In this additional feature for Talking Bull we look back affectionately at some of the music that has been played at Edgar Street via the PA Box over the years.
In recognition of the late great Don Cooke we are calling this archive “Don’s Discs” and we are sure many, many Hereford supporters will recall his voice, as well as his music. Don operated the public address system at Edgar Street for the best part of 25 years.
Hereford fan John Bull has been in touch with us here at Talking Bull, suggesting we add an early 1972 single to the Don’s Discs collection.
So, today we head back to the early 1970s and Son Of My Father by Chicory Tip. The Maidstone based band comprising Peter Hewson, Rick Foster, Barry Mayger and Brian Shearer were largely unknown upon its release. However, the song soared to Number One in the UK singles charts being one of the first hit singles to feature a Moog synthesizer.
Released on the 29th January 1972, Don gave the track its first spin from the PA Box which was then situated at the back of the Meadow End, ahead of the Bulls’ epic FA Cup Third Round replay tie against Newcastle United a week later. Gripped by cup fever Hereford supporters packed the ground, with many fans sitting on hay bales behind the goals, some were even spotted halfway up trees and floodlight pylons.
The victory captivated the nation and maybe sales of the Chicory Tip single in and around Herefordshire rose too.
5/2/1972 v Newcastle United. The Bulls won 2-1 after extra-time. Attendance: 14,313.
Line Up: Fred Potter, Roger Griffiths, Ken Mallender, Alan Jones, Mick McLaughlin, Colin Addison, Tony Gough, Dudley Tyler, Billy Meadows, Brian Owen, Ronnie Radford. Sub: Ricky George.
The Bulls went on to lose 3-1 in a 4th Round Replay at Upton Park against West Ham United with Geoff Hurst scoring a hat-trick, watched by a capacity crowd of 42,271.
Hereford finished just two points behind champions Chelmsford in the Southern League. Alan Jones made an incredible 75 appearances for the Bulls that season, with Tyler and Mallender both present on seventy-two occasions. Fred Potter picked up the “Player of the Year” Trophy.
At the annual meeting of the Football League held on the 2nd June 1972, Hereford gained election after an initial tied vote, eventually picking up 29 votes, beating relegated Barrow who secured just 26 in the second ballot.
If you have a favourite song you loved hearing at Edgar Street, let us know here at Talking Bull email us:
editor@talkingbull.org
