We were devastated to learn this morning of the passing of Rod Haider, who died on Tuesday morning this week.

A true club legend, who made 696 appearances for the club from midfield, Rod joined Hendon ahead of the 1967/68 season, debuting against Dulwich Hamlet in a 5-0 win.

His first goal for the club came 3 days later in a 5-2 win over Walthamstow Avenue, the first of 165 strikes in the famous Green and White. Rod became synonymous with the number 6 shirt, and managed double figures in all but three of his 12 full seasons with the club - even then he managed eight (twice) and nine goals.

A key figure in the club's successes of the early 1970s, Rod grabbed 23 goals in the Amateur Cup-winning season of 1971/72 and 20 in the title-winning campaign a year later. This tally included one in the Barassi Cup final first leg at Claremont Road in the 2-0 win over Union CV before helping the side to a 1-1 draw in Italy.

Perhaps Rod's most famous moment came in January 1974 when he thrillingly grabbed the equaliser 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.

Although Hendon's success dried up following the end of the amateur era, Rod continued to be a mainstay of the club until midway through the 1979/80 campaign. He went on to coach with distinction, notably at Hayes following his retirement as a player.

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.

We were delighted that Rod was able to join many of his teammates from the 1972 Amateur Cup success at Silver Jubilee Park three years ago, and will be very fondly remembered by those that played with him, and had the pleasure of watching him perform.

The club will mark Rod's passing at a future game, but in the meantime, the thoughts of everyone connected with the club are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

RIP, Rod, and thanks for the memories.