Reading Football Club are saddened to learn of the death of former player Dave Bacuzzi
Reading Football Club sends its condolences to the family of former captain Dave Bacuzzi, who has sadly passed away at the age of 79.
The son of England international Joe Bacuzzi, Dave was an England youth international himself who signed for Arsenal in May 1959. He made 48 first team appearances for the Gunners but without regular first team football he switched from Highbury to Maine Road to join Manchester City in April 1964.
Whilst at Manchester City he helped them regain a Division One place in 1966 as Second Division champions.
Bacuzzi, a right-back, then joined Reading at the start of the following season, becoming an Elm Park crowd favourite with his stylish play and devastating sliding tackles.
He was virtually an ever-present under manager Roy Bentley, captaining the side in 1968-69.
After the arrival of manager Jack Mansell in April 1969, Bacuzzi lost his place in the side and in the summer 1970 he moved to Ireland where he became player-manager of Cork Hibs and later manager of Home Park in 1975.
Dave settled in Ireland with his family and he died in St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin from complications caused by Covid-19.
In total he made 118 league and cup appearances for Reading, scoring one goal.
The thoughts of everyone at Reading Football Club are with the family and friends of Dave at this difficult time.