More than 19,000 Hereford fans will descend on Wembley Stadium for Sunday’s FA Vase Final and among them will be one remarkable supporter desperate to see his team lift the trophy.
Will Chaundy, who suffers with cerebral palsy, travels from his home in Malvern to Edgar Street by public transport and has missed just one game all season – to attend his mum’s birthday party.
On matchday Chaundy works at a local residential care home in the morning, then walks a mile to the train station and travels the same distance at the other end in all weathers, but that does not dissuade him, such is his love for the Bulls.
Hereford FC v Morpeth Town
The FA Vase Final
12.15pm, Sunday 22 May 2016
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
£25 adults, £10 OAPs/students, £1 U16s
Live on BT Sport
by Luke Baker
His dedication has been worthwhile with Hereford winning the Midland Premier League, as well as two cup competitions this season.
But Chaundy, named Fan of the Year at this week’s National Game Awards ceremony at Stamford Bridge, is desperate to see his side land the big prize on Sunday.
“I’m just delighted to be able to go to the FA Vase Final,” he said. “The reason I like Hereford so much is because it’s a community with the fans there.
“The FA Vase is just the perfect end to the season.
“We won the league, we won the Hereford Challenge Cup, we won the League Cup and we’re now at Wembley on Sunday and I cannot wait.
“I’m looking forward to it and looking forward to being there.
“If you imagine in December 2014 there was no club – Hereford United had folded and nothing existed.
“Now this season is finishing off at Wembley – what more can you ask for? You could ask for a win and I would love to see that trophy lifted at Wembley.”
Ahead of kick-off, Hereford’s 1.3 ton mascot, a bull named Hawkesbury Ronaldo, will be paraded around the pitch.
Hawkesbury Ronaldo: Football's most famous bull
After hard times in recent years the club are certainly milking the occasion for all its worth and striker John Mills, who has scored 52 goals in all competitions this term, hopes their band of travelling fans have a day to savour.
“We have had the pressure of playing in front of three or four thousand people all season, but we see it as an advantage,” he said.
“They are our 12th man and firmly on our side. As long as they are supportive they can help us.
“Wembley is the place everyone wants to play, not just in this country but everywhere around the world. Now it’s our turn and we want to embrace the opportunity.”
