Ronnie Radford sadly passed away today at the age of 79. While not a Newcastle player, he is synonymous with Newcastle and the FA Cup. It is a name that gives Newcastle fans a tingle down their spine.
The former Hereford Town player’s goal against Newcastle United in the FA Cup back in 1972 is so iconic that it is still thought of as the “greatest FA Cup goal ever”.
Even though I was born ten years after that goal, it has still haunted me as a Newcastle fan. There was never a season that went by that that clip wasn’t played as part of the BBC’s FA Cup coverage, especially if they happened to be showing a Newcastle game. As a kid having my non-Newcastle supporting friend scream Radford’s name when he drilled the ball into the top corner past my flailing arms is a memory that has stuck with me for years.
Newcastle’s official Twitter account retweeted Hereford Town FC’s announcement adding “Though against us, a goal forever written into FA Cup folklore. Rest In Peace, Ronnie”.
Though against us, a goal forever written into FA Cup folklore.
Rest in peace, Ronnie. 🖤🤍 https://t.co/DJZR8o1it7
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 2, 2022
It was a nice touch by two clubs inextricably linked by the actions of one man.
Rest In Peace, Ronnie Radford, after all these years, I can finally admit … it was a hell of a strike.