Robert Roberts (footballer born 1864)
Encyclopedia
Robert "Bob" Roberts was a Welsh professional footballer who played at wing half
for several clubs, spending most of his career with Bolton Wanderers
in the English Football League. He made a total of ten appearances for Wales
.
, near Wrexham
and, on leaving school, obtained employment in a terracotta works. He joined Druids
, based in the neighbouring village of Ruabon
, as an amateur in 1882 and helped them reach the fifth round (last eight) of the F.A. Cup in 1883. Roberts replaced Jack Powell
in the third round replay against Bolton Wanderers and retained his place for the quarter-final match, losing 4–1 to eventual winners Blackburn Olympic
.
Druids also had a long run in the Welsh Cup
, reaching the final for the fifth year out of the six since the competition was inaugurated in 1877. Roberts played in the final on 21 April 1883, with Druids losing 1–0 to Wrexham. Druids reached the Welsh Cup final again the following year, this time to lose 1–0 to Oswestry White Stars
in a replay.
The week before the 1884 Welsh Cup Final, Roberts was called up for his first appearance for Wales
, when he took the place of Jack Powell at right back for the final match of the 1884 British Home Championship
against Scotland
on 29 March. Although Roberts scored after seven minutes, Scotland equalized midway through the first half and ran out 4–1 winners to claim the trophy with three victories.
In April 1884, Roberts moved to Lancashire
to join Bolton Wanderers
in the Football League, where he was re-united with several former Druids players, including Jack Powell and Jackie Vaughan, both of whom had moved to Bolton the previous year.
Described as "a good athlete and a useful boxer", Roberts had a "burly frame" and soon became an established member of the Wanderers' eleven. Roberts scored on his debut, in a friendly match against Preston North End
and was soon converted to a wing-half. In 1887, Bolton Wanderers were involved in a protracted first round F.A. Cup match against Everton
. Roberts scored the only goal of the initial match played on 15 October 1887, but the result was declared invalid as Bolton had fielded an ineligible player, Robert Struthers. There then followed two drawn matches (with Roberts again scoring in the first), before Everton won the second replay (the fourth match altogether) 2–1. This time, however, Everton were disqualified for fielding two professional players who had been registered as amateurs, and the match was awarded to Bolton, who were then defeated 9–1 by Preston North End, with Jimmy Ross
scoring six goals.
Bolton were one of the twelve founder members of the Football League, which formed in 1888. In the inaugural Football League season, Roberts was ever-present, scoring twice as Bolton finished fifth in the table. In 1889, Roberts was described as "a very fast man (120 yards in 13 seconds), a splendid dribbler and difficult to overcome in possession of the ball". One newspaper dubbed him "the best half back in England".
Roberts remained at Bolton until March 1892, when he moved to Preston North End
where he played five league matches at the end of the 1891–92 season. Later that year, he dropped down to the Second Division
, spending one season with Lincoln City
before retiring.
area.
Towards the end of his life, he lived in the almshouse
s at Ruabon
where he was known as "Bob Bolton". The walls of his room were said to be covered in photographs of Bolton, Preston and Wales, leaving little room for anything else.
In addition, he appeared in the second match played against a visiting Canadian XI in 1891.
Wing half
In association football, the position of wing half or wing half back) was popularly used in the late nineteenth and first half of the 20th centuries...
for several clubs, spending most of his career with Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
in the English Football League. He made a total of ten appearances for Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
.
Playing career
Roberts was born at PenycaePenycae
Penycae is a village and a local government community, the lowest tier of local government, part of Wrexham County Borough in Wales- History :...
, near Wrexham
Wrexham
Wrexham is a town in Wales. It is the administrative centre of the wider Wrexham County Borough, and the largest town in North Wales, located in the east of the region. It is situated between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley close to the border with Cheshire, England...
and, on leaving school, obtained employment in a terracotta works. He joined Druids
Druids F.C.
Ruabon Druids F.C. were a football club based in village of Ruabon near Wrexham. The club was founded in 1869 as Plasmadoc F.C. by David Thomson and his brother, George, of Ruabon...
, based in the neighbouring village of Ruabon
Ruabon
Ruabon is a village and community in the county borough of Wrexham in Wales.More than 80% of the population of 2,400 were born in Wales with 13.6% speaking Welsh....
