A celebration of the life of a non-league football legend took place in Wokingham last week.
Rod Haider played for Wokingham Town in the 1960s as a teenager before moving to play for Woking, Kingstonian and Hendon..
Rod’s most famous moment came in January 1974 when he grabbed the equaliser for Hendon against eventual finalists Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round at St James Park, taking the tie to a replay at Watford’s Vicarage Road.
Rod remains England’s most-capped amateur international with 65 appearances throughout the 1960s and 70s, and is recalled by many who saw him as the finest midfielder of his era.
Ron also provided help and assistance to Bracknell Town in the 1970s.
Wokingham Town are reminded of Rod wherever they visit Silver Jubilee Park, home of Hendon FC and Edgware & Kingsbury FC, where a giant photo of Rod hangs behind the bar.
Mark Ashwell, president of Wokingham Town FC was at the event at St Catherine’s church on Bearwood Road.
He said“Rod is a true legend of the club, and went on to bigger things after starting his career with us.
“It was a pleasure to celebrate his life with his family and friends.”
