A league record 10491 blow the Christmas cobwebs away courtesy of an entertaining 2-2 draw against league leaders Southport. Brian Owen scores on 16 minutes giving Hereford a deserved lead at half time. Southport show why they are top with two second half goals before Billy Tucker heads an injury time equaliser. Hereford finish the day in a healthy 10th position off the back of a run of 10 games unbeaten. An injury sustained during the Bury match on 9th December meant former Southport favourite Eric Redrobe was unable to play, he would go on to be voted their all time favourite player in 2007 as part of their centenary celebrations.
On the Pitch: The front cover gives a first glimpse of the new Len Weston stand. It is yet to feature a perimeter wall, it does though feature what looks like a post 1980s crowd. This is because it was taken at the recent friendly between United and York City (Sat 16/12). Chester were meant to be Hereford's opposition but called the game off much to Addison's annoyance. 3134 watched on as York came out 4-2 winners. Addison also reveals that his leg will be in plaster for a further 3 weeks, he closes out his programme notes wishing everyone a happy New Year and acknowledging Hereford's "wonderful" support.
The programme also contains a match report from the two clubs' previous league encounter in September, a game that featured Eric Redrobe in Southport's starting line up.
Off the Pitch: Bits and Pieces brings the sad news that three Teddy Bears that were raffled on 16th December have not been claimed. A fan led "bob-a-goal" initiative also gets a mention, this would lead to a Mr D. N. Vaughan receiving a hefty bill at the end of the season. Money well spent. Meanwhile Supporters' Club Jottings reflects on a successful year of fundraising (£12000 raised), and acknowledges all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
As an aside there is an article by Ronald Crowther of the Daily Mail "Best Judges of Genius". The clue is in the title and it is awash with some serious footballing talent including a certain John Charles.
In the Opposition: A quick scurry through the Meet the Southport players and I thought Bingo as I clocked what I thought was a yet to be discovered Francis Lee, alas I was about a decade out and this was a different Francis Lee (actual name Frank Lee). They were both born in early 1944 though. Beyond that all I have been able to glean is that a now 35 year old John McPhee had earnt the nickname Chopper plus seemingly everyone else was involved at some point with North American "soccer". This I can only imagine was due to the easy access from the edge of Southport beach.
I am not sure if he started it, but Jim Fryatt would have spells at Hartford Bicentennials and Philadelphia Atoms in 1973 &1975 before managing Las Vegas Quicksilvers in 1977. Chris Dunleavy played 37 times for Philadelphia Atoms in 73-74, Andy Provan would also have a spell at Philadelphia Atoms in 73-74. Mick Moore played 20 times for Dallas Tornado in 1975. Bobby Sibbald would yo-yo between Southport and Los Angeles Aztecs for much of the 1970s playing over 300 games before briefly managing Los Angeles Heat in the late 80's, then for good measure Dave Turner would spend much of the 1980's managing either Toronto Blizzard or Toronto Dinamo. Interestingly, with North America being one of the founding "one last pay cheque" go to places to wind down a career, whilst Jim Fryatt was in his 30s, many of the others were in their mid twenties when they took what must have been quite a step? Several of them would see out their days in North America.
In the Charts: Little Jimmy Osmond bags the Christmas No.1 spot with Long Haired Lover from Liverpool.
On TV: A Boxing Day network premiere is given to Carry on Cleo starring Amanda Barrie in her second and final Carry on Film. Bizarrely the film was made 8 years earlier.
In the Maternity Ward: 29th December - Actor Jude Law is born.
Click on photos to enlarge.
