The Thistle Archive

Goalkeeper Bobby was a local lad, being born in Amisfield Road, Maryhill (off Shakespeare Street) in October 1917, a World War 1 baby. Bobby played for his local Boys’ Brigade team, the 69th (Glasgow), and was signed by junior side Glasgow Perthshire. Bobby moved on to Thistle in June 1937, but had to wait till September 1937, when he made his debut against Arbroath in a 0-0 draw at Firhill. A fellow debutant was one Jackie Husband, and they would both become favourites with the Firhill faithful, playing in the same team for a decade. His lack of game time was due to the form of Bobby Johnstone, with whom he was competing for the goalkeeper’s spot. 1938-39 was also a lean season for Bobby, as Johnstone held onto the goalkeeping position for all but a handful of matches. Bobby came into his own the following season, with Johnstone starting the season from August to October, but Henderson taking over for the remainder of the season. Bobby was the Thistle keeper from then until 1945 when, in February that year, he was called up and joined the RAF, returning from his National Service in 1947.

Bobby came back to Thistle on completing his spell in the RAF, but found a new competitor for the goalkeeper’s spot – Tommy Ledgerwood! For the next couple of seasons (1947-48 and 1948-49) the two players competed for the No 1 spot. Bobby played in the Glasgow Charity Cup final of the 1948-49 season, where Thistle beat Celtic 2-1. In 1949-50, Tommy played in goal for the first part of the season, with Bobby taking over for the remainder. Bobby’s most memorable performance was the Scottish Cup victory over Hibs at Easter Road during this season. In September 1950 Bobby moved north to Dundee, having played on well over occasions for Thistle.

Bobby played for another two seasons for Dundee, with their regular keeper being called up to the RAF. He played for the Dee on 52 occasions before transferring to neighbours Dundee United in 1956. He was in the Dundee League Cup winning side of 1952. He had a short spell with Dundee United, but broke his leg in a match against Arbroath. He passed away in May 2006 aged 88.

On account of his service during WWII, Bobby is included in our feature piece, The Partick Thistle returned →.

1941 - GLASGOW CHARITY CUP

1948 - SFL DIVISION A

1949 - GLASGOW CHARITY CUP

1951 - GLASGOW CUP