Hereford United, The Home of Football!!

Apologises to all Hereford United Fans! Why? Because I said at Torquay when I was down there 3 weeks ago that they had been so kind to me I would be happy with a 1-1 draw when they came to Edgar Street today. I didn't mean it but there you go!

The final day of my challenge dawned in Tipton, the home of old friends Mike and Margaret Smith. My son James popped in for breakfast on his way to Scotland and I gave him one of my panniers to allow me to do the final dash a little quicker. Leaving around 8.15am I travelled though 4 counties today. I went though Kidderminster and right by Aggborough but as they are a non league club I carried on! Half Way home was Great Witley. Then the long climb up to the Herefordshire sign. I had to stop and take a photo. I love Herefordshire dearly but I don't like cycling around it. Too many hills! I arrived in Edgar Street at 1.30pm and met up with John and Tom Cutler. John is being a real fairweather playing drums for the pantomime but I forgave him seeing a lovely glass of cider placed before me! I then went to the ground and met up with my beloved wife Eunice and her sister Liz before going in and sharing a hospitality room with them. Graham Rivers came in a shared the room with us and as we were chatting we missed the 1st goal scored by Torquay. Directors Dave Preedy and Grenville Smith came in and congratulated me and we sorted out arrangements for half time. The announcer went on the tannoy and I did a lap of the ground with my bucket in hand. After counting it when I got home I found there was £165. 42 in it. Other people from the MS Society branch collected money at the turnstiles and I thank them for coming to do that. I don't know how much they collected. The second half started and I had to get back behind the goal at the Meadow End to my normal spot otherwise we couldn't win. As soon as I got there we were given a penalty. But alas it was saved. That's football for you, so unpredictable at this level but I wouldn't want it any other way. At the end of the game I went and helped Eunice back to the car before returning to the room to get my bike. I went through the door and there was Graham Turner sitting down looking sad. He hates not winning. I wasn't sure whether to beat a hasty retreat or not but he said to come on in and offered me a glass of red wine to take the edge off the disappointment. Then in came John Trewick briefly before being called away again. Graham gave me my rucksack of dirty clothes and the signed Boston ball and with one final act of masochism I cycled home with the rucksack on my back. 1504 miles completed. I'll do another log tomorrow when I have had a good sleep and reflected a bit more.

Appreciations

It is almost impossible to thank all those who have supported my adventure and I apologise in advance if I leave you out. Thank you to all who have put me up for a night or sometimes two. James, Steve and Ann, Colin and Ann, Harald and Marion, Glyn and Jean, Ian and Viv, Charles and Sue and Mike and Margaret. Their hospitality was superb and I thank them all for allowing a sweaty smelly cyclist to stay in their homes! Thank you all for your text messages of encouragement that really kept me going when the conditions were tough.

I have not a clue how much I have raised but will have a count up in the next few days. My thanks go to the football clubs who donated footballs, shirts, pennants and pictures. There are quite a few items of football memorabilia to be sold so if there is anything you fancy buying for Christmas, please let me know and will will negotiate an extortionate price on behalf of a worthy cause!

West Bromwich Albion

The final club to visit was the Baggies a few miles up the road. Again Kully the receptionist was very pleasant. I had been told before that there would be no one around but she found Eddy a groundsman/handyman who took me to the pitch and talked about the future plans for the club. He was very interested in my challenge and I talked about my trip. Kully and Eddy signed my shirt and I was soon on my way to Wednesbury to meet Marlene Hickman for tea. She is a lovely Christian lady who had offered to feed me. I had a huge meal here and chatted with Marlene before moving on to Tipton to Mike and Margaret Smith's home for the night. They were away for the day but I was given a key by Marlene to let myself in and make myself at home. The adventure is nearly over and it is home tomorrow. I can't wait!

Birmingham City

I have come to the conclusion that the first person you meet at a club is very important. Therefore the receptionist has a vital job. At The Blues they had 2 of the best, very friendly and helpful. I had been contacted by Nichola to say they had a signed ball for me but unfortunately she was on holiday.. While I waited Angela took me to the stand for a photo, made of 2 cups of hot chocolate and chatted to me about my adventure. When the ball arrived we had our picture taken together with Helen who had brought it down. When I left I felt as though I had been with old friends. That is how to be a good receptionist. Well done girls!

