Robinson, Jack - Derbeian was England Goalkeeper

Derby-born Jack Robinson in his England shirt

JOHN WILLIAM 'JACK' ROBINSON was one of the select group of men born in Derbyshire to play association football for England. He was goalkeeper on eleven occasions between 1897 and 1901, noted for his agility and reliability and considered at that time the indisputable England 'number one'.

He was further distinguished from his fellow Derbyshire-born internationals since he was both born and died in Derby itself.

Jack Robinson was born in Derby on 22 April 1870. He began his football career with Derby Midland and graduated to Derby County in June 1891. When he surprisingly left the club for New Brighton Tower in August 1897 he had made 180 appearances for the Rams and become one of their most famous players of the late-Victorian age. Like his colleague Steve Bloomer he also played baseball for Derby with conspicuous success.

He left New Brighton for Southampton in May 1898 and subsequently played for Plymouth Argyle, Millwall, Exeter City and Stoke. In October 1912 he emigrated to the United States where he became a player and then manager for the New York State team Rochester City.

Towards the end of his life he returned to England and lived in Turnditch, Derbyshire. He died in Derby on 28 October, 1931, aged 61. Although an often troublesome and controversial character, his place in the annals of football as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time is assured.

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