The legendary striker has played a huge part in the sporting life of his home city. Bobby played for both Park Avenue and City and for a time ran the hugely successful Bradford Dukes speedway team in tandem with his brother Alan, also a former Avenue player!

Born Bradford in 1942, Bobby was taken on as a member of the Park Avenue groundstaff aged just 15. Though he had spells with Huddersfield Town and Bradford Cityís youth teams, he signed professional for Avenue in October 1951. He made his league debut against Hull City in March 1952.

Injury forced Bobby out of the game for a short period, but he worked his way back into the Avenue team via a stint at Gainsborough Trinity. In 1965-66 he hit 24 goals, including four against a hapless Newport County.

City paid Avenue £2,750 for his services in February 1968. He was instrumental in City's promotion in 1969. The following year he scored a hat-trick as City demolished Bournemouth 8-1. Alerted by his scoring record, Preston North End signed Bobby for £8,000 in October 1970.

After winning a Third Division Championship medal with Preston, Bobby joined Rotherham, but after the Millers relegation in 1973 he rejoined City. He was again the top scorer in his final season at Valley Parade. He later managed Gainsborough Trinity, Matlock and Guiseley. In all Bobby played 208 games for City scoring 70 goals.

Along with his brother Alan, Bobby ran the Bradford Dukes speedway team in an era when the Dukes swept the board. However, despite being British Champions the Dukes were forced to close due to development works at Odsal Stadium. Those works are still pending, but recent developments have killed any hope of a triumphant return of the Dukes to Odsal.

Today Bobby is Bradford Community Broadcastings co-commentator on matchdays. Recently he joined the City board and is set to remain a significant figure in the sporting history of Bradford.

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