HEREFORD United’s Giantkillers goalkeeper Fred Potter has died at the age of 83.
Manager John Charles brought Potter to Edgar Street and he played 33 league appearances in the 1970-71 season and 27 cup competitions.
Potter played a huge part in Hereford’s Giantkilling FA Cup run which culminated in them beating Newcastle United in an historic Edgar Street replay.
The shot stopper pulled off some impressive saves which kept them in the tie during the first leg in Newcastle.
The goalkeeper kept 38 clean sheets during the season and was named Hereford United’s Player of the Year.
Potter was part of the Giantkillers squad who attended Edgar Street to mark the 50th anniversary of the famous FA Cup victory.
A post on the Hereford FC website said: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Fred’s wife, Margaret, and all his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Hereford United Supporters’ Trust chair Richard Tomkins added: “At Edgar Street our team has always been blessed with goalkeepers of ability and character. Well to the fore was ‘Legend’ Fred Potter.
“Going away in the Southern League back then, at the smaller grounds, you could stand behind the goal and chat with the goalie. Fred was a real character and wit. The conversation was only interrupted by the occasional moments Fred was called into action.
“I’d lost count of how many times he saved us on our 1971-72 FA Cup run. Without him we would never have got to that Newcastle United epic. Good positioning and good saves abounded. The rest is history.
“Etched in all our memories, for those of us privileged to have been there, ‘Potter, Griffiths, Mallender….’ – a keeper and full backs tough to beat. No wonder the rest of the team feared nobody. Thanks for everything Fred!”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel