With great sadness, we have to record the death last month of a life-long Hearts supporter and fine footballer, Bobby Ross, who made 36 appearances for his favourite team in the early 1960s.
Born at West Port, Edinburgh on 18 May 1942, Bobby was an apprentice compositor on leaving Tynecastle School, but he always had an eye on becoming a professional footballer. He was certainly a noted attacker with the juvenile side, Edinburgh Athletic, from where, Bobby was signed on a provisional contract by Hearts’ manager, Tommy Walker, in July 1959.
The energetic and direct winger, or sometimes inside-forward, was farmed out to Musselburgh Athletic where he showed impressive form, before being called-up by Hearts in October 1960. At that time, Bobby was living in the Whitson area, a short walk from Tynecastle, and he became a full-time player with his favourite club at 18-years of age.
Bobby made his competitive debut on 1 April 1961 in a 1-1 draw away to Raith Rovers. He then became an important utility man over the following two seasons when Hearts twice reached the League Cup Final, losing to Rangers in 1961-62 and then defeating Kilmarnock in 1962-63. Bobby was not chosen for both Finals, but played his part with five games in the qualifying campaign of 1961-62. He also took part in the Semi-Final victory over St. Johnstone in October 1962.
Another memorable moment in maroon came on 27 September 1961, when the dashing attacker played in the Fairs Cup match against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels when Hearts secured a 3-1 victory.
Despite his League Cup Semi-Final appearance in October 1962, Bobby was not able to establish a regular starting position in the team and he looked for better opportunities after being released in April 1963. Bobby had scored four goals in 32 competitive games and an overall total of eight goals in 36 appearances. Just being able to wear maroon once, was a source of great pride for Bobby Ross.
He joined Shrewsbury Town in June 1963 and was a regular scorer over 99 games in the Football League Third Division. In March 1966, Bobby signed for Brentford where he made 323 appearances and scored 63 goals, one of which helped defeat Exeter City and seal promotion from the Fourth Division. His wholehearted service, much of which was as captain and midfield general, was recognized by inclusion in the Bees Hall of Fame in 2013.
Bobby then moved to Cambridge United in October 1972 and assisted the U’s to promotion from the Fourth Division in 1972-73. The astute midfielder subsequently scored 15 goals in 73 appearances, before signing for the Isthmian League side, Hayes, as player-assistant-manager. He was later manager until April 1978 when Bobby joined the Queens Park Rangers Academy. After twenty years in player development, Bobby Ross retired from football in August 2008.
Bobby Ross was a venerable 84 years of age when he passed away, and our sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends.
By David Speed
