Tribute to former Reading FC footballer

Rod Thornhill made more than 200 appearances for Reading FC

A football club have paid tribute to one of their former players.

Reading FC said it was "saddened to hear of the death of Rod "Spider" Thornhill, who died after "battling with Alzheimer's".

His son, Ian Thornhill said: "Dad was a very kind, unassuming guy, he would always help you out and had a very dry sense of humour."

He played in every position apart from goalkeeper and scored 23 goals, his son added.

Thornhill (top row, second from left) was pictured with Reading's first team squad in August 1968

Mr Thornhill explained his father got the nickname "Spider" as he was "quite tall and gangly" and "he used to mark the opposition player...he would be all over you when he was playing".

He said that his father would train for Reading FC in the morning and go to work in the afternoon.

"He was a french polishers and furniture restorers, a lot of the other players had jobs too, footballers just weren't paid back then what they are today.

"Dad had quite an impressive run of 83 successive appearances" which he said was "pretty amazing".

"His stand out match was when he scored four goals in the first 29 minutes of a league match against Watford."

The club said: "Rod was Reading born and bred, rising through the ranks by playing for our A and reserve teams before fulfilling his childhood dream of representing the first team.

"He made his debut in 1963 and went on to make 221 appearances for the club - including an impressive run of 83 consecutive matches.

"Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time."