Number twenty four on the Bulls Advent Calendar are the fans.
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| Edgar Street, 1950 |
Almost since the day of the club's formation in 1924 the fans have been called on time and time again in times of crisis, with the first problems arising in 1926. In 1946, fans were needed to raise £4,000 (£140,000 in today's money) to keep the club running and clear debts.
In 1952, fans raised another £2,600 (£63,000) through the "Ten Bob" Supporters Club while 60 years ago, in 1954, the Hereford United Supporters Club Committee was formed, whose stated aim was to “Save the United”. Its first chairman was Bill Parrott, grandfather of Ron, who told supporters:
“We have a hard task to perform and I appeal to you all to join forces with your Committee to help the Club to escape from their serious current financial difficulties.”
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| 1953/54 vs Wigan |
Bill went on to outline six ways that members could help: 1) Straight donation. 2) Purchase of 5s (25p) shares. 3) Fundraising activities by darts, skittles or crib matches etc. 4) Membership of the Supporters Club, minimum subscription being 2s 6d (12½p) 5) Take out an advertisement in the matchday programme. 6) Take a more active interest in the running of the Club.
The fans continued to keep the club running during the non-league days before promotion to the League and a little bit of success. But the drop back down the divisions saw a "Save Our Soccer" campaign in 1981/2 to rescue the club once more.
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| 1956/7 Fans build extra terracing for a FA Cup tie |
Another relegation, from the League, brought another crisis in the mid-90's - with HUISA at the forefront of fundraising - and the latest ongoing problems have seen the fans put over £10,000 into the club in a few days.
Thesedays the fans remain committed to the club be they on the terraces, in the stands, bars, offices, or dancing outside of Addisons.
Merry Christmas, Hereford United. All of you.
Merry Christmas, Hereford United. All of you.