Reading's best ever centre back?

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rhroyal
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Reading's best ever centre back?

by rhroyal » 24 Mar 2010 11:15

Somebody mentioned on Ivar's thread that he has to be one of the 5 best ever centre backs we've had. Well I've been a Reading fan since around 2000, and I'd say that he's been THE best in my time. Sonko looked immense for 18 months. Bikey was solid on his day but could cost the team, as he did against Burnley. I loved Adie Williams, but Ivar was a better player than him. He was even solid in 07/08 when we went down and I see his injury last season as a key factor behind our eventual failure. Apparently this season hasn't been his best (I've not been in England so I'm just following what I read on here and in reports) but that's still 7 years awesome service we had out of him before his injury. Our Mr. Dependable.

How does he compare to the likes of Martin Hicks and Dariuz Wdowczk (spelt wrong) before my time?

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Ferris
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Ferris » 24 Mar 2010 11:54

Andre Bikey.

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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by SeniorRoyal » 24 Mar 2010 12:10

Keith Curle

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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Salford Royal » 24 Mar 2010 12:18

Peter Castle.

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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Dorset-Knob » 24 Mar 2010 12:22

'He's our Polish international' Dariusz Wdowczyk, was a class act and Mrs W was a honey too! 8)


Dave Gale
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Dave Gale » 24 Mar 2010 12:22

Tony Witter, or Robert Codner..... can't remember which one of them did this, but they played half a game for us with a broken leg. In fact, he played better after the incident occured.

Seriously, Adie Williams, first spell at club. Legend.... but then Dariusz was class. It's hard to call.

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07RFC
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by 07RFC » 24 Mar 2010 12:23

Peter Mate

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Turns8
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Turns8 » 24 Mar 2010 12:25

Dave Gale Tony Witter, or Robert Codner..... can't remember which one of them did this, but they played half a game for us with a broken leg. In fact, he played better after the incident occured.

Seriously, Adie Williams, first spell at club. Legend.... but then Dariusz was class. It's hard to call.


That was Witter...

Dariusz and Upson...the 2 best i've seen

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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by shaka's shorts » 24 Mar 2010 12:37

Dariusz, Williams, Upson, Inga and Sonko top 5 - all better than the likes of Hicks and Hetzke who were solid servants but Div 4 players. I'd go for Williams as he was top man for longest of the 5, but what a pairing Darious and Upson would have been


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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Tilehurst End » 24 Mar 2010 13:05

shaka's shorts Dariusz, Williams, Upson, Inga and Sonko top 5 - all better than the likes of Hicks and Hetzke who were solid servants but Div 4 players. I'd go for Williams as he was top man for longest of the 5, but what a pairing Darious and Upson would have been


Probably wouldn't argue with the top 5 although Upson was technically not our player and Sonks had one great season. Always rated Steve Wood very highly and I think Mills has the potential to become a Royal legend.

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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by bobbybottler » 24 Mar 2010 13:16

Tilehurst End
shaka's shorts Dariusz, Williams, Upson, Inga and Sonko top 5 - all better than the likes of Hicks and Hetzke who were solid servants but Div 4 players. I'd go for Williams as he was top man for longest of the 5, but what a pairing Darious and Upson would have been


Probably wouldn't argue with the top 5 although Upson was technically not our player and Sonks had one great season. Always rated Steve Wood very highly and I think Mills has the potential to become a Royal legend.

You're right, technically Upson wasn't our player, but he was picked for England after playing two games for West Ham after leaving us. He was utterly immense for us, it seemd like a priviledge at the time to have someone so good playing for us, and the idea that Ingi is a better player than Upson was is pretty laughable.

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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Allyh84 » 24 Mar 2010 13:17

Can Upson count? I know he only played 12 or so games, but he was truly outstanding and the fans loved him.

His applauding the fans and their standing ovation for him on his last match was something else. I got slightly emotional at the time. :oops:

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facaldaqui
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by facaldaqui » 24 Mar 2010 13:20

Upson. Only on loan, though.


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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Bowman's Quiver » 24 Mar 2010 13:27

Turns8
Dave Gale Tony Witter, or Robert Codner..... can't remember which one of them did this, but they played half a game for us with a broken leg. In fact, he played better after the incident occured.

Seriously, Adie Williams, first spell at club. Legend.... but then Dariusz was class. It's hard to call.


That was Witter...

Dariusz and Upson...the 2 best i've seen


What he said.

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Focher
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Focher » 24 Mar 2010 13:28

if you count everyone loan or permenant then Upson (by a f'ing mile), just signed players then for me Sonko in 2005/2006.

If you're looking for the most cultured defender, then its Dariusz Verdovecheck.

Barry the bird boggler
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Barry the bird boggler » 24 Mar 2010 13:37

Stan Wicks & Martin Hicks

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rfcjoe
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by rfcjoe » 24 Mar 2010 13:39

Matt Mills is looking like a strong contender.

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Ferris
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Ferris » 24 Mar 2010 13:53

rfcjoe Matt Mills is looking like a strong contender.


LOL @ the Matt Mills h8ers after his first few games.

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moo
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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by moo » 24 Mar 2010 13:53

Ahmet Rifat was world class.

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Re: Reading's best ever centre back?

by Arch » 24 Mar 2010 14:18

No mention for Steve Wood yet?

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