GOWLING OUT TO TAP MAGIC OF RADFORD
Boss craves own piece of Hereford history
Ronnie was a treasure and icon. It’s a sad day
HEREFORD boss Josh Gowling wants his 2022 non-Leaguers to create their own piece of FA Cup magic against Portsmouth tonight as a tribute to the late Ronnie Radford.
The Vanarama National League North squad recreated Radford’s famous strike on the training pitch in February to mark the 50th anniversary of their giant-killing win over Newcastle.
The former midfielder passed away in the week of another big FA Cup tie live on the BBC at Edgar Street.
Gowling, who is just 38, said: “The FA Cup and Ronnie Radford are part of the DNA of the club. That goal is still spoken about – it is an iconic moment in the club’s history.
“He was a treasure and an icon – everyone looked up to him at the club and it is a sad day to see him passing. Everyone at the club sends their condolences to the family.
“It just makes the game against Portsmouth more important for us all. It will be an emotional night.
“But this tie is going to be a celebration to mark his career and what he has done for the football club and the memories he has made here.
“We now want to put on a good performance as part of the tribute. Hopefully we can create a bit of magic like he did.
“It is strange that he has passed away in the week of another big Hereford FA Cup tie. Sometimes things align and, hopefully, this is something that will align and see us get a win on Friday night.”
Hereford, the phoenix club of the old Hereford United who went under in 2014, now play in the sixth tier of the English football pyramid and reached the FA Trophy final in 2021.
Gowling, who has a degree in psychology from the Open University, led his squad in attempting to recreate the Radford goal and posted the results on social media.
“All the fans were talking about it – there were pictures of it everywhere,” said the former Bournemouth and Kidderminster defender, who spent two spells at Hereford before becoming manager in 2020.
“It is special to the club, part of the history.
“We filmed it and put it out for the fans to see as a memento and as a bit of respect from us.We respect the history and what the club has done in the FA Cup. It was a homage to them really.”
In 1972 it was Newcastle. Tonight League One Portsmouth face the Edgar Road roar – and a Hereford side seeking another FA giant-killing.
“I would be happy with a little, scuffy back-post tap-in as long as we win,” said Gowling. “But it would be fantastic to win it with a screamer.”