FA Cup hero Ronnie Radford, who fired Hereford to glory after joining from Newport County, has died at the age of 79.

Radford wrote himself into the competition’s history with a stunning strike as the then Southern League club knocked first division Newcastle out of the FA Cup in a third round replay in February 1972.

His death was announced in a statement on Hereford’s official website on Wednesday afternoon.

It said: “We are devastated to hear of Ronnie’s passing, and wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.

“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.

“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.”

South Wales Argus: Hereford United's Ronnie Radford (left) and Ricky GeorgeHereford United's Ronnie Radford (left) and Ricky George (Image: PA)

Yorkshireman Radford was on the books at both Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds before heading for Newport.

He was voted as County’s player of the year in 1969/70 and left for Hereford after the following season.

He spent three years with the club and will always be synonymous with one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history when, after the Bulls had earned a replay against the Magpies at Edgar Street following a 2-2 draw on Tyneside, he played a pivotal role in a famous victory.

Newcastle looked to be coasting when Malcolm Macdonald fired them in front, but Radford’s piledriver, which sparked a joyous invasion of the mudbath on which the game was played, set the stage for team-mate Ricky George to secure a remarkable 2-1 win.

Hereford were managed by Colin Addison, who would go on to be in charge of County.

Radford, a joiner by trade, later played for Worcester, Bath and Forest Green before returning north.