TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Hereford United’s most loyal supporters.

Eve Cooper died earlier this month at her Whitestone home, aged 86, having spent more than half a century cheering on the Bulls.

Now efforts are being made to dig up a piece of turf from Edgar Street to lay on Eve’s resting place.

Colin Addison, a former Hereford United manager, said Eve and her husband Bert were among the club’s most dedicated fans.

“She was a lovely lady, who supported Hereford United in all winds and weathers for more than 56 years,” he said. “She always had time for us, and we always had time for her.”

Bert’s band, Coopers’ Country, was regularly present at club events, playing in the former hut and later in the Starlite Rooms.

The Coopers’ daughter, Julie, who used to be the band’s singer, said the Edgar Street ground was her mother’s second home.

“She loved watching all kinds of sport on TV, and she played darts for the New Inn at Marden and the Rose Garden at Whitestone, but she really loved football,” said Julie.

Though play has, for now, stopped at Edgar Street, Mr Addison is seeking permission from Herefordshire Council to dig up a piece of the pitch in honour of one of United’s longest-serving fans.

The club was wound up in the High Court in London in December and the council has taken possession of the ground.

“This was her poignant last wish,” said Mr Addison.

“She rarely missed a game, and even when she was ill she still wanted to support United.”

Her husband Bert, 82, felt it would be a fitting tribute for his wife, whose love of the club began as a teenager.

“She used to cycle to matches in Hereford from Yarkhill with her brother, Dennis,” he explained.

Bert used to support United with his workmates when he was involved in post-war work at Foxley camp, near Mansel Lacy, converting former Army hospital wards into houses.

“Back then, we’d be standing on the uncovered railway sleeper terraces at the Blackfriars’ end,” he recalled. Eve would go in all weathers, she loved the atmosphere.”

Even motherhood failed to stop Eve attending matches and she was soon taking the couple’s three children to matches.

Her funeral will be held Holy Trinity Church on February 23 at 1.15pm.

Colourful clothing – as well as old Bulls kits – may be worn.