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Bob Roberts (footballer, born 1863)

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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
International career
1886–1887 Wales 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

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.

Playing career

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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

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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

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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

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Wrexham

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g 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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