Aston Villa

Another 7 miles was Aston Villa. A PR guy took me to the pitch side. There I had my photo taken and he signed my shirt.

Walsall

Just 7 miles down the road is Walsall. Chantell the receptionist signed my shirt, took me to the pitch and took my photo inside and outside the ground.

Wolves

It was good to have a meal out with Charles last night and catch up on all the news and plans for the future. But all too soon I have to move on and plan for my penultimate day. The 32 mile cycle to Wolves was a joy. After the wind and rain of yesterday the change was dramatic. Calm and bright. I couldn't help singing to myself the David Bowie song ‘Perfect Day'! I made excellent progress and arrived at the Wolves at 10.45am. Outside the stadium I met, as arranged, the League Paper photographer with her father and sister. I went to reception and did my normal routine to see what reaction I get. The receptionist made a call or two and then an older gentleman came to meet us. He took us all pitchside and the girl took her photos as well as mine. We got talking to Graham Hughes and he was very interesting. He offered up a cup of tea and talked about taking the bus with Billy Wright when Billy was England captain! He also worked in Herefordshire as a plumber and used to drink with John Charles after games. He knew the names of most pubs in Hereford. He seemed to like me and promised to send a signed shirt after Christmas on top of the small pennant I had been given. We had our photo taken by the statue of Billy Wright and that is the one going in the paper.

Shrewsbury Town

It was head down now for the 35 miles to Shrewsbury. The wind and rain were quite a problem so I just tried to think of anything but the miles to cover. I am starting to look forward to getting back home now and dreamed of driving a car rather than be exposed to the elements and have to pedal. I stopped near Ellesmere by the lakeside and had a warm coffee. I shared a mince pie with a little robin who had taken up residence in the cafe.

Shrewsbury gave me the traditional sloppy welcome with all the rain. I had arranged to meet my friend and host for the night Charles Crosland at the ground. He is Shrewsbury fan, cricketer and minister but I'm not sure if I've listed that in the right order of priority! The phone reception was bad and the message got through late, so I made my way to the reception. My shirt was signed by a coach and when they realised who I was, I was presented with a signed football. I was taken into the ground for photos and expected to see the pitch flooded as the Severn had burst its banks but it was still green. Rather than get cold and wait for Charles to come down from church I decided to go up to him in town. I asked a passing lady if she knew where Claremont Baptist church was and she said she wasn't sure but knew where the Claremont area was so we walked up together into town. My phone rang; it was the Non League / League Paper wanting an interview. I then ended up in the surreal situation of this strange lady pushing my bike for me as I conducted the interview as we continued to the church. Eventually Charles and I met up and after a chat we drove over to the site of the new stadium.

Wrexham

The road to Wrexham was straight into the strong wind. The clouds were black and soon I had a fine Welsh welcome of hail and high winds. I couldn't blame Wrexham but more Chester for holding me up earlier on. I arrived at the stadium in the middle of a downpour and had a good welcome. I had arranged to meet the manager Denis Smith at the training ground but wanted a picture of the Stadium. We dived into the ground trying to stay out of the rain and quickly took some snaps. I was directed to the training ground which was 2 miles back the way I had come. When I got there I looked like a drown rat. I was told to go upstairs and go to the far end of the building to Denis's office. I tapped on the door with a little trepidation but Denis welcomed me in. He said that he didn't know if I would come because of the appalling weather. We went back outside and his assistant took our photos. Shirt signed it was time for him to start training and for me to head for Shrewsbury.

Chester City

I stayed just 2 miles away from the Chester ground and so it took only a few minutes to get there. The place was deserted at 8.30am so I cycled around the stadium a couple of times before I got fed up and went to a little mobile cafe in the industrial estate. The coffee was warming on this damp and blustery morning. Again I went to the ground and this time there were a handful of cars waiting for the place to be unlocked. Eventually someone opened the door and I explained my challenge. This got a pretty muted response but the assistant manager signed my shirt and I was told to go round the other side of the stadium where the groundsman was supposed to be. I never found him and as I looked at the gathering black clouds I decided it would be just as well if I made a dash for Wrexham.

