Vale striker is now a Hereford cult hero
If you were to mention a former Vale striker who turned into a popular Hereford manager, you’d probably think “Martin Foyle” but in actual fact, the former Valiant we’re talking about is a certain Peter Beadle.
The Vale days
In comparison to Foyle, the club’s leading post-war scorer, Beadle had a largely unsung spell at Vale Park. He was signed by John Rudge for £300,000 in August 1998 but he managed just six goals in 24 appearances before Rudge’s successor, Brian Horton, sold him to Notts County for £250,000.
Beadle and Foyle both moved into coaching after retiring as players and found themselves at Hereford United in 2013-14. Foyle was first-team manager while Beadle joined as director of youth football.
However, after a frustrated Foyle left Hereford following repeated missed wages payments and broken promises, Beadle was promoted up from youth coach to caretaker manager.
Hereford’s saviour
Beadle inspired the club to win three of their last five game and survive in the Conference Premier. In his short time in charge, Beadle – known for sporting a red baseball cap in the manager’s dug-out – had achieved the near-impossible.
Beadle’s remarkable achievement should be viewed in light of the appalling troubles to hit the club following the end of the season…
Beadle’s remarkable achievement should be viewed in light of the appalling troubles to hit the club following the end of the season. Financial issues rendered Beadle’s on-pitch achievements academic as the club was relegated. All the Bulls’ senior players left and the club is in its death throes – bought for £2 by “controversial” (that’s a polite way of saying it) new owners, abandoned by disillusioned loyal fans who are boycotting it, set to enter a CVA, under a transfer embargo (despite having no players) and in danger of not being accepted into the Southern League.
Beadle wisely failed to apply for the manager’s role, opting instead for the stability of the Sutton United manager’s role. To rub salt into wounds, he (like everyone else) wasn’t paid for his efforts and Beadle himself was further insulted when the club’s new football consultant Mark Ellis (whose own CV was found to be full of falsehoods) said that the job of full-time manager would be “too big” for Beadle.
Beadle had the dignity and class not to respond to the Ellis (who has never managed professionally) gibes and after his departure he was still fondly remembered by the Hereford fans.
The return
When fans organised a charity match to allow boycotting fans to enjoy some “alternative” Hereford fixtures, Beadle was the natural choice to be the manager of the Fans’ and Former Players’ XI.
Nobody wants that to happen, where there is no longer a Hereford United.If that does happen, there’s enough support to re-start and re-form and I think that’s the statement they’re trying to make now…
He clearly seemed to enjoy the role and even explained more about his red cap telling BBC Hereford and Worcester: “After we get on in years some of us lack a bit of something and mine is hair. When I coach I wear a cap especially in the summer. I don’t want to sunburn that head because that’s where all my ideas and plans come from so I don’t want to damage that anyway.”
After the match, Beadle commented: “It shows how passionate the supporters are and they made a large statement.” The match was watched by over 600 fans and Beadle added: “Nobody wants that to happen, where there is no longer a Hereford United.If that does happen, there’s enough support to re-start and re-form and I think that’s the statement they’re trying to make now.”
Watch Peter Beadle’s pre-match team talk to his side
Should the club begin again, there’s no doubt Beadle would be a hugely popular choice to manage on-pitch affairs, red cap and all…
What’s gone wrong at Hereford United?
We remember some dark days at Vale Park and how fans of other clubs helped us and offered support. As a result of those times, OVF pledges to help support other clubs in trouble.
The problems at Hereford are complex, as football club issues often are, but having read the excellent Bulls News blog and the Bulls Banter forum, we can completely understand why Hereford fans have lost faith with the current regime. This image probably sums up the situation best.
If you want to support the Hereford fans, may we suggest these links:
Sign the petition urging the council not to transfer over leases to the new owners:
https://www.change.org/petitions/herefordshire-county-council-reject-proposals-to-transfer-development-land-leases-from-hereford-united-to-mr-tommy-agombar
The Hereford United Supporters Trust accepts paypal donations:
http://www.hufctrust.co.uk
You can receive updates via the excellent and highly recommended Bulls News blog (you can also follow them on Twitter):
http://www.bullsnews.blogspot.co.uk