A Tribute To Bob Masters

The death of former Hereford United player Bob Masters was announced earlier this afternoon on BN.

Hereford historian Ron Parrott has written the following tribute.

“Club Historian Ron Parrott has heard today from Olivia, the granddaughter of Bob Masters that he sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 92. A smashing footballer, Bob was one of that special band of local players, who played more than 250 times for Hereford. He was well liked by the Edgar Street crowd and could always be relied upon to give 100%. 

 

Bob Scores In A Game Against Bath City

One of his proudest moments came in an FA Cup loss to Newport County at Edgar Street, when keeper Gwyn Groves damaged his elbow and had to leave the field. It was typical of Bob that he was the first to volunteer to keep goal for the ten men against their higher-graded opponents. Bob went on to play a blinder, kept them at bay and was chaired from the pitch by members of both sides! Thanks for the great memories Bob, rest in peace.”

 

For a complete record of Bob’s career, Ron has also reproduced a pen-pic below:-

 

Appearances: 256 (256+0 subs.) Goals: 8

Seasons played: 1955/56 to 1962/63

Born Severn Stoke, Worcestershire 15th March 1931, died Hereford 23rd April 2023

 

A local boy, Bob had served with R.E.M.E. out in the Far East during his National Service and had represented his regiment on many occasions, as well as playing for Army (Singapore). He once had a trial with Aston Villa and played in the Worcester League before first signing for United as an amateur in 1954 and breaking into the first team towards the end of 1955/56. Bob was an old-fashioned wing-half, who had an uncomplicated, no-nonsense style of play. He sometimes played as a forward and was a stylish player with a very deceptive body swerve. He foraged all over the field and gave excellent service to his wingers. He could also shoot with either foot and could take advantage of his height when defending. Bob was at Edgar Street for nine seasons, making a total of 256 first-team appearances and scoring eight goals. 

 

He departed Hereford in the summer of 1963 to accept a position of player-coach with Lydbrook Athletic, a post that was virtually as manager because he soon became responsible for team selection. Bob continued until December 1964, when he retired from football after disagreements with the Gloucestershire club over team selection and tactics. Bob also worked as a foreman at Thorn Lighting, the Hereford factory where he helped many local youngsters along their way. Bob received several offers to tempt him back out of retirement but he resisted them all before realising that the old enthusiasm and urge were still there so he signed for Herefordshire League club Ross All Whites. 

 

When Bob did finally retire, he had one last trick up his sleeve and became coach to Hinton Youth Club's three teams. Despite being a Worcester man, Bob never moved from Hereford and enjoyed retirement at his home in Old Eign Hill until he died in April 2023, aged 92.