Everton

With less than a mile to go to Everton I was grateful to be out of the rain and in the warm again very quickly. The receptionist was very kind and ordered me a coffee. This was done by phoning upstairs then sending the dirty mugs up the lift. Soon the fresh coffee came back down the lift. I was supposed to meet Bill Ellaby but when the receptionist called him on his mobile he was very apologetic and admitted to me that he had forgotten and he was in a meeting in the city. He said that he had a signed football for me in his office and would send his secretary over with it and get an assistant to take me to the pitch. This all happened and we had photos taken. The assistant was a very nice guy who told me to contact him if I wanted anything else. He signed my shirt and off I went to the Mersey. I nearly made the same mistake as in London and following my sat nav I ended up in the mouth of the Mersey Tunnel. Before committing myself I spotted a police car parked so I made my way in a westerly direction to have a word. The policeman confirmed that I could cycle across at certain times but that wasn't now! He directed me to the Mersey Ferry and off I went. The next ferry was 2pm so again I had the opportunity to get in the warm and dry for half an hour. The crossing was choppy and the tannoy played ‘Ferry cross the Mersey’ which we all sang along to! Then came the driest part of the day and the 15 mile dash to Chester before darkness fell.

Liverpool

It is about 19 miles from Wigan to Liverpool and the rain and wind was in my face. I had noticed over the last few days that I have been drinking less water and have concluded that I must be taking in rain water though my skin by osmosis! As I approached Merseyside, I was astonished to see burnt out houses and even a fire gutted church! I decided against a rest and I'm sure my pedal rate increased rapidly, and soon Anfield appeared on the top of a small hill surrounded by terraced houses. I had to go to 69 Anfield Road to meet Brian Hall my contact. I wondered as I waited whether it was the Brian Hall the 70's Anfield Legend and as soon as I saw him I knew it was him and he confirmed there is only one Brian Hall. I shook him firmly by the hand and said how pleased I was to meet him. He took me over the road to Anfield and presented me with a signed football. We had our photos taken in the tunnel touching the ‘This is Anfield’ sign and at pitch side. What an honour to meet this man and again we shook hands as I left.

Wigan Athletic

Not quite sure where I stayed last night but the B&B was called Sunnydale and it was run by a cycling enthusiast called Peter. He had 4 or 5 bikes and did a lot of cyclocross. I set off the 8 miles to Wigan all kitted out in wet weather gear. The rain was heavy and got heavier. I had to shelter under the arches of the JJB before it eased a little so that I could make the dash into Reception. I was welcomed and given a coffee while I waited for my contact Julie Lavin to come down. She met me with a signed shirt for me in her hand! I was taken to the pitch and was able to sit in the changing room, hanging my shirt on a peg. A little warmer and a lot heartened I set off into the rain and wind to Liverpool.

Preston North End

Another 12 miles to Preston but this time through a cloud burst. I was cycling in a river and getting showered in spray by passing cars and lorries. Battling the strong wind as well caused me to consider seriously what the dickens I was doing this all for. Many of you might have thought the same! Doing my Neptune impression I dripped my way to the reception desk and asked to see my contact Gary Robinson. On seeing me he made some crass remark that I looked as though I had been in the rain. I resisted the temptation to ram a soggy glove down his throat! We went into the ground and had photos taken with Bill Shankley and Sir Tom Finney as back drops. Their images are in the seating patterns. Gary told me that Sir Tom still comes to the ground every Thursday so I am a couple of days early. 14 miles down the road I found some digs. A wet, depressing day, but 50 more miles nearer to home.

Blackburn Rovers

One cannot compare the stadium of Accy and Blackburn. Jack Walkers millions built a magnificent ground with plush reception and facilities. A security guard took me into the ground and he was the only one there who seemed interested in my challenge. He introduced me to his superior for me to tell my story. My shirt was signed in reception but sadly none of Jack's millions came my way so I went across the road and got a McChicken Sandwich and a cup of coffee.

