The Thistle Archive

“Boab” first appeared in 1883 and went on to rack up over 200 appearances for the club over the course of the next ten years, with spells as club captain. His successful Thistle career was underlined by the fact that he played three times for the Glasgow FA; vs. Dunbartonshire in 1884 (D3-3), and against Sheffield in both 1887 (W10-3) and 1889 (W8-1). He started out as a half-back in 1883, although he went on to have long spells as a full-back and even played in forward roles, as and when required. He was always keen on getting forward and was noted for having decent shooting ability – evidenced by his impressive haul of nearly 50 known goals for the dark blues.

A great highlight for club and player came in March 1885 at Muir Park when Renton arrived for a Grand Challenge match, just three weeks after having been crowned Scottish Cup “champions”. This was a real glamour occasion for Partick – and a rare coup for the match secretary and the treasurer. Thistle, trailing 1-0 at half-time, came from behind to secure an infamous victory by 2 goals to 1. It’s said that the winning goal was a real team effort in a move that involved Willie Paul, Bob Robertson and James Miller, the latter doing the needful with his head. Brilliantly, the Scottish Umpire was moved to comment: “The scene that ensued almost baffles description – men, women and children giving vent to one exultant yell.” These were the deeds that were important in moving the club forward, instilling a great sense of pride locally as well as raising Partick Thistle’s stature on a countrywide level.

In common with many others, he served the club on and off the field, taking up various committee roles throughout the 1880s. I’d be very surprised if a man of his stature wasn’t on the sub-committee responsible for team selection.

Bob is one of the super seven who contributed to all three victories against Rangers in season 1888-89.