Cult Heroes

[Terminal Boardom]

There has been much said about so called "Legends" of late considering the recent departures. But what constitutes a legend? More importantly, who can justifiably attain Cult Hero status?

For me, any player involved in a successful season should be granted "Legend Status". But the cult heroes transcend success. These are the players who, for one reason or another, rise above the flotsam and jetsam that we have endured over however many years.

To start, I will throw a few names into the ring so to speak:

Robin Friday
Dylan Kerr
Terry Hurlock
Percy Freeman
Steve Death

Any other nominations?

[Archie's penalty]

Gilkesey of run, run, run, run fame.

[07RFC]

Murty
Doyle

[prostak]

Uwe Hartenberger.

[strap]

I think a good judge of "cult" status is the rapour a cult hero makes with the fans. So for example Percy Freeman, Jamie Cureton, Robin Friday only had a few years with us but probably mean more to fans than say a Jerry Williams, who gave virtually his whole career to RFC but is rarely mentioned in threads like this.

Tommy Wright when he was on loan to us for 14 or so games certainly struck up a good relationship with the fans.

Before my time, but I would hazard a guess Ray Reeves was considered a cult hero.

Terry Hurlock, another one season wonder for us, but he is generally considered a cult hero.

[gazzer, loyal royal]

phil parkinson

[Terminal Boardom]

Gilkesey of run, run, run, run fame.

Or "Gilkesey hop hop hop" fame even

[Terminal Boardom]

Dean Horrix?

Went something like 24 games without scoring in 83/84 yet the fans loved him.

[wolsey]

There has been much said about so called "Legends" of late considering the recent departures. But what constitutes a legend? More importantly, who can justifiably attain Cult Hero status?

For me, any player involved in a successful season should be granted "Legend Status". But the cult heroes transcend success. These are the players who, for one reason or another, rise above the flotsam and jetsam that we have endured over however many years.

To start, I will throw a few names into the ring so to speak:

Robin Friday
Dylan Kerr
Terry Hurlock
Percy Freeman
Steve Death

Any other nominations?

Agree with all of those, I would add

Trevor Senior
Dean Horrix
Kevin Bremner
Steve Richardson

All from an period (including your selection) when either we weren't very good, or we weren't used to being good.

[North Eaat royal]

Jamie Cureton
Mick Gooding
Trevor Senior


A number of the 'Young ones' have the potential of become cult heroes...

[Mr Optimist]

80s - Trev, Deano,

90s - Shaka, Archie, Parky

00s - Curo, Murts, Kits

[Terminal Boardom]

80s - Trev, Deano,

90s - Shaka, Archie, Parky

00s - Curo, Murts, Kits

I totally agree with Deano from the 80s. Shaka and Archie from the 90s. I can't see why Parky could be considered a cult hero though as he was with us for over 10 years

Curo? Cult status without a doubt. When I started taking my kids to football, my eldest never referred to Curo as Jamie Cureton but as "What a Bargain!"

Whats the case for Murts, Kits and Trev?

[SCIAG]

Surely Jimmy Kebe is the definition of cult hero?

[Barry the bird boggler]

Billy Whitehurst

[Mr Optimist]

80s - Trev, Deano,

90s - Shaka, Archie, Parky

00s - Curo, Murts, Kits

I totally agree with Deano from the 80s. Shaka and Archie from the 90s. I can't see why Parky could be considered a cult hero though as he was with us for over 10 years

Curo? Cult status without a doubt. When I started taking my kids to football, my eldest never referred to Curo as Jamie Cureton but as "What a Bargain!"

Whats the case for Murts, Kits and Trev?

It is a very subjective question and these are only my personal choices....

Trev - because he was my first real RFC hero, the gap toothed grin and run to the South Bank with arms outstretched after he scored, which was often! Lots of fond memories particularly 83/84 and 85/86 seasons.

Kits - some people disliked him for it but I liked his plain speaking off the pitch and some other things that he did off the pitch that were less publicised (than his drink drive conviction!) such as his help for his first non-league team Arlesey Town (spel?) and him not forgetting his roots. He scored some fantastic goals and showed that the dream of becoming a professional footballer at the highest level can be reached even at an advancing age.

Murts - rapport with the fans in an age where the players these days tend to mega rich and so far out of touch with the lives of most fans. Seemed to care about the club and the fans and it was more than just a job to play for us.

As I said, some may agree, some disagree, but that is my reasoning!

[Ian Royal]

For me Cult status =/= best or greatest player.

Which means for a fan of my era (95-present) the cult heroes are:

Robin Friday
Steve Death
Trevor Senior
Jimmy Quinn
Dariusz Wdowczyk
Dylan Kerr
Michael GilkeS
Trevor Morley
Adie Williams
Darren Caskey
Phil Parkinson
Graeme Murty
Dave Kitson
Glen Little

[Badger Finger]

Only one mention of Archie?


And yes, Kebe should be in that list in a few years...

[Gordons Cumming]

Roger Joslyn

Ollie Kearns

[hutch]

Trevor Senior is a must for cult hero and dare I say it- Martin Hicks anyone???!?!!

[brizzle royal]

Jimmy Wheeler

Johnny Walker