, as an amateur in 1882 and helped them reach the fifth round (last eight) of the F.A. Cup in 1883. Roberts replaced Jack Powell
Jack Powell (footballer)
John "Jack" Powell was a Welsh association footballer who played as a full-back for Newton Heath in the late 1880s....
in the third round replay against Bolton Wanderers and retained his place for the quarter-final match, losing 4–1 to eventual winners Blackburn Olympic
Blackburn Olympic F.C.
Blackburn Olympic F.C. was an English association football club based in Blackburn, Lancashire in the late 19th century. Although the club was only in existence for just over a decade, it is significant in the history of football in England as the first club from the north of the country and the...
.
Druids also had a long run in the Welsh Cup
Welsh Cup
The Welsh Cup is a knock-out football competition contested annually by teams from Wales.The Football Association of Wales is the organising body of this competition, which has been run every year since its inception in 1877-78...
, reaching the final for the fifth year out of the six since the competition was inaugurated in 1877. Roberts played in the final on 21 April 1883, with Druids losing 1–0 to Wrexham. Druids reached the Welsh Cup final again the following year, this time to lose 1–0 to Oswestry White Stars
Oswestry Town F.C.
Oswestry Town F.C. was a football club, formerly playing in the League of Wales.The club was founded as Oswestry United in 1860, which meant they were one of the world's oldest football clubs. Matches were latterly played at Park Hall stadium, Oswestry, after a spell at Victoria Road...
in a replay.
The week before the 1884 Welsh Cup Final, Roberts was called up for his first appearance for Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
, when he took the place of Jack Powell at right back for the final match of the 1884 British Home Championship
1884 British Home Championship
The 1884 British Home Championship was the inaugural international football tournament, played between the Home Nations of the British Isles which at the time made up the constituent nations of the United Kingdom; England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland...
against Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
on 29 March. Although Roberts scored after seven minutes, Scotland equalized midway through the first half and ran out 4–1 winners to claim the trophy with three victories.
In April 1884, Roberts moved to Lancashire
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
to join Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
in the Football League, where he was re-united with several former Druids players, including Jack Powell and Jackie Vaughan, both of whom had moved to Bolton the previous year.
Described as "a good athlete and a useful boxer", Roberts had a "burly frame" and soon became an established member of the Wanderers' eleven. Roberts scored on his debut, in a friendly match against Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
and was soon converted to a wing-half. In 1887, Bolton Wanderers were involved in a protracted first round F.A. Cup match against Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
. Roberts scored the only goal of the initial match played on 15 October 1887, but the result was declared invalid as Bolton had fielded an ineligible player, Robert Struthers. There then followed two drawn matches (with Roberts again scoring in the first), before Everton won the second replay (the fourth match altogether) 2–1. This time, however, Everton were disqualified for fielding two professional players who had been registered as amateurs, and the match was awarded to Bolton, who were then defeated 9–1 by Preston North End, with Jimmy Ross
Jimmy Ross
James D. “Jimmy” Ross , nicknamed the "Little Demon", was a Scottish association football player of the Victorian era, younger brother of Nick Ross...
scoring six goals.
Bolton were one of the twelve founder members of the Football League, which formed in 1888. In the inaugural Football League season, Roberts was ever-present, scoring twice as Bolton finished fifth in the table. In 1889, Roberts was described as "a very fast man (120 yards in 13 seconds), a splendid dribbler and difficult to overcome in possession of the ball". One newspaper dubbed him "the best half back in England".
Roberts remained at Bolton until March 1892, when he moved to Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
where he played five league matches at the end of the 1891–92 season. Later that year, he dropped down to the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
, spending one season with Lincoln City
Lincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
before retiring.
Later career
On completing his playing career, Roberts was briefly trainer to Leicester Fosse before returning to settle in the WrexhamWrexham
Wrexham is a town in Wales. It is the administrative centre of the wider Wrexham County Borough, and the largest town in North Wales, located in the east of the region. It is situated between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley close to the border with Cheshire, England...
area.
Towards the end of his life, he lived in the almshouse
Almshouse
Almshouses are charitable housing provided to enable people to live in a particular community...
s at Ruabon
Ruabon
Ruabon is a village and community in the county borough of Wrexham in Wales.More than 80% of the population of 2,400 were born in Wales with 13.6% speaking Welsh....
where he was known as "Bob Bolton". The walls of his room were said to be covered in photographs of Bolton, Preston and Wales, leaving little room for anything else.
