Bobby Robertson

It speaks volumes for Bobby Robertson that he not only achieved success in his medical studies but also went on to become captain of Dunfermline Athletic in their first ever Premier League season, creating a new Pars record for league appearances at the same time.

Bobby was signed by George Miller on an `S` form in 1975, having impressed while playing for Leven Royals.

He represented Fife at schoolboy, juvenile and junior levels, and having provisionally signed in 1976, was farmed out to Kirkcaldy YMCA.  On 22nd July 1977, Harry Melrose offered the 18-year-old a part-time contract, and even though this coincided with the start of his medical studies at Edinburgh University, Bobby was soon a first team regular.

Bobby had two great advantages - he was a tremendous grafter, and despite never turning full-time, was as fit as anyone on the park; he was also a player who could play in almost any position - and often did!  He started life in midfield but later became a solid full back.  He sometimes covered centre half duties too and it was in that position that he played one of his finest games for Dunfermline. 

At the end of season 1978/79, Dunfermline had to play a nerve-wracking final match against Falkirk to decide which of them would win promotion.  Regular centre half John Salton went off injured in the first few minutes and Bobby was moved to centre half - a position he`d never played before.  Despite that he had a blinder with the Pars seeing out a 1-1 draw to clinch promotion.

Promotion was something that Bobby was to enjoy another twice with the Pars, winning the Second Division title in 1985/86 then helping the team to an incredible promotion the following season.  But by now Dunfermline were geared up for full-time football, which made it difficult for Bobby to retain his place in the Premier side of 1987/88. 

He went on loan to Alloa later that season, but by then Bobby had decided that he wasn’t going to stay at East End Park since he couldn’t go full-time and wouldn’t be able to do himself justice as a part-timer.  His final match in May 1988 was a Premier League match against Celtic at Parkhead in front of a capacity crowd - a fitting tribute for a player who gave his all for the club.  By then Bobby had made 410 first team appearances for the club - the fi fth highest in Dunfermline`s history.

Bobby played a further two seasons at Alloa before hanging up his boots at the age of 31. Despite gaining coaching badges, Bobby wasn`t tempted into that side of the game.But in recent years he has been tempted back to East End Park putting his skills to good use as the Club Doctor.

Position - Right back/midfield
Date of Birth - 14 February 1959
Previous Club - Kirkcaldy YMCA
First Game - 20 Aug 1977 v East Fife (Fife Cup)
Last Game - 7 May 1988 v Celtic (Premier League)
Transferred To Alloa Athletic

Total Pars Apps - 410 (400 + 10 sub)
Total Pars Goals - 8 (5 SD, 2 FD, 1 LC)