by SpaceCruiser »
11 Jun 2007 12:57
Go ahead and vote for who you think is the best man for the role! Here's the run down on each player:
Mick Gooding
A versatile player who has played in full back positions as well as in midfield, he was brought to the club by Ian Porterfield in 1990, I think. Played a few seasons for Reading, including the Division Two championship season in 1993/4 and became a joint manager along with Jimmy Quinn. Guided Reading to the play-off final against Bolton and lost. Hung around for another couple of seasons after that and their contracts were not renewed.
Ricky Newman
Signed by Alan Pardew after a successful loan period originally as a midfielder then played most of the 2000/1 play-off season as a emergency right back before moving back to midfield once Reading returned to the second tier. Unfortunate with injuries and eventually was released by Steve Coppell prior to the Championship winning season.
Terry Hurlock
Powerhouse midfielder who terrorised the opposition, he was signed by Ian Branfoot in 1986 during the Division Three championship season to bolster the team. Played most of the following season before being sold onto Millwall in 1987 - most people think Ian Branfoot got fed up of his poor disciplinary record.
Phil Parkinson
A loyal player who had stayed at the club for 10 years and was the club captain for a couple of seasons. Signed by Mark McGhee from Bury for peanuts (£37K!) and eventually became indispensable to Reading. Tommy Burns didn't recognise it at first and nearly sold him to Wycombe!!! Played in the Division Two championship winning squad of 1993/4 and the played a part in getting Reading to the play-off final (don't think he played in it). He also helped Reading get back to second tier football (eventually) after failing in a play-off final at Cardiff the previous season. Had a great testamonial against an England XI and went off to Colchester to become their manager. An absolute legend.
Mick Tait
Another versatile player who played mostly in midfield, but also played as a forward (as he did in the Simod Cup Final) and in defence. Signed by Ian Branfoot in 1986/7 (I think) and eventually went to Hartlepool.
Steve Sidwell
Signed by Alan Pardew in 2003 to improve the squad when they were competing for a place in the Division One playoffs (where we lost to Wolves). An all action midfielder who has an eye for goals, he was a product of Arsenal's youth academy where they have a policy not to play englishmen, he found it difficult to break into the first team and therefore dropped down a division to play for Reading. Played a big role in helping Reading break records in the Championship winning season and played a large part in the first ever Premiership season. Unfortunately, he said in order to think about his wife and kid, he turned down an improved contract and eventually joined Chelsea on a freebie.
Stuart Beavon
Played for Reading during most of the Ian Branfoot era and scored a penalty in the Simod Cup final. He was one of Reading's better midfielders during that time and he eventually moved onto Northampton.
James Harper
Another of Arsenal youth academy's product, came to Reading for £400K. In his first game, against Rotherham which we won 2-0, he was an instant hit and scored the first goal and spent most of the game showboating. After the game, Alan Pardew told him off for doing the showboating and he hasn't really done the same since. Helped Reading get to the play-off final that same season, and his throw-ins led to the two goals, but unfortunately, Reading lost to Walsall. Played a part in helping Reading get promoted the following season and back in the second tier the following season, he was voted player of the season, where he helped Reading get to the play-offs. Formed an effective midfield partnership with Steve Sidwell, he helped Reading break records to win the Championship and played most of the first season in the Premiership.