ONE of football’s greatest goalscorers made a return visit to Hereford last week.

Jimmy Greaves, the brilliant goalscorer passed over for the 1966 World Cup in favour of Geoff Hurst, who more than answered his critics on the day, was at the Courtyard to reminisce about his career and offer his thoughts about the modern-day game.

But Greaves also recalled his previous visit to the city, 32 years ago, when, as a favour to his long-time friend and former Chelsea team-mate, John Sillett, he turned out for the Bulls in a pre-season friendly.

Greaves played the first 45 minutes for the Bulls in a 1-0 win over Dutch side Blauw-Wit in August 1977 and pointed out in his entertaining talk that the ground did not appear to have changed much since.

Greaves recalled his early career with Chelsea, through AC Milan, Spurs and West Ham before ending his playing days at Barnet where a goal he scored against Grantham was marked down as the best he ever scored.

“But that’s only because I can’t remember any of the others,” he said.

Greaves, who celebrates his 70th birthday next year, was in sparkling form and provided great entertainment for the packed house at the Courtyard.