Bob Roberts (footballer, born 1863)

Robert "Bob" Roberts (1863 – 24 March 1950) was a Welsh footballer who played at full back for Wrexham in the 1880s and 1890s. He made two appearances for Wales, one as an emergency goalkeeper.

Bob Roberts
Personal information
Full name Robert Roberts
Date of birth 1863
Place of birth Wrexham, Wales
Date of death (1950-03-24)24 March 1950
Place of death Wrexham, Wales
Position(s) Full back
Youth career
Rhostyllen
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1884–1888 Wrexham Olympic
1888–1892 Wrexham
National team
1886–1887 Wales 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Roberts was born at Wrexham and, on leaving school, found employment at Bersham colliery,[1] and played football for the local Rhostyllen village side.

Described as a "hard-working player and a sound defender",[1] Roberts was one of the first signings made by Wrexham Olympic after that club's formation. He took part in a North v South trial match in 1886[1] which led to his selection for the match against Ireland on 27 February, helping his country to a 5–0 victory.[2] Despite this result, Alfred Davies was preferred for the matches against England and Scotland.[1]

Roberts' second international appearance came the following February when he was called in as an emergency goalkeeper in the absence of Robert Mills-Roberts, who had temporarily "retired" from football following injuries to both wrists shortly before the preceding international against England, in which he conceded four goals.[3] Roberts also conceded four goals against the Irish[4] and his international career was over, with Davies being recalled at right-back for the next international. James Trainer subsequently took over as the Wales national team goalkeeper, a position he retained for the next twelve years.[5]

In 1888, Wrexham Olympic was disbanded and Roberts joined Wrexham. With his ability to "kick and head the ball well",[1] Roberts became the Wrexham captain, a position he retained until his retirement from football in 1892. In 1891, he captained his team to the final of the Welsh Cup, losing 5–2 to Shrewsbury Town.[6]

Later career

Following his retirement as a player, Roberts continued to serve Wrexham as a trainer for several years.[1]

He was also a keen member of the Territorial Army.[1]

Family

His brother, Bill also played for Wrexham and played four times for Wales, scoring once, against Ireland on 27 February 1886.[7]

His brother-in-law, John Price Davies, played for Druids and made two appearances for Wales in 1883.[8]

Honours
Wrexham

References
  1. Davies, Gareth; Garland, Ian (1991). Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players. Bridge Books. p. 180. ISBN 1-872424-11-2.
  2. "Wales 5 Ireland 0 (27 February 1886)". Welsh international matches. Welsh Football Data Archive. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  3. Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players. p. 142.
  4. "Ireland 4 Wales 1 (12 March 1887)". Welsh international matches. Welsh Football Data Archive. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  5. Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players. p. 203.
  6. "Shrewsbury Town 5 Wrexham 2 (31 March 1891)". Welsh Cup Final. Welsh Football Data Archive. Archived from the original on 6 March 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  7. Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players. pp. 181–182.
  8. Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players. p. 39.
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