BILLY Meadows has questioned how local people can 'just sit back and watch Hereford United die'.

The striker said he was proud to have played for the Edgar Street club.

He was in Hereford’s side which famously knocked Newcastle United out of the FA Cup in 1972.

“How can the people that live in Hereford let the football club fade away?,” asked an emotional Meadows, who lives in north London.

“You mention Hereford to anyone and even if they don’t follow football they mention Hereford United and the SAS.

“They know the names of Ronnie Radford and Ricky George and that Hereford defeated Newcastle United in the FA Cup.

“There were so many people who watched that match and there were so many people who were proud of the club, the city and our achievements.”

Meadows was joined by commentator John Motson at Barnet last month and watched the Bulls in Skrill Premier action.

“I used to travel up to Hereford from London twice a week when I was playing for Hereford,” recalled Meadows, who was at Edgar Street between 1970 and 1973.

“I knew that I had done well in football because I was playing for Hereford United. When I was playing for Hereford, I was treated so well and the fans were brilliant.

“I just don’t understand what has happened. I would simply like to ask the people of Hereford how they could just sit back there and do nothing and watch Hereford United die?”