David Roberts RIP

[Alan Turing]

RIP Pilgrim

GoS-DB Players

www.greensonscreen.co.uk

 

[Argylegames]

RIP One of our own.

 

[IJN]

Ad astra Pilgrim.

 

[rongreenblood]

I remember Dave mainly from the Dockyard,and used to see him down at Mutton cove,lovely man.
Must have seen him play,but cannot remember it.RIP.

 

[memory man]

Dave Roberts was part of one of the best crop of youngsters ever assembled at Home Park. He emerged from an extremely good Plymouth Schoolboys side. He signed for Argyle at the same time as Richard Davis. Unfortunately Dave found himself understudying George Robertson. If George was injured, utility defender Reg Wyatt was often the next choice. In 62-63, after a defeat at Charlton, manager Ellis Stuttard lost patience with a number of senior defenders. Dave came in at Derby, along with Richard Davis, Colin Buckingham and Mike Reeves. They were all retained for the next game the famous match against a Stoke side that included a 48 years old Stanley Matthews. Dave played twice more that season but then fell victim to the dreadful start the team made to 1963-64 season. After replacing Mike Reeves after the second game, he played 6 times before a serious groin injury halted his progress. While he was injured, interim manager signed Doug Baird and the opening was gone. Like many others, Dave loved his time under Malcolm Allison in 64-65. But the signing of Tony Book shut access to the right back spot for every single league and cup game. Dave was released and made a conscious decision to go for the security offered by the dockyard and the 'boot money" of the SWL. A couple of years ago I spoke to him, explaining that former captain Len Casey was struggling a bit after being widowed. He quickly offered to give his former mentor a call, something that Len greatly appreciated. This photograph was takne during Dave's 21st birthday celebrations. The back row, left to right: Malcolm Allison, Dave Corbett, Norman Sykes, Nicky Jennings, John Newman, Cliff Jackson and Mike Trebilcock. Front row is Stuart Brace, John Leiper and Dave Roberts.