Bobby Ross, born on 18 May 1942, is a name that may not have grabbed the headlines of the international footballing world, but in the annals of British football, particularly at the domestic level, his career is a testament to enduring commitment, resilience, and leadership.
Best remembered for his six years as a versatile forward and midfielder with Brentford, Ross’s journey through the Football League is one of steady progress and remarkable longevity. From his early days in Edinburgh to his coaching tenure at Queens Park Rangers, his footballing story is rich with triumph, struggle, and the pursuit of excellence.
Bobby Ross’s football story began in the bustling heart of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was first introduced to the sport through local junior clubs. Growing up in a city with a proud footballing tradition, it was no surprise that Ross found himself drawn to the game. Playing for Tynecastle Athletic and Musselburgh Athletic, the young Ross caught the attention of scouts, and in November 1960, he signed for Heart of Midlothian, then the reigning Scottish League First Division champions.
Ross’s debut for Hearts came on 1 April 1961, when he was just 18 years old, in a 1–1 draw against Raith Rovers. It was the first step in what promised to be an exciting career. Yet, early years in Edinburgh were a period of transition for Ross. With a mere handful of appearances in the 1960-61 season, it wasn’t until the following year that Ross began to establish himself within the first team. By the 1961-62 season, he had made 20 appearances, scoring three goals, and even earned the opportunity to showcase his skills on the European stage in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup against Union Saint-Gilloise.
However, Ross’s journey at Tynecastle was not without its challenges. Despite a promising start, he was relegated to the bench for much of the 1962-63 season, appearing only nine times, and ultimately, after 32 appearances and four goals, he made the decision to leave Hearts in June 1963.
With his time in Scotland coming to an end, Ross made the bold decision to move south to England, joining Third Division side Shrewsbury Town in June 1963. His first season at Shrewsbury was a solid introduction to English football, with Ross making 39 appearances and scoring five goals. As the 1964-65 season unfolded, Ross’s form improved dramatically, with the Scotsman making 41 appearances and scoring 19 goals, an impressive tally that caught the eye of many.
However, despite Ross’s individual brilliance, Shrewsbury Town could not build on their striker’s success. The club remained entrenched in mid-table obscurity in the Third Division, and after another season of relative mediocrity in 1965-66, Ross moved on in March 1966, having made 99 league appearances and scored 29 goals during his three-year stay.
It was at this point that Ross’s journey took another significant turn. He joined Brentford in a £9,500 double deal with Shrewsbury teammate John Regan. The move to West London, however, was less than ideal. In his first season with Brentford, Ross failed to find the net in 17 league appearances, and the club suffered relegation to the Fourth Division. Yet, it was in the Fourth Division that Ross began to display his true worth.
In the Fourth Division, Ross became an indispensable member of the Brentford side, making 53 appearances and scoring 9 goals in the 1966-67 season. The highlight of this season came with the team’s victory in the London Challenge Cup, a sign of things to come for the Scottish midfielder. Ross’s leadership qualities were evident as he guided his team through tough matches, and by the 1969-70 season, he had become a fixture in the starting lineup, scoring 13 goals in the league.
It was during this period that Ross’s true value to Brentford became apparent. His durability and consistency were key, with a remarkable streak of 162 consecutive appearances, a feat that placed him second in the club’s all-time consecutive appearances list as of October 2024. Ross’s steadfast presence in the team was integral to the club’s successes, and his leadership on and off the field did not go unnoticed.
One of the most defining moments of Ross’s Brentford career came during the 1971-72 season, when, in a tense final game against Exeter City, he coolly converted a penalty to secure the club’s promotion back to the Third Division. This moment of calm in the face of pressure cemented Ross’s place as a club legend. Despite making only 9 appearances in the 1972-73 season, his impact was indelible, and by October 1972, Ross parted ways with the club after making 323 appearances and scoring 56 goals in his six years at Griffin Park.
Ross’s next move took him to Cambridge United, a club that was just beginning to rise through the ranks of English football. In October 1972, Ross joined the club on a free transfer, and he quickly became a fan favorite, making 32 league appearances and scoring 9 goals in his first season. Under his leadership, Cambridge United achieved their first-ever promotion to the Third Division, a significant achievement for a club that had long been in the lower leagues.
However, despite the personal and collective success at Cambridge, Ross’s time with the club was short-lived. The team struggled in the Third Division, and by the end of the 1973-74 season, they were relegated back to the Fourth Division. Over his two seasons with Cambridge, Ross made 65 league appearances and scored 14 goals. The next chapter in his playing career took him back to London.
In 1974, Ross joined Hayes, a club in the Isthmian League First Division. His time at Hayes marked the final phase of his playing career, where he transitioned to a more midfield-based role. Over four seasons at Hayes, Ross made 121 appearances and scored 19 goals, bringing stability and experience to the side. He retired from playing at the end of the 1977-78 season, but his influence on the club did not end there.
Ross took on the role of player-assistant manager at Hayes in 1974, and when manager Allan Harris departed in 1975, Ross stepped up to become player-manager. Despite a rocky start and near-relegation during the 1976-77 season, Ross’s management skills helped Hayes to a mid-table finish in the Isthmian League Premier Division in 1977-78. His managerial tenure at Hayes ended abruptly in 1978, but Ross had already begun laying the groundwork for the next chapter of his career.
In 1978, Ross made the transition into coaching when he joined Queens Park Rangers’ Centre of Excellence. Over the next three decades, Ross’s contributions at QPR were invaluable. From his initial role as a youth coach to becoming the Schoolboy Development Officer, Ross’s commitment to nurturing young talent was paramount. His guidance helped to shape the careers of countless players, and his legacy at QPR was built on years of steady, behind-the-scenes work that was often overlooked by the wider footballing world. Ross’s tenure at QPR ended in 2008, when he finally retired from football after a career that spanned several decades.
In recognition of his exceptional career, Ross was inducted into the Brentford Hall of Fame in 2013, an honor that reflects the deep respect he earned over the years. Though his name may not appear on the most prestigious trophies, his contribution to the game will be remembered fondly by those who witnessed his commitment to the sport.