| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Robert Roberts | ||
| Date of birth | 1863 | ||
| Place of birth | Wrexham, Wales | ||
| Date of death | 24 March 1950 | ||
| Place of death | Wrexham, Wales | ||
| Playing position | 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. † Appearances (Goals). |
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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.
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Roberts was born at Wrexham and, on leaving school, obtained 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]
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]
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]