Reading's best ever versatile player

[Terminal Boardom]

Jerry Williams didn't fare too badly in the versatility stakes. Centre forward, right wing and right back. On the wing he gave Kenny Sansom the hardest 90 minutes of his life.

Adie Williams may have worn every shirt but he was only ever a CB.

He definitely played in goal once and i'm sure played in central midfield in his very early days with us. Also seem to recall him playing up front circa 1994 for a game or two.

What I meant Hugo was that he could only be considered as a CB. Sure, he "played" in other positions but that was more through necessity than choice. In 93/94, he wore the #10 shirt against Wrexham so that he could complete the set.

[Thaumagurist*]

Wasn't Williams at that stage most young players go through, trying to find their natural position?

[Ian Royal]

He was a pretty good goalie iirc. Well better than Sheppard anyway,

But fair enough point that he wasn't especially versatile.

Mick Gooding, Ricky Newman & Andy Hughes all struck me as players who were pretty versatile.

[Terminal Boardom]

Wasn't Williams at that stage most young players go through, trying to find their natural position?

No. IIRC, he made his debut at Notts County under Branfoot at RB. Near on all the way through his early days he played CB. It was only the odd occasion he played elsewhere. Occasionaly, when we wre chasing a game, he would be stuck up front. But no. CB for 95% or so of the time.

[Royal Rother]

He was outstanding, but he didn't play all 5 games at the back RR, he played a few in central midfield.

Was still a class above, and remember him saying so too. Look where that got him in the end though...not the long and successful career his obvious talent deserved.

Wherever he started the game he seemed to end up being our best defender, midfielder and striker at some stage during the 90 mins!

[Royal Rother]

Wasn't Williams at that stage most young players go through, trying to find their natural position?

No. IIRC, he made his debut at Notts County under Branfoot at RB. Near on all the way through his early days he played CB. It was only the odd occasion he played elsewhere. Occasionaly, when we wre chasing a game, he would be stuck up front. But no. CB for 95% or so of the time.

I disagree - in the (very) early days I remember him (always? / generally?) being RB, not central.

[Smoking Kills Dancing Doe]

Hughes had one great season behind Fos in Pardew's 451, always did a good job at lb.

Just a shame about the wing and centre mid.

Newman always did a great job.

I can't think of anyone better than Bryn though. Centre Mid, Centre Back, Right Back. Seem to remember him playing right wing a few times to close things down and just bombing down the wing!!

[SLAMMED]

Shaun Cummings could play no where.

[DOYLERSAROYALER]

Gunnarrson most versatile - if you think of all the positions he has been asked to cover, along the backline and in midfield - andwhilst hes had a few howlers I think hes always given his best in those positions hes been asked to play

[Thaumagurist*]

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[SLAMMED]

Shaun Cummings could play no where.

But he probably has more skill than you.

He has more skill than you, that's for sure.

For starters both his ears work.

[Thaumagurist*]

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[Broxroyal]

Interestingly the thread is titled "best ever versatile player" not "most versatile player".
Rod Thornhill was one of our most versatile players, and a useful one too until eyesight problems (he had various operations) led to a rapid decline in performance.
Mentions must go to Gooding, Hetzke, and Mark White who never let us down in a variety of positions.

[SLAMMED]

Ah, but can he lip-read?

tbf, I couldn't give a shit.

[Thaumagurist*]

.

[Thaumagurist*]

Interestingly the thread is titled "best ever versatile player" not "most versatile player".

It's nice of you to point that out. I was thinking of players who can play very well in different positions rather than players who could play in any position no matter how poorly they play.

For example, Mick Gooding or Andy Hughes?

[Wimb]

Interestingly the thread is titled "best ever versatile player" not "most versatile player".

It's nice of you to point that out. I was thinking of players who can play very well in different positions rather than players who could play in any position no matter how poorly they play.

For example, Mick Gooding or Andy Hughes?

I always feel that Hughes got too much stick from the fans. He wasn't world class but he was certainly good at a lower level.

[Ryn]

I always feel that Hughes got too much stick from the fans. He wasn't world class but he was certainly good at a lower level.

The fact we celebrated in disbelief when we sold him to Norwich for £750,000 tells it's own story in my opinion.

My vote goes to Ricky Newman, who just got on with whatever job he was told to do to the best of his ability. Quiet and consistent. Perhaps he could have a combined 'Best Unsung Versatile Hero' award?

[Thaumagurist*]

I always feel that Hughes got too much stick from the fans. He wasn't world class but he was certainly good at a lower level.

The fact we celebrated in disbelief when we sold him to Norwich for £750,000 tells it's own story in my opinion.

I think he went for £500K. I could be wrong.

[facaldaqui]

Jerry Williams. He played everywhere and was good everywhere.