Accrington Stanley

It was only a short journey to Accy of about 6 miles and no major hills just wind and rain. As many of you will have seen, it is a small ground just up to conference standard but has a team of battlers who deservedly won the league last year. I do love places like this that is supported by true football fans. The club is kept going by dedicated staff where money is not everything. Rob Hey showed me to the pitch where we took photos and my shirt duly signed before I was soon on my way to Blackburn. It amazed of how the club can keep going with Burnley 6 miles down the hill and Blackburn 5 miles up the hill!

Burnley

I have had some superb hospitality at Ian and Viv’s. The food has been great and I have even been the guinea pig for the Christmas dinner menu, but all good things have to come to an end. Viv took me back to Rochdale this morning and I set out over the hill to Burnley. The wind and rain had subsided for a little while but it wasn't long before I had to stop and don the wet weather gear again. As I made the slow climb up the Pennines again I came across a whole Primary School being shepherded down the pavement by their teachers. One boy about 7 shouted encouragement to me as I tackled the long climb. Come on LAD you can do it! Me called a lad by a 7 year old- what next!?

I got to Burnley about 10am and was told that Steve Cotterill had gone on a run but the catering manager offered to take me around. We met an ex player who signed my shirt. He was a Burnley legend but I can't read his name! He said his older brother had played for Hereford in the 80's. Began with O! We went pitch side and took some photos, then Steve Cotterill appeared on his way to training. He admonished me for not being there at 9.30am as arranged but agreed to have a picture taken with me before he rushed off to training. The catering manager was a real fan and talked with enthusiasm about the clubs history as he showed me pictures in the board room of Bob Lord and playing legends. He was also a keen cyclist who had arranged various events. But it was time to move on to Accrington.

Man Utd

Rochdale

Carrying on further east about 7 miles is Rochdale. Again it didn't take me very long before I arrived at Spotland. The receptionist signed my shirt and her assistant took me to the pitchside for some photos. I asked to use their facilities and again I was from there in less than 10 minutes. I had called Viv and we had arranged that she would pick me up from Spotland and drop me off there again tomorrow morning. As I waited I thought that it was 10 years since I had been at Rochdale following Hereford. The game ended in a draw either 0-0 or 1-1 but my abiding memory of this game was the constant chant of Graham Turners Barmy Army which carried on non stop for the second half. Following that game we called in at Old Trafford arriving about 6pm as several of the players were going home. Mark, my son, got an autograph from a young David Beckham. Interesting going to Rochdale and Man Utd in the same day again! So 1225 miles cycled so far and I have visited at least 47 grounds. It could be argued that I have visited more as I have been to the old Highbury and the new MK Dons Stadium as well as grounds that are shared with Rugby League or, as today at Bury, 2 football clubs. Any of you paying by the clubs visited object?

Bury

It is only a few miles east to Bury and with the cold wind now behind me I soon arrived at Gigg Lane. I asked for Jill Neville who I had been in correspondence with before I left. She came to reception and admitted that she had forgotten about my trip but still she signed my shirt and pointed me in the direction of gate 3 so that I could make my own way to the pitch side. I met a couple of groundsmen here and took a couple of snaps. I asked when they next played here and as well as Bury mid week FC United are playing here on Saturday. This is the off shoot from Man Utd after some fans objected to the Glazier take over. It wasn't until I was on my way home tonight that it was mentioned that Jill Neville was probably Gary and Phil's mother. Would that be correct? All in all I was probably at Bury less than 10 minutes.

