — 1982–1983
- John Newman — 1983–1987 — Passed away 25 November 2025
- Ian Bowyer — 1987–1990
- Colin Addison — 1990–1991 — See above
- John Sillett — 1991–1992 — See above
- Greg Downs — 1992–1994
- John Layton — 1994–1995
- Graham Turner — 1995–1997 and 2006–2009
- John Trewick — 2009–2010
- Simon Davey — 2010
- Jamie Pitman — 2010–2012
- Richard O’Kelly — 2012
