Barrow v Hereford Utd

[32mile_cul-de-sac]

Cant remember what went on way back in 1972 when Barrow were applying for re-election, but I remember there was bad blood between the two clubs, is there anyone out there who knows the facts? what went on?

[Steelworks End]

I don't think that there was bad blood between the clubs, just resentment by Barrow supporters that Hereford had stolen "our" Football League place. It still hurts.

In those days there was no automatic promotion and relegation between the League and the non-league game - basically the Northern Premier and Southern Leagues - but clubs finishing in the botton four of Division Four had to apply for re-election at the Football League's AGM. Generally, although not always, this was a formality.

In 1972, however, Hereford had a good run in the FA Cup, including a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United featuring a superb goal by Ronnie Radford, still seen regularly on television. That captured the public imagination and Hereford went to the AGM in a confident mood, despite the fact that they had not won their league. On the first vote, Hereford and Barrow - who were not the bottom club in Division Four and probably expected to retain their place "on the nod" - polled an equal number. Arguably, the status quo should have prevailed and Barrow retained their league place; however, a second vote was called and this time Hereford came out tops. They were in the Football League, Barrow were out.

[Jim]

The details of voting etc are here:

http://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistic ... 971-72.htm

As you can see, we were only one point away from safety (well, 2 points actually, looking at our goal difference)!

[SKIPPER]

To those of us around at the time it was a disgrace . There were at the time many small rankles some of them fact some urban myth which compounded the decision. Many felt there shouldn't have been a second vote and that we should have kept our place purely because they didn't beat us first time.There were rumours that Hereford had placed solid silver models of Hereford bulls on the desk of every delegate (never confirmed of course). We got no sympathy for the fact that we had been forced to play two vital games on the run-in with no goalkeeper. All injured and the versatile Bobby Knox had to go between the sticks when the FL refused us permission to sign a temporary standby (It was after the old 'deadline'had closed). Two games were lost and a point gained from either could have seen us safe. Interesting looking at the final table, if that had been today we would have been safe. Three points for a win (it was only 2 then) would have seen us finish above both Northampton and Chester.I think the argument people bring up continuously about the speedway wasn't the major problem. Geography was a major factor and I think many teams were just glad of the excuse to get us out.The one thing that continues to annoy me is the showing of THAT goal as if it was the only one ever scored in the FA Cup. A hit-and-hope shot on a mudbath cowfield against a 1st Division (Premiership) team who weren't up for it and it changed the face of football in Barrow probably forever.

[xerxes]

I don't think that there was bad blood between the clubs, just resentment by Barrow supporters that Hereford had stolen "our" Football League place. It still hurts.

Most of my resentment finally disappeared when Hereford themselves were relegated from the League in 1997. They got promoted again in 2006 by virtue of their own efforts - fair enough, that's something we've never yet managed.

However I still resent the fact that the media still drools over the Radford goal, and regards Hereford as top of the list for any televised TV game and the associated pay out. That's not a level playing field. For that reason I sincerely hope Cheltenham knock them out.

[Spanner]

As you can see, we were only one point away from safety (well, 2 points actually, looking at our goal difference)!

Goal average (goals scored divided by goals conceded) in those days of course...but ours that season was just as bad!

[Three Lie Ins]

I don't think that there was bad blood between the clubs, just resentment by Barrow supporters that Hereford had stolen "our" Football League place. It still hurts.

Most of my resentment finally disappeared when Hereford themselves were relegated from the League in 1997. They got promoted again in 2006 by virtue of their own efforts - fair enough, that's something we've never yet managed.

However I still resent the fact that the media still drools over the Radford goal, and regards Hereford as top of the list for any televised TV game and the associated pay out. That's not a level playing field. For that reason I sincerely hope Cheltenham knock them out.

Should blame Newcastle for being completely [SwearFilter] useless and losing to a non league side.

[ant]

It was definitely all about Barrows location.Close family friend was a director on the Bod at the time and was a very good friend of the then Man City chairman Peter Swales, who was canvassing to all in support of Barrow.Was in the bag for us.Hereford and their friends kept up with the geographical issue and turned it around. And bang. We were gone.Purely down to location in the end.And that's the truth of it.

