Bob Wilson (footballer, born 1943) facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Robert John Wilson | ||
| Date of birth | 23 May 1943 | ||
| Place of birth | Birmingham, England | ||
| Date of death | 3 October 2020 (aged 77) | ||
| Place of death | Exeter, Devon, England | ||
| Playing position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1958–1961 | Aston Villa | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1961–1964 | Aston Villa | 9 | (0) |
| 1964–1970 | Cardiff City | 115 | (0) |
| 1969 | → Bristol City (loan) | 1 | (0) |
| 1970–1976 | Exeter City | 205 | (0) |
|
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Robert John Wilson was a talented English footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was born on May 23, 1943, and passed away on October 3, 2020.
Contents
Football Career Highlights
Starting Out at Aston Villa
Bob Wilson was born in Birmingham, England. He started his football journey as a young player at Aston Villa. He played nine league games for Aston Villa before moving on.
Time at Cardiff City
In August 1964, Bob moved to Cardiff City. The club's manager, Jimmy Scoular, signed him for £2,000. Bob was the very first player signed by Scoular.
In his first year at Cardiff, Bob helped them win the Welsh Cup. They also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, a big European competition. They were eventually knocked out by Real Zaragoza.
The next season, Cardiff City reached the semi-finals of the League Cup. They played against West Ham United. Bob was taken out of the game after letting in five goals in the first match. However, his replacement also let in five goals in the second match!
During this same season, Bob helped Cardiff reach the semi-finals of the Cup Winners' Cup again. This is the furthest Cardiff City has ever gone in a European competition. They were defeated by Hamburg in that round. Even with strong competition from other goalkeepers like Dilwyn John and Lyn Davies, Bob managed to keep his spot as the main goalkeeper for most of his time at Cardiff.
Moving to Exeter City
Bob left Cardiff in January 1970. Before that, he had a short loan period at Bristol City. After leaving Cardiff, he joined Exeter City. He was the first-choice goalkeeper for Exeter City for several years. Bob retired from professional football in 1976.
Bob Wilson passed away on October 3, 2020, in Exeter, at the age of 77.
Achievements and Awards
Cardiff City Honours
- Welsh Cup Winner: 2 times
- 1965
- 1967
