EDGAR Street will always be a special place for a man whose goals helped fire Hereford United back into the Football League.

Guy Ipoua has played international football for Cameroon and counts Torino and Atletico Madrid among his former clubs.

But the powerful striker will always remember his season in the Conference with the Bulls.

Ipoua blasted Hereford’s extra-time winner in the thrilling Conference play-off semi-final second-leg at home to Morecambe.

And, with Hereford facing defeat in the play-off final against Halifax Town, he headed in the second equaliser.

Few could forget Ipoua screaming from the sidelines at Andy Williams, whom he was waiting to replace in the final at the Walkers Stadium.

Hereford, at that point, trailed 2-1, but within minutes of his arrival, Ipoua had powerfully headed in the leveller.

Ryan Green then sent the Bulls into football heaven with his winner in extra-time.

That was two years ago.

“Hereford is a special place for me,” said Ipoua. “I have played for some big clubs but Hereford will be one of the more special clubs, for me. I am very proud of what Mr Turner has done at the club and, to me, he will always be a very special person.” Ipoua was released by United just days after the play-off final but he was thrilled to be back at Hereford for the promotion party against Grimsby Town.

He was a guest of the matchday sponsors, The Tupsley Whites.

John, James and Tom Cutler, Rob Powell and Neil Sharp were thrilled that Ipoua had travelled up from South Wales for the occasion.

James Cutler has also set-up The Guy Ipoua Appreciation Group on the popular social networking website, Facebook.

Ipoua walked on to the pitch to mingle with the Hereford players before the kick-off, signed autographs for the fans and watched the 2-0 win from the stand.

“I was pleased to have been invited to the game. I am glad that people in Hereford remember me,” said Ipoua, who lives in Llantarnam, near Cwmbran.

Ipoua is probably not your average footballer – he speaks French, Spanish, Italian and English.

His brother, Samuel Ipoua, represented Cameroon at the World Cup finals in 1998.

“When I came to Hereford, originally, I had a chat with Mr Turner and it was my job to try to get Hereford back into the Football League,” he recalled.

“My season was plagued by injuries but I delivered the goals at the right time.” He admits that his goals against Morecambe and Halifax Town were not among his best - but they were important.

“They were scored in dramatic circumstances because they were scored in the play-offs. Because of those goals, and the drama that goes hand-in-hand with the play-offs, that’s probably why I am back in Hereford. It’s nice to know that what I did for Hereford has made people happy.” Ipoua, who is 32 years old, also revealed a frank conversation he had with Graham Turner on the eve of the play-off semi-final second leg with Morecambe.

“Mr Turner had a chat with me on the Wednesday or Thursday after the first leg and said that he would not be keeping me on after the season had ended. He found it difficult to tell me that but I told him not to worry because I understood. I knew that I had come here to do a job. I told him that I would still give him 100% and that I would get him promotion.” Ipoua scored seven goals in 28 appearances for Hereford and has fond memories of the win over Halifax - and the post-match celebrations.

“We were 2-1 down with 10 minutes to go but it turned out to be an amazing day. It was a great atmosphere in Leicester and then back in Hereford. “We had a lot of champagne on the coach back to Hereford before we all went out in town. Mr Turner joined us – it was a special night and one that I won’t forget.” However, Ipoua was brought back down to earth when he was released within days of Hereford’s great triumph.

“It was strange because I went from being on such a high to such a low. I think it hit me harder than I first thought. If things at Hereford hadn’t meant much to me, I would have signed for another club. “After I left Hereford, I eventually went to Forest Green for a month but it didn’t work out and I haven’t played at all since. I still feel reasonably fit and I haven’t closed the door to playing professionally again. I am still available to play.” Ipoua praised the work done by Graham Turner, the staff and the Hereford squad in gaining promotion to League 1.

"I think Hereford have done fantastically well. Mr Turner knows the game inside out. He knows what is needed and what is required at this level. I hope the club can make the Hereford fans proud again with their achievements next season.” Nostalgia enthusiasts can read Ricky George’s update on the Giantkillers of 1972 in the latest edition of Backpass. Visit www. backpassmagazine.co.uk for details of how to obtain your copy.