Player of the decade...

[Wimb]

Lots of these threads around so I'll add another

If you had to pick 1 player to best sum up Reading in the 00's who would it be?

For me, has to be Murts,

He summed up the first year or so of the 00's. Cost a lot, was Injured, played out of position, and didn't live up to initial expectation (as a flying winger)

He then became part of a settled side that slowly ground its way out of Div2.

Rose through the ranks to become captain and helped us establish ourselves in the second tier.

Led the team to promotion in 05/05 scoring in the final game of the season.

Was on the pitch at Derby, looking totally gutted

His final season, like the final one of the decade, was ruined by injuries and missed oppertunities



Honourable mentions for me would go to USA, Nicky Forster, Ivar, Kevin Doyle and James Harper

*Poll added

[Mad Dog's Ghost]

Good call.

I'd go Harper. Personified the rise and fall of RFC (and played a few more games than Murts?).

[PlasticRoyale]

Jimmy Kebe

[Royalee]

Murty for me...was here for the most time and achieved the most accolades when he was here - 2 promotions and was captain for the second. Wasn't the most talented or best individual, but was the best for the club.

[Harpers So Solid Crew]

good thread, cant really see further than Harper and Murts, if strap is on is there any chance of posting a list of players who played lots during the nawties??

[Row Z Royal]

It's got to be Murts.

[GJ79]

Got to be john halls surely

[Harpers So Solid Crew]

why is it every time we have a decent thread folk have to make daft comments, keep stupid stuff to AE.

[Y21_Royal]

ALOL the best player to play for Reading in the modern age isn't even on the list. How quickly people forget Steve Sidwell

If its a case of a player that sums the club up over the last decade then there is no option other than Murty.

[Harpers So Solid Crew]

It is Player of the Decade, usually does not just mean the best to have played, is a matter of number of games, important moments in games, like goals, solid defending etc. And can include loyalty to club and other criteria.

[AthleticoSpizz]

and would still include Sidwell in my list

[Armadillo Roadkill]

The most exciting player of the decade - Little. The white Pele in his prime.

The scorer of the most important goal - Jamie Cureton. A joy to watch.

My personal favourite - Bobby Convey.

But player of the decade to me implies consistent effort and achievement, giving 100%, a player and a man that always did credit to the club. The player that represented everything I want my club to be - honest in endeavour, gracious and articulate in victory as in defeat, committed and devoted to the team, the club, the fans and the game of football.

Murts.

[The Goat was fed]

ALOL the best player to play for Reading in the modern age isn't even on the list. How quickly people forget Steve Sidwell

If its a case of a player that sums the club up over the last decade then there is no option other than Murty.

I completely agree - let's not forget our rise started with him bossing the midfield and ended with his departure and failure to replace him. He would be my choice - closely followed by Murty who was by no means our "best" player, but certainly one of the most important.

[Kitson12]

Its got to be Eric Obinna, surely?

[SLAMMED]

Its got to be Eric Obinna, surely?

At least use his full name,

Eric Obinna Chukwunyelu

[Maguire]

Little was the best player, narrowly edging out the superb Steve Sidwell IMHO.

Murty club man of the decade without a doubt though, obviously.

[strap]

good thread, cant really see further than Harper and Murts, if strap is on is there any chance of posting a list of players who played lots during the nawties??

No problem. Haven't checked it, so be prepared to uncover some errors somewhere :



137 different players selected this decade, top 3 spots for various headings shown shaded green, yellow and red. Special mention to Ricky Newman for 47 non-playing subs, highest for an outfield player this decade.

[LUX]

Doyle.

still showing his talent in the Premiership.

Probably should score more, but great to watch.

[Baines]

Loyal and hardworking though Murty was, I'd rather choose someone with a bit of quality: Doyle. Was involved in everything that was good during the club's strongest period, tireless, uncomplaining and (bar Luton away in 05-06) didn't showboat. He was also (FAO Leroy Lita) brilliant at winning free kicks and penalties.

His visibly excited celebration at the Walkers is my favourite memory involving another man's erection.

(If I'd needed a tie-breaker, Murty's media performances would have tipped the scales against him.)

[LoyalRoyalFan]

Ivar.