Hereford ended the 1971–72 Southern League season as runners-up, two points behind champions Chelmsford City.
Hereford applied for election to the Football League and were duly voted in at the expense of Barrow.
This started a 14 match unbeaten run that saw Hereford surge up the table to become promotion contenders.
Despite suffering from rheumatoid arthritis which would force him to quit the game at the age of 21, Icke kept 18 clean sheets in 37 league appearances and did not once feature on the losing side at home.
[5][6] [3][7] [3][8] * Match played at Edgar Street after Merthyr Tydfil chose to waive home rights.