DOB: 24.3.1944, Cessnock, NSW
From: APIA Leichhardt
To: Southend United
BCFC: 22.8.1968 to ?.1.1971
Signed by: James Wheeler
Sold by: James Wheeler
Now: ?
A goalkeeper who would make 48 appearances for Bradford City in the late 60’s/early 70’s, Cessnock-born John Roberts played four times for the Socceroos (one full international) and signed for Chelsea after impressing them in appearances against the London club in Sydney and Melbourne in May 1965.
Moves to Blackburn Rovers and Chesterfield followed, before he signed for the Bantams and made his debut against Peterborough on August 24, 1968.
In his first season we were promoted from Division 4, as it was then, with Roberts making 25 league appearances, but after a season and a bit with the club in the old Division 3, Roberts moved on to Southend.
Some research at Bradford Library has shown the deal to bring Roberts to Valley Parade didn’t go too smoothly, as on August 16, 1968 the transfer was supposed to go through other than waiting for ‘his release from Australia.’
A day later it was revealed that Roberts was still waiting, and that City had phoned ‘Apia Leichhardt president Eddie Provera to make an offer, believed to be in the region of £1,500. Provera are said to be asking something like £2,000′.
The next few days’ newspapers tell of still waiting for clearance, but on August 22, 1968 a picture of Roberts and then City boss James Wheeler appear, with the goalkeeper making his debut two days later thanks to the misfortune of fellow keeper Pat Liney, who broke his nose days earlier.
BCFC Stats:
Appearances: 48 Goals 0
League appearances: 44 League goals: 0
Cup appearances: 4 Cup goals: 0
