A FOOTBALLER who made 256 appearances for Hereford United and live in the city has died, at the age of 92.

Bob Masters was described as an old-fashioned wing-half who initially signed for Hereford United as an amateur before breaking into the first-team in the 1955/56 season.

Masters, who had trials with Aston Villa earlier in his career, spent nine seasons playing at Edgar Street making 256 appearances and scoring eight goals.

Club Historian, Ron Parrott told the club’s website: “Bob was a smashing footballer, one of that special band of local players who played more than 250 times for Hereford.

“He was well liked by the Edgar Street crowd and could always be relied upon to give 100 per cent.

“One of his proudest moments came in an FA Cup loss to Newport County at Edgar Street, when ‘keeper Gwyn Groves damaged his elbow and had to leave the field. It was typical of Bob that he was the first to volunteer to keep goal for the ten men against their higher-graded opponents.

“Bob went on to play a blinder, kept them at bay and was chaired from the pitch by members of both sides! Thanks for the great memories, Bob, rest in peace.”

Masters, who also worked as a foreman at Hereford factory Thorn Lighting, went on to be player-coach at Lydbrook Athletic. After announcing his retirement from football he was tempted to play in the Herefordshire League for Ross All Whites.

After hanging up his boots the Old Eign Hill resident also became a coach at Hinton.