Bolton Wanderers

It was supposed to be about 12 miles to Bolton but again my sat nav had tripped out so I followed the signs to Bolton and when I arrived I asked a pedestrian where the Reebok stadium was located. It is miles away in Horwich he said, and gave me very good directions but said it was between 5 and 6 miles away. Eventually I got there. I do like the look of this stadium - it has a bit of style! Again asking at reception I was introduced to Paul Holliday from PR who was actually expecting me! He showed me into the ground and I took a few photos and he took some of me. Just then a stadium tour party came along and we started chatting. There were fans from all sorts of clubs and I had been to every ground. They asked me why I was doing it and I said it was for MS. Just as they were leaving to continue their tour a young man came up to me and gave me £5 saying that his brother has MS! I went back to Paul's office and I emailed him one of the photos so that he could put an article in a Bolton programme. We shook hands and after I had borrowed a paperclip from reception to reset my sat nav I set out for Bury.

Manchester United

Another late start, I am getting soft! But I only had just over 5 miles to go to Man Utd this morning so there was no point in leaving until 8.30am so that I could arrive around 9 am when the offices open. So a quick burst and I was there outside the theatre of dreams. I went to reception in the East Stand and told them what I was doing. I had been given the names of two people but both were unavailable. The nice lady on reception, who was from Bolton, offered me a cup of coffee while I waited for the head of communications to come down and sign my shirt. He said he had been to Edgar Street back in 1990 when Clayton Blackmore scored a late goal to win and save their blushes.

After a photo a security guy took me pitch side for another photo call. I then went back to reception and prepared to leave. I wondered whether I should mention it or not but originally I had been told to go to the museum entrance where they would have a pennant for me. The nice lady rang the museum and yes, there was something there for me. So around the corner I went to the North Stand. On the third floor is the museum and there I met the curator who presented me with a 2005/2006 unsigned pennant and showed me around the museum. I had a photo taken with some trophies and wandered into the hall of fame after he had left. Eventually I decided it was time to move on to the other venues of the day so I collected my bike and set out for Bolton.

Manchester City

I had called at the City of Manchester Stadium last night but as I was only 7 miles away in Stockport I thought I would go and try and find someone again. The wind blew me north and in a flash I was there. Again the stadium was totally deserted but around the other side the megastore was open. I locked my bike up and wandered in. Seeing a big burly security guard I explained what I was doing and asked for the manager. A smiling lady appeared and I told her about my trip and that Stuart Pearce had sent me a signed photo before I left but I still wanted to come and see the ground. She very happily signed my shirt, but explained that stadium was not accessible though as it was all alarmed up. I thanked her and left to make my way south again to the Duncan's home. I arrived just after 2pm a short and unfruitful day. I had a coffee, changed the spoke that had broken on the way to Sunderland and sat down to watch the FA cup draw. Bristol Rovers or Bournemouth vs Hereford! Hmm I hope it is Bournmouth as I would be happy to go down there again. Liz Finney the General Manager had been very kind to me there and had travelled half an hour to meet me on a Sunday morning. I don't want to go to Rovers again! If we did Ryan Green would be bound to score against us. Why couldn't we have had Chelsea instead of Macclesfield!!

Stockport County

The route back north was slightly different to my route south. I had passed through a tunnel under the runway of Manchester Airport on the way to Macclesfield but I returned with the airport to the west. Planes seemed to be landing sideways to counteract the strong wind so I expect there was a bit of rubber burnt on touchdown. As I was cycling happily along with the wind behind me I was overtaken by a motorbike. Just as he went passed me he hit a pigeon on what looked like his helmet. There was a cloud of feathers and the deceased pigeon landed on the greensward beside me. This turned out to be the highlight of my days cycling! I arrived at Stockport County around noon and again it was totally deserted. Edgeley Park is shared with the Sale Sharks as well as County but the whole place was shuttered up. I had received an email from them asking if I would be there today to which I replied I would but somehow we failed to meet. Perhaps I was there too early. After eating a Snickers and taking a photo I again left shirt unsigned.

Macclesfield Town

There is a problem with hospitality that is too good! Too much food, too much wine, too much sleep. Ian and Viv Duncan are looking after me so well I don't much feel like getting on my bike in the morning. We were all woken at about 5am this morning by a howling gale and driving rain against the window. My reaction was to pull the clothes tight around me and go back to sleep and pray that it would be better when I set off. I eventually left after a good breakfast to make my way south to Macclesfield. The road was strewn with bits of branches and other debris from the storm just passed. There were even a few flooded patches I had to cycle around but remarkably it was bright now with only a stiff wind to hamper me. I arrived at a deserted Macclesfield Town. I circled the ground a couple of times, poked my camera through the railings and took a shot into the sun. So without a sight nor sound of Paul Ince I left, shirt unsigned and returned north to Stockport.

