Armstrong retires

[Thomas L'Heureux]

Sad news. All the best, Chris.

[LoyalRoyalFan]

Top player during our play-off season. Could have become a club legend.

Such a shame.

[Libertine]

Wow, what devastating news. News where football pales in comparison. Best of luck in your fight Chris...

[leww_rfc]

Think he deserves a different thread for his retirement imo, being a former pots an all!

[Man Friday]

Is the first any of us knew that he had been diagnosed with MS?

[brendywendy]

IMO, PotS 2010-11

would happily get my vote- but i guess it would mean a little less to him than the one he got for his actual playing, so would be pointless. im sure he would much rather have the proceeds of a charity game go to MS research

'greed

Reading team managed by Coppell against a Sheffield United side managed by Warnock?

IN!

[southbank1871]

Is the first any of us knew that he had been diagnosed with MS?

I believe so.

[Ian Royal]

I hope he can stay positive and keep active with plenty of stuff after having to make the decision to retire. It's all too easy to get into a downward psychological spiral with this sort of thing. Really pleased he did make some appearances this season infront of the crowd again.

Best wishes to Chris and thanks for a fantastic season in 08/09. There is no greater compliment for a Reading left back than to say you took over seamlessly from Nicky Shorey and were just as good for us as he was.

[ZacNaloen]

Is the first any of us knew that he had been diagnosed with MS?

I believe so.

Another Illness has been alluded to by a certain poster a year or so ago, frankly though this is worse than what was suggested then. Terribly sad news.

[RobRoyal]

As pissed off as I have been with the club recently (STs and City tickets) I have to say I'm impressed with the way this matter seems to have been dealt with. Frankly I'm amazed that this never leaked and delighted that rather than show the lad the door they've worked to keep him playing.

His performances in midfield this season were notable enough even without learning about this disease.

I agree. The club have shown great sensitivity in letting Chris get on with this without it getting out, and clearly while we were seeing the bewildering and exasperating "Amstrong is nearing fitness" monthly messages, there was more going on than we realised.

It's also good to see Armstrong praise the medical staff for getting him back playing. It sounds like he's been well-supported by the club.

[BobKnows]

I genuinely wish him all the best, and would welcome some kind of suitable gesture from the fans.

Obviously in line with my recent posting, I am bereft of actual ideas

[TFF]

'greed

Reading team managed by Coppell against a Sheffield United side managed by Warnock?

That is a brilliant idea but most tier three sides like the bigger club to come to them, and I wouldn't want to go to Sheffield for it.

Seriously, I hope STAR make a representation to the club along these lines. I'd prefer to see it as a testimonial/charity match - the lad won't have much of a career after football.

[Wax Jacket]

It's a measure of a) what a good player he was and b) what a great attitude he must have that two clubs have gone out of the way to save or prolong his career. t

http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport ... reer/print

[Bacon Double Cheese]

Son of BDC advises the following:

MONDAY APRIL 25TH READING v SHEFFIELD UNITED
must be nominated as:

CHRIS ARMSTRONG APPRECIATION DAY (c) Son of BDC 2011

[brendywendy]

Son of BDC advises the following:

MONDAY APRIL 25TH READING v SHEFFIELD UNITED
must be nominated as:

CHRIS ARMSTRONG APPRECIATION DAY (c) Son of BDC 2011

why ever not- organise collections, and an appearance on the pitch etc.

[EASTENDER MARKY]

Son of BDC advises the following:

MONDAY APRIL 25TH READING v SHEFFIELD UNITED
must be nominated as:

CHRIS ARMSTRONG APPRECIATION DAY (c) Son of BDC 2011

why ever not- organise collections, and an appearance on the pitch etc.

Agreed. Ask him to do the Golden Gamble maybe?

[seahawk10]

All the best Chris.

[PremAddict]

Sad news and the news of MS explains a lot. A lot about his courage and true ability. Truly amazing and respectful how the club honored his privacy and tried to work with him. Good luck Chris.

[ayjaydee]

Just like to add my best wishes to Chris. As someone posted earlier he was "my kind of player", decent ability combined with the right attitude and 100% commitment every game.

[Z175]

Great player. very sad I won't see him play again. Hope he has a long and successful future ahead of him.

Given some people lose the ability to walk within 10 years of the onset of this disease Chris has been very brave to make a come back this season.