International appearances
Roberts made nine appearances for Wales in official international matches, as follows:| Date | Venue | Opponent | Result | Goals | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 March 1884 | Cathkin Park Cathkin Park Cathkin Park is a municipal park in Glasgow, Scotland. The park is maintained by the city's parks department, and it is a public place where football is still played... , Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands... |
1–4 | 1 | British Home Championship 1884 British Home Championship The 1884 British Home Championship was the inaugural international football tournament, played between the Home Nations of the British Isles which at the time made up the constituent nations of the United Kingdom; England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland... |
|
| 21 March 1887 | Racecourse Ground Racecourse Ground The Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium AKA The Racecourse Ground is a stadium located in Wrexham, North Wales. It is the home of Wrexham F.C. and, since 2010, the Crusaders Rugby League team who play in the engage Super League... , Wrexham Wrexham Wrexham is a town in Wales. It is the administrative centre of the wider Wrexham County Borough, and the largest town in North Wales, located in the east of the region. It is situated between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley close to the border with Cheshire, England... |
0–2 | 0 | British Home Championship 1887 British Home Championship The 1887 British Home Championship was the fourth international football tournament between the British Home Nations. Played during the second half of the 1886–87 football season, the competition was won by Scotland for the fourth consecutive time... |
|
| 4 February 1888 | Nantwich Road, Crewe Crewe Crewe is a railway town within the unitary authority area of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. According to the 2001 census the urban area had a population of 67,683... |
1–5 | 0 | British Home Championship 1888 British Home Championship The 1888 British Home Championship was the fifth edition of the annual international football tournament played between the British Home Nations... |
|
| 10 March 1888 | Easter Road Easter Road Easter Road is a football stadium located in the Leith area of Edinburgh, Scotland, which is the home ground of Scottish Premier League club Hibernian . The stadium currently has an all-seated capacity of 20,421, which makes it the fifth-largest football stadium in Scotland. Easter Road is also... , Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area... |
1–5 | 0 | British Home Championship 1888 British Home Championship The 1888 British Home Championship was the fifth edition of the annual international football tournament played between the British Home Nations... |
|
| 23 February 1889 | Victoria Ground Victoria Ground Victoria Ground may refer to:*Victoria Ground, the former name of Hartlepool United’s ground Victoria Park.*Victoria Ground, Stoke City’s ground from 1878 to 1997.*Victoria Ground, current home of Bromsgrove Rovers... , Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent , also called The Potteries is a city in Staffordshire, England, which forms a linear conurbation almost 12 miles long, with an area of . Together with the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme Stoke forms The Potteries Urban Area... |
1–4 | 0 | British Home Championship 1889 British Home Championship The 1889 British Home Championship was the sixth international football tournament between the British Home Nations and as with all but one of the previous tournaments, Scotland won, beating England by one point to take the championship... |
|
| 15 April 1889 | Racecourse Ground, Wrexham | 0–0 | 0 | British Home Championship 1889 British Home Championship The 1889 British Home Championship was the sixth international football tournament between the British Home Nations and as with all but one of the previous tournaments, Scotland won, beating England by one point to take the championship... |
|
| 22 March 1890 | Racecourse Ground, Wrexham | 0–5 | 0 | British Home Championship 1890 British Home Championship The 1890 British Home Championship was an edition of the annual international football tournament played between the British Home Nations. The seventh such competition held, the 1890 edition was, for the second time, jointly won by England and Scotland, the sixth time that Scotland had won... |
|
| 27 February 1892 | Penrhyn Park, Bangor Bangor, Gwynedd Bangor is a city in Gwynedd, north west Wales, and one of the smallest cities in Britain. It is a university city with a population of 13,725 at the 2001 census, not including around 10,000 students at Bangor University. Including nearby Menai Bridge on Anglesey, which does not however form part of... |
1–1 | 0 | British Home Championship 1892 British Home Championship The 1892 British Home Championship was an edition of the annual international football tournament played between the British Home Nations. It was won by England who won all three games against their rivals, even though they played two games on the same day against Wales and Ireland, providing a... |
|
| 26 March 1892 | Tynecastle Park Tynecastle Stadium Tynecastle Stadium is a football stadium situated in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh, Scotland, which is the home ground of Scottish Premier League club Hearts. Tynecastle has a seating capacity of 17,420, which makes it the seventh largest football stadium in Scotland... , Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area... |
1–6 | 0 | British Home Championship 1892 British Home Championship The 1892 British Home Championship was an edition of the annual international football tournament played between the British Home Nations. It was won by England who won all three games against their rivals, even though they played two games on the same day against Wales and Ireland, providing a... |
|
In addition, he appeared in the second match played against a visiting Canadian XI in 1891.