Robin Friday was arguably the coolest ever player to rock Stylo Matchmakers football boots. Friday was a very talented footballer blessed with skill and an game intelligence – he had creative vision, could use both feet and was incredibly brave. A striker who could tackle, finish, and create goals. He won player of the season twice when playing for Reading. Robin was also voted Reading and Cardiff City’s ‘All-Time Cult Hero’ in a BBC TV poll in 2004 and was voted Reading’s ‘Player of the Millennium’ in 1999. He is an all-time great and will never be forgotten by those Royals supporters who saw him grace the Elm Park pitch in that era.
Robin was a nonconformist, and he had his own tricks and skills, and he just wanted to entertain the fans.
Reading brought Robin in on trial for the reserves in November 1973. Many great performances followed. Robin and Reading would go on to win promotion to the Third Division for the first time in fifty years.
Robin’s performances at Elm Park attracted the attention of many clubs. Eventually, even Reading couldn’t control Robin, and Cardiff City bought him in December 1976. Robin left Elm Park for Ninian Park.
The many tales of Robin Friday’s antics both on and off the field are legends in Reading and Cardiff. Those who got to meet him say he had a special vibe about him and that he was a fearless but that he had a introverted side too. He liked to entertain both on and off the pitch, that’s for sure. Robin Friday was a unique and complex personality.
Even though Robin was really struggling with off-the-field issues at Cardiff City, he gained loyal fans, such with his skill and showmanship both on and off the field.
