Football history is full of towering forwards, predatory goal-scorers, and workhorses who led the line with tenacity and flair. Bob Hatton was a player who combined all three qualities, carving out a career that spanned over 600 games in the Football League and saw him play for numerous clubs, consistently finding the net with impressive regularity.
PART ONE
Hattons early potential was recognised by Wolverhampton Wanderers, but Wolves were hesitant to offer him a contract. Wasting no time, Bolton Wanderers manager Bill Ridding instantly seized the opportunity, offering the young and talented forward a solid deal. This move gave Hatton his first taste of professional football, yet his time at Bolton was short-lived, and a move to Northampton Town soon followed.
Northampton Town, however, was a club struggling to keep its head above water, battling against the tide in the lower divisions. As a result, Hatton found himself part of a squad that ultimately succumbed to relegation to the Fourth Division in 1968–69. The club’s misfortunes, though, opened doors for some of its players, and Hatton, eager to prove himself at a higher level, moved to Carlisle United, where he would make a significant impact.
Carlisle United, at the time, were a stable mid-table side in the Second Division, and manager Bob Stokoe, always keen to make astute signings, saw potential in Hatton. The transfer, reportedly worth £8,000, saw Hatton arrive at Brunton Park in July 1969. Initially playing alongside the experienced Hugh McIlmoyle, Hatton was thrust into the spotlight when his strike partner left for Middlesbrough. He took the challenge in stride, scoring his first two goals for the club in a 2–1 victory over his hometown team, Hull City, on September 6, 1969.
In his first season with Carlisle, Hatton made 50 appearances and netted 14 goals, finishing as the club’s top scorer—a feat he would repeat the following year with an even more impressive tally of 24 goals. His performances naturally attracted interest from bigger clubs, and in the summer of 1970, he signed a new contract. However, what was not widely known at the time was that the contract contained a release clause. Just 15 games into the 1971–72 season, Birmingham City, seeking firepower to boost their promotion push, triggered the clause with a club-record offer of £80,000. Hatton departed Carlisle having left a lasting mark, signing off with a goal in a 2–0 away win against Luton Town.
At Birmingham City, Hatton’s career truly flourished. Forming a formidable attacking trio alongside the young Trevor Francis and the prolific Bob Latchford, he played a crucial role in helping the club secure promotion to the First Division in 1972. Hatton’s industrious style, combined with his natural goal-scoring instincts, made him a key component of the Blues’ attack, and he endeared himself to the St Andrew’s faithful with crucial goals.
PART TWO
The Brummies were brimming with optimism and positivity ahead of the 1972-73 campaign, but it began with an early setback—a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United at St Andrew´s. However, just days later, Birmingham responded with a spirited 3-2 home victory over Newcastle United, in which Hatton’s presence unsettled the Magpies’ defence and paved the way for goals from Latchford and Hope, plus and own goal by away goalkeeper Iam McFaul. Yet, as was the case throughout the campaign, inconsistency plagued the Midlands club, and they quickly found themselves mired in the lower reaches of the table after suffering consecutive defeats to Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur.
What’s more, Birmingham struggled to turn promising performances into points, as evidenced by their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and a hard-fought 2-2 stalemate against West Bromwich Albion, a match in which Hatton got on the scoresheet. Despite his relentless energy, the Blues lacked a cutting edge in attack, and their defensive frailties saw them slip towards the relegation battle as autumn wore on.
Nevertheless, Hatton and his teammates found a much-needed spark in early November, with a 2-1 win away at Stoke City providing a glimmer of hope. This was followed by a resounding 4-1 demolition of Norwich City at St Andrew’s, with Hatton among the goalscorers, reinforcing his ability to step up in crucial moments. However, the Blues’ form remained erratic, with a string of draws and losses keeping them firmly in the dogfight.
Similarly, the new year brought a mixture of highs and lows. A vital 2-0 home victory over Derby County in February was followed by a 1-0 win at Sheffield United, offering renewed belief that safety was within reach. Correspondingly, the momentum carried into March, where a crowd of more than 50,000 people St Andrew’s witnessed a thrilling 3-1 triumph against Manchester United, with Hatton once again proving his worth by getting on the scoresheet.
On a sunny Saturday in Birmingham, Francis would have a field day against Manchester United, and although the youngster didn´t score any goals, he created several openings for his fellow frontmen. Roared on by a boisterous home support, Birmingham managed to get themselves into the lead thanks to a goal from Latchford on the half-hour mark and the hosts had a second when Hatton found the net three minutes past the hour mark. Tommy Dochertys men, who were also desperately fighting for their First Division lives, reduced the arrears in the 85th minute of the encounter as Steve James headed a Bobby Charlton free-kick down to Lou Macari who scored from close range, but a penalty goal by Alan Campbell three minutes later put the match out of reach for the visitors. It was an important two points, but the ever-present inconsistency meant that Birmingham’s fate remained uncertain deep into the season.
In the end, Birmingham survived the drop, finishing in a modest yet hard-earned 17th place. As a result, Bob Hatton’s contributions, though often understated, were instrumental in ensuring that the St Andrew´s club remained in the top flight. And if ever a footballing season mirrored the man himself, this was it—unpretentious, full of effort, and ultimately, successful in its own scrappy way.
One of Hatton’s most memorable moments in a Birmingham shirt came in the 1975 FA Cup quarter-finals, when he scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Middlesbrough, sending more than 53,000 fans into raptures. His contributions ensured Birmingham retained their place in the top flight for several seasons, but by 1976, a move was on the horizon once more.
PART THREE
Blackpool became Hatton’s next destination, with the Seasiders paying £60,000 for his services. And he wasted no time in making an impact. On his debut on August 21, 1976, he found the net twice in a resounding 4–1 victory over Bristol Rovers. At Blackpool, Hatton struck up a fruitful partnership with Mickey Walsh, another forward with a keen eye for goal. While Blackpool struggled for consistency, Hatton remained a reliable goal-getter, always capable of conjuring a crucial strike when needed.
By 1978, another challenge awaited, and Hatton moved to Luton Town, where he spent two years. His spell at Kenilworth Road was productive, but once again, the call of a new club proved too strong. In 1980, he joined Sheffield United, a club eager to claw its way back up the divisions. Partnering with the prolific Keith Edwards, Hatton played a key role in helping the Blades earn promotion from the Fourth Division in the 1981–82 season. His experience and leadership were invaluable, particularly in guiding younger players in the squad.
As Hatton entered the twilight of his career, he made a brief stop at Cardiff City, signing for the Welsh club under manager Len Ashurst. A final adventure took him to Ireland in 1984, where he joined Dundalk F.C. for their FAI Cup campaign under John Dempsey. His time in Ireland was short-lived, and following Dundalk’s elimination, Hatton decided to hang up his shirt.
Retirement did not sever Hatton’s ties with the game. He worked closely with the Professional Footballers’ Association, ensuring players were supported after their playing days ended. Settling in the Midlands, he remained a familiar voice in football circles, occasionally appearing on BBC Radio WM in the 1990s.