In the 45 years I've been a R's supporter I've seen quite a number of keepers, some good, some not so good and Ade Bankole! Trying to put the best of them into some order of merit is a tough one. Seeing the difference Paddy Kenny has made to us puts the importance of a top keeper into perspective. Peter Springett was our keeper back in 66 and 67 when I first followed the team and his brother Ron replaced him, Ron was England goalkeeper until Gordon Banks replaced him. It's hard to evaluate players who are but a distant memory but two goalkeepers who will be in everyone's list will be Phil Parkes and David Seaman, both commanding keepers who were really top-drawer. Who takes the top slot though? Based on our position when they played for us and my erratic memories I'd put Parkes in the top spot by the shortest of fingertips, who would be your top 5? This is mine: 1. Phil Parkes 2. David Seaman 3. Jan Stejskal 4. Paddy Kenny 5. Peter Hucker
1. Phil Parkes 2. David Seaman 3. Paddy Kenny 4. Chris Woods 5. Ron Springett 6. Mike Kelly 7. Jan Stejskal More than five I know, but thought they deserved a mention.
I think you are thinking about Peter Springett rather than Ron. The older sibling Ron was well past his sell by date when he came back to us in a swap with his younger brother (world's wackiest transfers volume 1). I like Kenny but TBH I find it ludicrous for him to be mentioned in the same breath as Parkes and Seaman who were consistently the best in the country over many years. And while I know things are different for keepers these days, when Parkes or Seaman came for a cross there was never any doubt about them getting it.
Wasn't it Ron that played in the 67-68 team that got promoted to the old 1st division? Or has my brain completely turned to mush?
As everyone has said, Phil Parkes by a mile - always had 100% confidence in him, can't remember a single mistake. And he was better than Clemence, and at least as good as Shilton. Criminal he was not capped a lot more.
Big Phil no doubt, best keeper in the country at that time, shame the England management were so blinkered re Shilton & Clemence.
Agree with most. Taking the piss I know but notable keepers for me goes something like this... 1. Phil Parkes 2. David Seaman 3. Paddy Kenny 4. Chris Woods 5. Mike Kelly 6. John Burridge 7. Jan Stejskal 8. Peter Springett 9. Lee Camp 48. Ron Springett Notable yes, one of the great England keepers but as AAAAAGH says, pretty much finished by the time first division Wednesday decided to take Peter off us in the close season 67. Don't think Ron made it through the 67/8 season though HE. Did Mick Kelly replace him? Kelly was an okay keeper but couldn't drop kick hand to foot like keepers do. Had to let the ball hit the ground and half-volley it up field.
Does anyone remember a mixed race keeper from (circa 70s? ) I think his name was Derek. It's really bugging me now, I vaguely remember him after racking my brains out trying to think of past keepers.