Huddersfield Town

The legs had no tiger in the tank today. It was a matter of just plodding on to the next club. It was only another 10 miles to Huddersfield. The terrain was very hilly and the head wind very stiff. I suspected that there may be no one there as they had been knocked out of the FA cup in the previous round and had told me by email that it would be deserted. As it happened there was a couple in the ticket office. The lady allowed me in but we couldn’t get right in as it was all locked up. They gave me a programme and I was soon on my way.

There is a little obstacle in the way between Huddersfield and Manchester. It’s called the Pennines! It is called the backbone of England; well it nearly broke my back! I seemed to be climbing for 10 miles. I mulled over my plight. When you are in the valley you are out of the wind but when you are up the mountain you struggle against the gale. So as most women will agree it is better to have a flat bottom than a flat top! The scenery reminded me of the ski resorts in the Scottish mountains - beautiful but hard to cycle up. After what seemed an eternity I started to descend towards Oldham. I met a couple on a tandem and I thought that would be a good idea for my next challenge. Would anyone like to join me?

I ended up going past Oldham Athletic and ending up at the City of Manchester Stadium. Again deserted. What is wrong with clubs today? None play on a Saturday! There was 9 miles to go until I arrived at Ian and Viv’s. It was very glad to finish today and have a good soak in the bath. The dinner was worth waiting for and who cares anyway, we beat Port Vale 4-0 today so that makes for a good day.

Bradford City

After a good breakfast, I started out once more to the hills over to Bradford. It was supposed to be 10 miles, but I ended up doing over 12 miles as the sat nav was playing up. When I got there it looked deserted as they had played last night. Eventually I found someone in the ticket office and he was happy to take me into the ground. He was meant to be selling tickets for the replay in London (against Milwall) but didn’t think he would have many takers after the dismal 0-0 last night. The chap told me he had run 40 miles to Leeds raise money for the club when it was put in administration. With the photos taken, I prepared to move on but noticed a plaque commemorating the loss of life in the fire back in the 80’s which resulted in the removal of all fences from football grounds and much better stadia.

Darlington

After the storms of last night it was good to see the weather a lot calmer. Glyn and Jean looked after me really well and I had a hearty breakfast. Setting out around 8.30, I found the going much better than expected and arrived in Darlington 24 miles away quite quickly. The stadium took a little more finding as my sat nav was not programmed correctly but with a little detour of a couple of miles I found the impressive new structure. Darlington were one of the few League 2 clubs who had not replied to my letter or email so it was no surprise that I met with a fairly blank expression from the receptionist.. She said she would go and get a member of staff to sign my shirt who was an ex player. I didn’t catch his name even but he was a nice guy who had had hip replacements due to the wear and tear of years of playing football. He signed my shirt and showed me to the pitch side for a photo. The whole thing was over in less than 10 minutes. With this the only club to visit today I did feel a bit deflated. To coin a phrase that was used up these parts a few years ago..... I’m telling you now I will love it, really love it he we beat them! When we next meet! Not that I’m vindictive in any way of course!

With nearly 60 miles to go to get to Bradford I just got my head down for the rest of the day and tried not to look at my milometer as it ticked over painfully slowly. I must be getting a bit fitter though as I didn’t feel the normal pain of cycling 75 miles. I passed though some very pleasant countryside and the rural market town of Northallerton. I bypassed Ripon and Harrogate and as darkness fell I thought it was time to look for somewhere to stay. The 1st pub was tended by a youngster who didn’t even know if they had rooms but a few miles on I came to Pool-in-Wharfdale. There I found the Half Moon Inn who took me in and fed and watered me. Just 10 miles to go to Bradford, but a few hills to negotiate tomorrow.