Who was the best ever "heartbeat" of Reading's team.

[Cripple Creek]

I heard on numerous occasions Argentina's Mascherano being described as the "heartbeat" of the South American side during what I thought was a rather splendid World Cup all things considered. I think there are several nominees among Reading players as candidates for this particular characterisation. For someone of my age Richie Bowman stands out but I'm going to plump for Sidwell as probably the most deserving.

[Rudolph Hucker]

Mick Gooding 1990-96 for me. Dictated the pace and pattern of play and could take a match by the scruff of the neck just like Steven Gerrard. Fit as a butchers dog even in his mid thirties.

[donface]

Mick Gooding

[Royal Biscuitman]

Nick Berry (some of the younger fans might not remember him).

[Norfolk Royal]

Richie Bowman for me, or Barry Wagstaffe.

[Brum Royal]

From the two Champo winning sides I'd pick Sidwell and Ledge

[leon]

Mick Gooding 1990-96 for me. Dictated the pace and pattern of play and could take a match by the scruff of the neck just like Steven Gerrard. Fit as a butchers dog even in his mid thirties.

Absolutely this. He was the sort of player that rarely got less than a 7/10 - even when he was surrounded by shite. I remember a R5 commentator wondering why Gooding never played at the top level.

Other than that Sidwell for me is another - although he didn't always have the ability to control a game on a consistent basis.

[Vic_Flange]

Robin Friday taking a dump in the bath

[Pepe the Horseman]

Danny Williams.

[glass half full]

Danny Williams.

Please may he stay free from injury this season.....

[Mr.Swainey]

Keith Jones.

[Pepe the Horseman]

Keith Jones.

YES.

[Royalcop]

James Harper did a lot of unnoticed simple things well, allowing Sidwell to get forward more - a tireless runner too. In the current squad, Guthrie should be doing this given his ability but seems to have too much of an ego to concentrate on keeping the team ticking over and moving the play around. Maybe in time he'll mature and start doing this.

[Ian Royal]

Gooding, Harper, Leigertwood in my time.

With honourable mentions to Caskey, Sidwell & Karacan plus Tabb, Howard and Guthrie when they played well.

[Royal Biscuitman]

Danny Guthrie sets the pace and dictates play, which is great if he's charging forward to win the ball, not so much when he's playing sweeper and holding the ball and our attack up for too long.

[CayeneMatt]

Not often I agree with Ian but Brian Howard had a couple of phenomenal games where he completely dictated the tempo.

Unfortunately, only a couple.

[Pepe the Horseman]

Donny away.

[floyd__streete]

Nick Berry (some of the younger fans might not remember him).

Pet Shop Boys.

[maffff]

Bryn.

Despite retirement I'm sure he's still wandering the halls of the Madejski.

[The Prisoner]

Surely Steve Sidwell?