Bob Wilson

Bob Wilson

Robert Primrose Wilson, born 30 October 1941 in Chesterfield, England

Bob Wilson was a goalkeeper for Arsenal F.C of the English Football League from 1963 to 1974 making over 300 appearances for Arsenal and two appearances for Scotland, the first Englishman to do so¹.

Married to Megs with three children, John, Anna (deceased) and Robert.

Playing Career

Wilson started late as a professional player as his father would not let him sign papers with Manchester United F.C while he was a youth and he then went on to Loughborough College for training as a teacher before signing for Arsenal in 1963. He had been playing non-league games for Wolves as an amateur and made his debut for Arsenal as an amateur, the last non professional to play in the top division. Even then it was five years before he became the first choice keeper in 1968. In 1971 he was Arsenal's player of the year in their famous double winning season.

Broadcasting Career

After his football career he immediately became a football TV presenter working firstly for the BBC then for ITV until his retirement in 2002.

¹Scotland caps: The eligibility rules were changed in the 1970s to allow players to play for their parent's country of origin if they had not already played for their own country. Wilson was selected by Tommy Docherty for his two games but Docherty then left the position and the next manager refused to select non-Scots players.