Former Notts County player who sadly passed away recently at the age of 79.

 

Story from the OS:

 

The club were saddened to hear the news of the death of former player Don Roby...

Roby, who made 233 League and Cup appearances for Notts in a ten-year period between 1951 and 1961, died at the age of 79.

 

A native of Wigan he first joined the club's ground staff before turning professional in February, 1951 - the same month in which he made his League debut, in a 3-0 home win over Sheffield United, the goals coming from Jackie Sewell (2) and Tom Johnston. It was his only appearance that season and he did not figure again until chosen in four consecutive matches in March, 1955 when he also scored the first of his 37 League goals for the club in a 3-1 home victory over Hull City.

 

He was a fast, skilful and elusive front man, at his best when playing wide on the right though, from time to time, he was also used in other forward positions. He was more adept at creating goals for others rather than scoring himself.

 

Don really established himself in 1955-56 with 38 appearances, in one of which there was the rarity of him scoring twice, as Middlesbrough were routed 5-0.

 

After suffering two successive relegations, which - for the first time, took the Magpies into the Fourth Division - Don enjoyed his best-ever season with immediate promotion back to Division Three. He missed only four League matches and scored eleven times in the record haul of 102 goals.

 

He had the distinction of scoring the season's first goal, a 2-1 win over Chester on opening day.

 

Don's passing breaks another link with that promotion-winning side of 1959-60.

 

His consistent match-winning performances attracted the attention of other clubs and in the summer of 1961 he was transferred to Derby County for £10,000.

 

Both then, and following his retirement from the game, he continued to make his home at Wilford Hill and was a familiar figure on the streets of Nottingham as he continued to keep fit with regular road running, both for training purposes and competitively.

 

The club extends its sincere sympathy to Don's family in their sad loss.

 

That many appearances is pretty impressive for the time, sounds like he was a good player and great servant to the club. R.I.P Don - thoughts are with his family and friends

 

Sad news James - I was browsing, while I waited at hospital earlier. I stumbled across the notts steam status, though being as busy as I have been. I didn't get chance to mention this or comment

We're losing too many people connect with the club this year.

R.I.P Mr Roby - My thoughts are with his family.

Another player to grace both our  clubs. I remember seeing him play for The Rams in the early sixties and he was a favourite of mine at the time.

R.I.P. Don ,thanks for the memories. My condolences to his family and friends.

RIP Don Roby, My thoughts are with his family and friends.

I'm sorry to hear this news I vaguely remember Don during the last few years of his Notts career, a good winger as I recall.

RIP Don and condolences to his family.