Reading's most unsung hero

Cripple Creek
Hob Nob Regular
Posts: 1210
Joined: 22 Apr 2004 13:40
Location: I bought my hat at a featrical costumiere old bean

Reading's most unsung hero

by Cripple Creek » 08 Jan 2016 13:01

Ok, ok, I'm sure that this has been asked before, if not in precisely the same words along the same lines. However, last night I dreamt (quite seriously) of Mick Gooding. On waking up it struck me that of all the players I've watched since I started supporting the club at the age of eight (blimey, that makes it 40 years) the importance of Gooding's spell at the club as a player was perhaps one of the least acknowledged. He was a real Jack Russell of a player (think Edgar Davids or Richie Bowman), he had a great eye, dedication and he could pass the ball well and, often, well this is my view anyway, ran the game. Maybe it is because of his busy, bustling appearance that people didn't give him the credit he deserved. Don't get me wrong I know he was loved and admired but, in my view, probably not as much as he deserved. Dare I say this, I think he was better than Parky and, probably, for the period he was a player, more important.

Rudolph Hucker
Member
Posts: 51
Joined: 12 May 2005 17:54
Location: Exiled in Wiltshire....

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by Rudolph Hucker » 08 Jan 2016 13:30

Have to agree with you there CC. Mick Gooding could grab a match by the scruff of the neck and totally dictate the play which he did so often and successfully under Porterfield and McGhee. The only other players I've seen do that in my time are Simon Osborn and to a lesser extent Peter Grant. In the current side only Norwood has that range of passing but lacks the bite in the tackle needed to boss a game. Couldn't we do with someone like Gooding now?

User avatar
One8Seven1*
Member
Posts: 624
Joined: 17 Nov 2015 09:55

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by One8Seven1* » 08 Jan 2016 13:35

I would love another Micky Gooding! Just what that midfield needs. Wouldn't mind another Quinny while we're at it too!

AthleticoSpizz
Hob Nob Legend
Posts: 23971
Joined: 15 Apr 2004 19:49
Location: A Hicks Hoof from Coley Park

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by AthleticoSpizz » 08 Jan 2016 13:36

^+1

User avatar
Stuka
Hob Nob Regular
Posts: 3480
Joined: 15 Nov 2006 17:09
Location: North London

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by Stuka » 08 Jan 2016 13:37

Grzegorz Rasiak


User avatar
Handsome Man
Hob Nob Regular
Posts: 3326
Joined: 04 Apr 2006 08:21
Location: Practically Rock Paper Scissors Champion of the World

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by Handsome Man » 08 Jan 2016 13:40

Robin Friday

sandman
Hob Nob Super-Addict
Posts: 12449
Joined: 01 Oct 2008 18:25
Location: Slaughterhouse soaked in blood and betrayal

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by sandman » 08 Jan 2016 13:53

Nicky Forster.

Cureton got all the credit whilst Forster got on with being the best player in the team despite many fans begging for the one trick pony to start in his place.

User avatar
John Smith
Hob Nob Regular
Posts: 4717
Joined: 20 Jan 2010 23:47
Location: Astronauts The New Conquistadors

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by John Smith » 08 Jan 2016 14:48

For me it's Danny Williams. His industry and energy isn't appreciated by most people on this board and we're going to pay for it when he leaves at the end of the season. A tragedy on the horizon.

User avatar
melonhead
Hob Nob Super-Addict
Posts: 14230
Joined: 30 Jul 2010 15:36
Location: on a thorn

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by melonhead » 08 Jan 2016 14:56

John Smith For me it's Danny Williams. His industry and energy isn't appreciated by most people on this board and we're going to pay for it when he leaves at the end of the season. A tragedy on the horizon.


:?: :?: :?:
:lol: :lol: :lol:


percy_freeman
Member
Posts: 455
Joined: 15 Apr 2004 20:42
Location: Lurking

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by percy_freeman » 08 Jan 2016 15:08

So many....Uwe Hartenburger, Simon Osborne, Darius thingamyjig Archie.....I could go on for hours.

