Pic: Hereford‘s former bull mascot Freetown Kudos
HEREFORD FC have already secured a big victory long before the FA Vase final kicks off – Ronaldo the bull has been granted permission to grace Wembley‘s hallow turf.
The prize Herefordshire bull, Hawkesbury 1 Ronaldo, will be paraded prior to the Vase final under the famous arch on Sunday, May 22.
Ronaldo was shown off before Hereford’s first ever competitive game in August against Dunkirk and he will make a return ahead of the showpiece final against Morpeth Town.
It’s been a memorable first season for the club born from the ashes of Hereford United. As well as making it to the Vase final, they’ve also won the Midland League Premier following Monday’s 4-0 win over Coventry Sphinx and will be playing at Step 4 next season.
Herefordshire FA worked alongside the Bulls to enable Ronaldo to attend the Vase final support and the FA have now granted permission.
Delighted Hereford chairman Jon Hale said: “It is incredibly exciting to hear the news that the club’s mascot – Hawkesbury 1 Ronaldo – will be joining us pre-match at Wembley.
“When he was paraded before our first competitive game back in August he was a huge hit with everyone at the stadium, and I’m sure it will be no different for those people who see him at Wembley.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen – it will only serve to make this special day even more memorable.”
Herefordshire FA chief executive Jim Lambert added: “We realise how important Ronaldo is to the fans and I am delighted that the FA chief executive, Martin Glenn, has been prepared to take time from his busy schedule to personally intervene to make this happen.”
