IN one of the best three minute pop songs of all time The Stranglers posed the question - whatever happened to all the heroes?

Well for Hugh and the boys the answer is they are still out there and at Hereford United they come in the shape of John Snape - Edgar Street's resident unsung hero.

An electrician by trade, Snape has been short-circuiting many a midfield opposition since signing for the Bulls three years ago and his combative style in midfield has helped Phil Robinson's side to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Central midfield is the football equivalent of the rugby scrum - a dark and dangerous place where x-rated tackles come flying fast and furious but it is also where the game is usually won and lost.

Football may be the beautiful game but if the stylish Figos and Zidanes of this world want to strut their stuff they usually send in the Roy Keanes and John Snapes to clear a path first.

And Snape has been performing this role at Edgar Street to great success this season and while other players may grab the plaudits his manager Robinson recognises his value to the team.

"Snape has been one of the unsung heroes in the years gone by but this year he has also proved a goal threat with something like five to his name. He is very hard working and a real battler and as I said is now contributing with some goals.

"His strengths are that he is very strong and powerful and you need these kind of players in your team.

"Basically you know what you are going to get from him - he is a very consistent and committed player.

"Every team needs to have somebody who every week will work hard and win the ball back and he is certainly one of them.

"Central midfield is the hardest position on the field.

"They have to get forward in goalscoring positions and support the forwards, then get back and work hard defensively.

"You normally find at every club that in the fitness tests central midfielders come out on top because they have to do so much running."

Whether the 30-something is the fittest at Edgar Street or not, Robinson and supporters alike can never be in doubt of his commitment to the Bulls' cause as Leigh RMI will surely find out later today.