User avatar
From Despair To Where?
Hob Nob Legend
Posts: 22954
Joined: 19 Apr 2004 08:37
Location: See me in m'pants and ting

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by From Despair To Where? » 08 Jan 2016 15:18

One memory that sticks out for me about Gooding was an evening game when he was fully kitted up and leading the warm up something like 5hrs after a hernia operation.

However, for me it's got to be Bryn.

User avatar
John Smith
Hob Nob Regular
Posts: 4717
Joined: 20 Jan 2010 23:47
Location: Astronauts The New Conquistadors

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by John Smith » 08 Jan 2016 15:19

melonheadinsand
John Smith For me it's Danny Williams. His industry and energy isn't appreciated by most people on this board and we're going to pay for it when he leaves at the end of the season. A tragedy on the horizon.


:?: :?: :?:
:lol: :lol: :lol:

p.s. I'm an ostrich

Forbury Lion
Hob Nob Subscriber
Hob Nob Subscriber
Posts: 8640
Joined: 14 Apr 2004 08:37
Location: https://youtu.be/c4sX57ZUhzc

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by Forbury Lion » 08 Jan 2016 16:32

Andy Hughes - put himself forward to play out of position at left back when we were in dire straights with injuries and performed admirably despite knowing the fans would be on his back even more if he screwed up.... He could have kept his head down.

IIRC that injury crisis was so bad that manager Tommy Burns and assistant had to select themselves to fulfill a reserve fixture, then afterwards said they would have played a goalkeeper as an outfield player had the thought occurred to them.


Terminal Boardom
Hob Nob Addict
Posts: 7791
Joined: 15 Aug 2008 19:50
Location: No more egodome until the daft old coot leaves

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by Terminal Boardom » 08 Jan 2016 17:10

Jim McIntyre. Not only did his career start off like an enormous pile of half digested chicken vindaloo but by the time he was allowed to leave he was probably our best player. There weren't many bright spots out of the hilarious TB1 saga but Jim was one of them.

No Fixed Abode

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by No Fixed Abode » 08 Jan 2016 17:26

David Lee - On loan from Chelsea.

5 goals in 5 appearances from centre back.

8)

Lenny The Tramp
Member
Posts: 83
Joined: 11 Feb 2015 10:26

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by Lenny The Tramp » 08 Jan 2016 17:36

Some good shouts here (mostly!).

Here's another one … Steve Richardson.

User avatar
Ark Royal
Hob Nob Subscriber
Hob Nob Subscriber
Posts: 3335
Joined: 14 Apr 2004 15:01
Location: ...in towards Quinn!

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by Ark Royal » 08 Jan 2016 17:43

I would have to go with Mark White. Classy left back whose career was a lot shorter than it should have been because of injuries. Scored the wonderful free kick that clinched promotion in 84 and was converted into a tireless midfield worker and a vital cog in the record-breaking 85/86 team. Never totally eye-catching, but never had a bad game either.

AthleticoSpizz
Hob Nob Legend
Posts: 23971
Joined: 15 Apr 2004 19:49
Location: A Hicks Hoof from Coley Park

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by AthleticoSpizz » 08 Jan 2016 17:51

^ so many good-uns^

Not completely unsung, but a hero nonetheless, Steve Death for all of his well documented stature/clean sheet credentials......much more unsung was the likes of Gary Westwood and Steve Francis....many a great performance during some of our mediocre days.

K.URZ13
Member
Posts: 157
Joined: 20 Feb 2015 09:00

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by K.URZ13 » 08 Jan 2016 17:55

James Harper.

User avatar
Gunny Fishcake
Hob Nob Regular
Posts: 1633
Joined: 04 Nov 2005 12:41
Location: West Berkshire

Re: Reading's most unsung hero

by Gunny Fishcake » 08 Jan 2016 18:02

Micky Gooding and Steve Death

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot], super darren caskey, tmesis and 371 guests

It is currently 28 Mar 2024 20:43