Footballer Ronnie Radford, who scored one of the most memorable goals in FA Cup history, has died aged 79.

Radford became a Hereford hero when his stunning goal helped the non-league side knock first-division Newcastle out of the FA Cup in a third-round replay in February 1972.

Announcing his death in a statement on their website, Hereford said they were “devastated”.

“Ronnie is not just a part of Hereford United folklore, he is a part of football history and has kept Hereford on the football map since 1972,” the statement said.

“His mild manner, and friendly and modest approach to life epitomised the man he was and he was always delighted to visit Edgar Street, to meet up with past team-mates and watch the present day team in action.

“We will always keep Ronnie close to our hearts at Edgar Street, not just at FA Cup moments, but forever and celebrate him and his huge role in propelling Hereford United to the forefront of the nation’s attention with that goal and being part of that team.

“We will carry your spirit onwards. Rest in peace Ronnie.”

Home Office facing judicial review over migrant overcrowding at Manston, immigration minister says

Manston migrants beg for help with message in a bottle as centre like a ‘prison’

Met Police officer Jonathon Cobban and ex-PC Joel Borders sentenced to jail for sharing offensive WhatsApp messages with Sarah Everard’s killer

During what would become the most famous match of his career, and one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history, Radford blasted home a stunning goal to level the game, sparking a joyous invasion of the mudbath on which the game was played.

The goal is also remembered for John Motson’s “Oh, what a goal! What a goal!” commentary, which helped launched his career at the BBC.

The footage is aired on third-round day each year.

The goal set the stage for team-mate Ricky George to secure a remarkable 2-1 win for Hereford.

Newcastle United paid their own tribute, saying on Twitter: “Though against us, a goal forever written into FA Cup folklore. Rest in peace, Ronnie.”

Related posts:

Petrol bombs and bricks hurled at police in third night of violence in Northern Ireland Man whose picture was shared over PCSO’s murder identified Man arrested over murder of PCSO Julia James UK records another five COVID deaths and 2,047 cases Drinking game? Football clubs ready for alcohol trial while police brand it ‘really foolish’ Woman and two men killed in car crash as vehicle catches fire Scotland decides not to expand vaccine passports as NI strengthens work from home advice COVID cases ‘flat’ until Christmas – but expert says ‘it will get worse again’ in New Year Pilot jailed for lying on CV to get flying jobs with British Airways and Stobart Air Woman left to die ‘surrounded by filth’ after her father and brother failed to care for her, court told Teddy bear ‘told me to kill’, says man accused of murdering neighbour Police carry out two controlled explosions after reports of suspicious vehicle in Westminster