Reading's most unsung hero

[Cripple Creek]

Ok, ok, I'm sure that this has been asked before, if not in precisely the same words along the same lines. However, last night I dreamt (quite seriously) of Mick Gooding. On waking up it struck me that of all the players I've watched since I started supporting the club at the age of eight (blimey, that makes it 40 years) the importance of Gooding's spell at the club as a player was perhaps one of the least acknowledged. He was a real Jack Russell of a player (think Edgar Davids or Richie Bowman), he had a great eye, dedication and he could pass the ball well and, often, well this is my view anyway, ran the game. Maybe it is because of his busy, bustling appearance that people didn't give him the credit he deserved. Don't get me wrong I know he was loved and admired but, in my view, probably not as much as he deserved. Dare I say this, I think he was better than Parky and, probably, for the period he was a player, more important.

[Rudolph Hucker]

Have to agree with you there CC. Mick Gooding could grab a match by the scruff of the neck and totally dictate the play which he did so often and successfully under Porterfield and McGhee. The only other players I've seen do that in my time are Simon Osborn and to a lesser extent Peter Grant. In the current side only Norwood has that range of passing but lacks the bite in the tackle needed to boss a game. Couldn't we do with someone like Gooding now?

[One8Seven1*]

I would love another Micky Gooding! Just what that midfield needs. Wouldn't mind another Quinny while we're at it too!

[AthleticoSpizz]

^+1

[Stuka]

Grzegorz Rasiak

[Handsome Man]

Robin Friday

[sandman]

Nicky Forster.

Cureton got all the credit whilst Forster got on with being the best player in the team despite many fans begging for the one trick pony to start in his place.

[John Smith]

For me it's Danny Williams. His industry and energy isn't appreciated by most people on this board and we're going to pay for it when he leaves at the end of the season. A tragedy on the horizon.

[melonhead]

For me it's Danny Williams. His industry and energy isn't appreciated by most people on this board and we're going to pay for it when he leaves at the end of the season. A tragedy on the horizon.

[percy_freeman]

So many....Uwe Hartenburger, Simon Osborne, Darius thingamyjig Archie.....I could go on for hours.

[From Despair To Where?]

One memory that sticks out for me about Gooding was an evening game when he was fully kitted up and leading the warm up something like 5hrs after a hernia operation.

However, for me it's got to be Bryn.

[John Smith]

For me it's Danny Williams. His industry and energy isn't appreciated by most people on this board and we're going to pay for it when he leaves at the end of the season. A tragedy on the horizon.

p.s. I'm an ostrich

[Forbury Lion]

Andy Hughes - put himself forward to play out of position at left back when we were in dire straights with injuries and performed admirably despite knowing the fans would be on his back even more if he screwed up.... He could have kept his head down.

IIRC that injury crisis was so bad that manager Tommy Burns and assistant had to select themselves to fulfill a reserve fixture, then afterwards said they would have played a goalkeeper as an outfield player had the thought occurred to them.

[Terminal Boardom]

Jim McIntyre. Not only did his career start off like an enormous pile of half digested chicken vindaloo but by the time he was allowed to leave he was probably our best player. There weren't many bright spots out of the hilarious TB1 saga but Jim was one of them.

[No Fixed Abode]

David Lee - On loan from Chelsea.

5 goals in 5 appearances from centre back.

[Lenny The Tramp]

Some good shouts here (mostly!).

Here's another one … Steve Richardson.

[Ark Royal]

I would have to go with Mark White. Classy left back whose career was a lot shorter than it should have been because of injuries. Scored the wonderful free kick that clinched promotion in 84 and was converted into a tireless midfield worker and a vital cog in the record-breaking 85/86 team. Never totally eye-catching, but never had a bad game either.

[AthleticoSpizz]

^ so many good-uns^

Not completely unsung, but a hero nonetheless, Steve Death for all of his well documented stature/clean sheet credentials......much more unsung was the likes of Gary Westwood and Steve Francis....many a great performance during some of our mediocre days.

[K.URZ13]

James Harper.

[Gunny Fishcake]

Micky Gooding and Steve Death