Who was Reading's best ever header of the ball?

[Cripple Creek]

I guess this question needs really to be split into defenders and forwards. I think for strikers it probably has to be Jimmy "call me James" Quinn. I'll probably get shot down in flames for this but as far as defenders go I think'll I'll opt for Steve Hetzke (showing my age here). Won pretty much everything he went for at the back and while his defensive headers weren't designed to be directed artfully at anyone in particular this was not a time when Reading were big on artistry. If my poor addled brain is not doing me a disservice I seem to remember that he always timed his headers with a certain majesty.

Oh, sorry if this is a Dod.

[Victor Meldrew]

As for defenders Martin Hicks was the man-a colossus who you knew would head everything clear.
Up front I can't disagree with Jimmy Quinn and there were many much further back who were decent including Pat Terry and George Harris, a rare winger who could score goals with his head.

[windermere_royal]

[Sanguine]

Not a great player by when Blatherwick got his meathead on the ball it echoed round the South Bank.

[LightwaterRoyal]

Matt Mills.

I imagine Cedric Baseya would have been pretty good at getting hit in the face by the ball if that counts

[From Despair To Where?]

Trevor Morley. The only player I've ever seen score a penalty with his head. Mind you, thanks to John Gittens, it was made of steel.

[One8Seven1]

No mentions of Jimmy Quinn yet, and 'that' goal.

[sandman]

I'd have to say either Sammy Igoe or Jay Tabb.

[boycey]

Jimmothy Quinn.

[Far Canal]

In my time watching Reading, I would sat definitely Pat Terry.



He scored so many of his goals with his head that he used to say they counted double when he scored with his feet.

If my father was still alive, he would undoubtedly have gone for Ron Blackman. As a boy on the Elm Park terraces I was told stories of Blackman out-jumping goalkeepers and heading downwards over their outstretched hands.



Ronnie Blackman
League goals: 158; 1947/54
Goals in a season: 39; 1951/52 Division 3S

[USA_Loyal_Royal]

i recall shane long got quite a few goals with his head. as ive only been a fan for a short time compared to most of you that is the best i can think of atm.

[Broxroyal]

In my time watching Reading, I would sat definitely Pat Terry.



He scored so many of his goals with his head that he used to say they counted double when he scored with his feet.

If my father was still alive, he would undoubtedly have gone for Ron Blackman. As a boy on the Elm Park terraces I was told stories of Blackman out-jumping goalkeepers and heading downwards over their outstretched hands.



Ronnie Blackman
League goals: 158; 1947/54
Goals in a season: 39; 1951/52 Division 3S

Got to agree with this one. Pat Terry from my time and Ron Blackman from my late father's time. Also, honourable mention as Victor Meldrew said earlier, to George Harris who was an incredible header of the ball for a left winger.

[AthleticoSpizz]

Echoing the Hicks comments

[Uke]

Echoing the Hicks comments

+1000

[Unbelievable Jeff]

Duberry didn't miss much in the air

[Bandini]

Hicks and Quinn, with an honourable mention for Bernal for his ridiculous diving headers.

[LUX]

Duberry didn't miss much in the air

twitchers thread

[higher]

In pre teen years I would sit on the wall behind the goal at the town end at Elm Park and saw Terry Bell score a number of outrageously brave headers a couple following Cummings mazey wing-play.
Yes there have been others since but those headers of Bells are indelibly imprinted within synapses.

The man himself sits at front row third from left in 1972-3 squad photo.

[AthleticoSpizz]

In pre teen years I would sit on the wall behind the goal at the town end at Elm Park and saw Terry Bell score a number of outrageously brave headers a couple following Cummings mazey wing-play.
Yes there have been others since but those headers of Bells are indelibly imprinted within synapses.

The man himself sits at front row third from left in 1972-3 squad photo.

Kit manfacturers/RFC shirt and tie wearers please take note.....THAT IS the proper Reading kit....bring it on back!

We'll pass on the tracksuits tho'