Bobby Middleton

Bobby began his footballing career aged 14 as a juvenile for local side St Leonard. After two years in the juveniles, he was picked up by Albion and after a season there he was signed by Alpine. One season later and in the summer of 1897, Bobby was signed by the Arbroath committee after a brief trial.

Such was the instant success of Bobby that in November of his first season, and after only 10 or so games at senior level, he was selected to represent Forfarshire. In January 1898, the Evening Telegraph described him as a neat and accurate passer, and a good tackler and dribbler with a fine shot.

On Friday 8th November 1901 Bobby was married in the town, and he turned out at Gayfield the following day in an 8-0 rout of Forfar Athletic with Bobby getting two of the goals.

After an incredibly prolific first 5 years at the club playing upfront, with other forward options available and a lack of talent further back, he began to play more as a right half than an inside right. Due to dropping back, his goal scoring feats greatly decreased but he continued to play almost every week over the next 3 seasons.

In October 1905, he sustained a bad injury which kept him out for a long period, and despite going to London to see the renowned surgeon Dr John Joss he was unable to play football any longer and he retired from playing in the summer of 1906. Due to his service to the club, Bobby was given a benefit match which was played on 2nd May 1906 against Dundee at Gayfield.