FORMER Hereford United players Harry Gregory and Tony Byrne have died in the past week.

Gregory, who passed away at the age of 72, was one of the most stylish midfielders from the early days of Hereford United's first spell in the Football League in the 1970s, while Irish international Byrne was a fine full-back that signed for United in 1974.

Ex-Bulls player manager Colin Addison knew both players very well and was saddened to hear about their loss.

"Both were great friends of mine," said Addison.

"I signed Harry from Aston Villa and he was a great player.

"He was very influential both on the pitch and in the dressing room and Hereford were very lucky to have him.

"Tony was also a great player.

"John Sillett signed him for Hereford but I took him to Newport.

"He was an Irish international and I got to know him and his family very well.

"I played a lot of golf with him and he loved Hereford.

"Harry used to come back to Hereford regularly and a few of us, including Tony Byrne, met up with him at the Green Dragon Hotel a two years ago."

Tommy Hughes, who played in goal for Hereford, was very close to Byrne and described him as a class player.

"He was a thinker and knew how to keep me on my toes," said Hughes.

"He was a great mate and, with Harry going as well, it is a very sad week for everyone."

Byrne, who died aged 70, signed for Hereford from Southampton to join former Saints colleague Terry Paine and made 55 appearances for the Bulls in his three years at the club.

The Irishman joined United having earned 14 caps for the Republic of Ireland and remained in Herefordshire where he became a prominent golfer.

Gregory, meanwhile, arrived at Hereford from Aston Villa for £5,000 after Addison decided that a couple of fresh faces were needed to bolster his side.

Gregory, who was signed in a double deal with Dave Rudge, quickly proved his value after making his debut in a 1-1 draw at Bradford City.

Elegant and skilful, Gregory always looked a cut above Division Four quality, although there was never any doubt about his steel when called upon to make a tackle.

He captained the side as, after a slow start, United climbed the table and eventually finished in second place behind champions Southport.

Although United fell away after a promising start in their first season at Division Three level, Gregory's talent was never in doubt as he announced United's arrival on the bigger stage with a 25-yard screamer to give United a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in their first home game.

With his sheepskin coat and sports car, Gregory was often perceived by fans as something of a playboy, but this was certainly not reflected in his professional life, as Peter Isaac recalled.

"He was absolutely dedicated to the job," said the former United trainer.

"He was a real leader of men and someone you could always rely on to get the job done."