Rodney Derek Thornhill

Rodney Derek Thornhill

  • Published August 5, 2025

24-01-1942 – 28-07-2025

Rodney Thornhill was born in Reading and will be remembered as one of the best and most versatile home-grown players to ever represent the club. Nicknamed “Spider” due to his tall, angular appearance, he was spotted playing for Berkshire Boys Clubs and signed originally as an amateur before making his first team debut, away to Millwall, on August 24th, 1963.

He stayed in the team for the majority of the next six seasons, including the 1965-66 campaign when he played every minute of the first team’s 55 league and cup matches. He made a total of 192 appearances in the Football League, plus 11 in the FA Cup and 18 in the Football League Cup.

His best scoring performance came in the home Third Division game against Watford on September 26th, 1964, when he netted four goals in a 6-2 home win. His last first team appearance was on November 22nd, 1969 when Reading were defeated 6-2 away to Southport. At the end of the 1969-70 season, he left Reading and joined Poole Town in the Southern League.

During his career with Reading Rodney wore shirt numbers:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and as playing substitute, 12.
An indication of his versatility and commitment of a loyal clubman who never gave anything less than his absolute best for his team.

Thank you Rod.

David Downs