IN the winter of 1972 Ricky George basked in the sporting spotlight when his extra-time winner triggered Hereford United fans into rapturous celebration scenes at Edgar Street.

He had played his vital role as Southern League Hereford dumped mighty Newcastle United out of the FA Cup before the BBC's Match of the Day cameras.

Twenty-six years later on an April afternoon at Aintree, Ricky was again part of sporting splendour. One of a six-man owners syndicate, he roared home Earth Summit to a glorious Grand National victory.

In his just published autobiography, One Goal, One Horse, he takes the reader behind those two epic sporting occasions as only an insider can.

His recollections of his stay at Edgar Street will reignite many memories for older Bulls supporters. For those born later, they will bring to life the season that sparked off United's 'glory years'.

He embellishes his narrative with many amusing anecdotes, such as his United signing-on session with chairman Frank Miles and player-manager John Charles, and his pre-match ticking off before the Newcastle tie by the Magpies' ex-England striker Jackie Milburn.

Ricky had a penchant for a gamble at an early age, so it was no surprise that he eventually owned horses. But to be part owner of a Grand National winner was only a dream until Earth Summit triumphed.

Ricky's book is not just an account of two 15 minutes of fame, however, and he tells his story with candour and humour.

BBC TV soccer commentator John Motson, a friend from Ricky's early days at Barnet, has fittingly penned a forward.

One Goal, One Horse is published by Pen and Press Publishers Ltd, London, price £7.99, and is available through Hereford United's shop.