THE jaded trio trudging across Hereford’s Widemarsh Street and making their way into The Wellington on Sunday night looked like many other tired and weary souls.

A day which had begun full of hope and excitement on a sunny May morning had finished a little flat.

But as the threesome no doubt sunk one more pint their glasses really should have been viewed as more half full than half empty when reflecting on a remarkable season of football.

That season had begun, for me at least, watching the “new Bulls” earn a deserved draw at Merthyr Tydfil in one of Hereford FC’s first pre-season friendlies.

Solomon Wheatley and Sam Pearson were among those who played with heart and desire but were ultimately not wanted by a manager with a ruthless streak.

On the opposition side that day was one Ryan Green who would later leave the Welsh valleys for Hereford in a move that would help transform fortunes at Edgar Street and pave the road to Wembley.

And so a season which began with many fans just grateful to again watch a side play in black and white ended with a trip to the home of English football.

Looking at the number of people milling outside The Monument at 6.30am before following the hoardes of coaches out of the city was a phenomenal sight and the names on flags inside Wembley proved how much this new side had captured imaginations.

The names of Monmouth, Ludlow and the Forest of Dean could all be seen stitched onto Hereford banners, bringing back memories of the days when supporters would travel from an area far beyond the county’s border to follow the whites.

Outside the ground and it was clear that although four sides were playing at Wembley that day, there was one dominant force in terms of numbers.

Hands were shaken, pictures were taken and mobile phone internet allowances were exhausted as High Town accents filled Wembley Way.

The overall emotion was one of awe as fans took in the moment when Hereford took over the national stadium.

It really was the stuff of dreams – especially for a club that did not exist 18 months ago.

The match, as we all now painfully know, did not go to plan but the image of Hereford fans of all ages filling their quarter of the 90,000 capacity stadium was one to take the breath away and fill the soul with a real pride in the county.

Football is an easy target for critics due to the bad behaviour of a minority of fans and players alike, but few other cultural events bring so many people together.

Not only did the noise of more than 20,000 fans singing as one pull on the emotional strings of a love for our shire, but it also provided real hope for the future.

Hope that the support exists for Hereford to continue to rise through the lower leagues and ensure that visiting grounds such as Merthyr Town will be reserved for those pre-season friendlies.