Late in the hotel snug bar, well beyond normal pre-match curfew, the rookie BBC commentator on trial and prospective FA Cup giantkiller settled down for the night shift.
John Motson had been sent to Hereford as Match of the Day's voice in the gantry, and he was expecting only a two-minute segment of potted highlights when Newcastle United completed the formality of a third round replay win against non-League upstarts.
His drinking pal, Ricky George, had been named as the Bulls' substitute the following day, and he anticipated a mere walk-on part as the credits rolled on Hereford's gallant Cup run. Newcastle legend Jackie Milburn spotted them across the lounge, wandered over and smiled at George: “It's lads like you who made me give up football management. You should be in your bed – you might have to come on and score the winning goal, lad.”