[saltcellar]

On a point of interest these are the teams who were not re elected back in the football league since 1946 (the war) and the clubs who replaced them.

1951 - Workington replaced New Brighton
1960 - Peterborough replaced Gateshead
1970 - Cambridge United replaced Bradford Park Avenue
1972 - Hereford replaced Barrow
1977 - Wimbledon replaced Workington
1978 - Wigan Athletic replaced Southport

The majority are northern teams replaced by southern ones.

In 1980 Rochdale hung on to their league status by the skin of their teeth in rather bizarre circumstances.
Altrincham were promised the votes of Grimsby and Luton.
The Grimsby representative forgot to vote, while the Luton one arrived back from lunch after the vote had been taken.
Rochdale recorded 26 votes and Altrincham 25.

[The Poacher]

On a point of interest these are the teams who were not re elected back in the football league since 1946 (the war) and the clubs who replaced them.

1951 - Workington replaced New Brighton
1960 - Peterborough replaced Gateshead
1970 - Cambridge United replaced Bradford Park Avenue
1972 - Hereford replaced Barrow
1977 - Wimbledon replaced Workington
1978 - Wigan Athletic replaced Southport

The majority are northern teams replaced by southern ones.

In 1980 Rochdale hung on to their league status by the skin of their teeth in rather bizarre circumstances.
Altrincham were promised the votes of Grimsby and Luton.
The Grimsby representative forgot to vote, while the Luton one arrived back from lunch after the vote had been taken.
Rochdale recorded 26 votes and Altrincham 25.

You have to admire how Wigan have progressed in a short time.

[russell_anderson]

On a point of interest these are the teams who were not re elected back in the football league since 1946 (the war) and the clubs who replaced them.

1951 - Workington replaced New Brighton
1960 - Peterborough replaced Gateshead
1970 - Cambridge United replaced Bradford Park Avenue
1972 - Hereford replaced Barrow
1977 - Wimbledon replaced Workington
1978 - Wigan Athletic replaced Southport

The majority are northern teams replaced by southern ones.

In 1980 Rochdale hung on to their league status by the skin of their teeth in rather bizarre circumstances.
Altrincham were promised the votes of Grimsby and Luton.
The Grimsby representative forgot to vote, while the Luton one arrived back from lunch after the vote had been taken.
Rochdale recorded 26 votes and Altrincham 25.

You have to admire how Wigan have progressed in a short time.

Wigan have progressed more than the other because, quite simply, they have been bankrolled my a man with money - Dave Whelan - whilst the others have not! You can make a mess of a club even when you have pots of money but you'll never get anywhere near the top without it!

[The Poacher]

You have to admire how Wigan have progressed in a short time.

Wigan have progressed more than the other because, quite simply, they have been bankrolled my a man with money - Dave Whelan - whilst the others have not! You can make a mess of a club even when you have pots of money but you'll never get anywhere near the top without it!

Yes russell I am fully aware who Dave Whelan is and the role he has played in the rise of Wigan Football and rugby clubs.I certainly would not class Wigan as a club who have been"bankrolled" but a club who have been assisted by a fabulous ,knowledgeable and respected chairman,a chairman who knows football and will not be held to ransom by modern day average footballers.Having attended springfield park many years ago to support Barrow,and have visited the new ground,DW or JJb,I was simply making the point how well run and how well the club has progressed.Would you not agree.

[xerxes]

You have to admire how Wigan have progressed in a short time.

Wimbledon (the old Wimbledon, now known as MK Dons) actually progressed a lot quicker than Wigan.

[Hadrian]

And for anyone still confused that is the Crystal Palace Wimbledon not the Kingston-upon-Thames Wimbledon.

Meanwhile in Wimbledon itself...

[The Poacher]

You have to admire how Wigan have progressed in a short time.

Wimbledon (the old Wimbledon, now known as MK Dons) actually progressed a lot quicker than Wigan.

And your point is ?