Jim Roach (footballer)

James Roach (12 January 1864 – 1955) was an English professional footballer who made 15 appearances in the First Division of the Football League playing for Small Heath.[1] Jim Roach was born in West Bromwich, Staffordshire and played as a goalkeeper.

Jim Roach
Personal information
Full name James Roach
Date of birth (1864-01-12)12 January 1864
Place of birth West Bromwich, England
Date of death 1955 (aged 90–91)
Place of death Birmingham, England
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
Small Heath Royal
2nd Dragoon Guards
Saltley Gas Works
Hereford Thistle
1895–1896 Small Heath 15 (0)
1896–1897 Hereford Town
1897–1??? Bristol Eastville Rovers
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Roach played football for local clubs and in the army before joining Small Heath in 1895 by which time he was over 30.[1][2] He made his debut on 7 September 1895 in a 7–3 defeat at Aston Villa, and retained the starting place for a run of games which included several more heavy defeats, until relinquishing it to William Meates halfway through the season.[3] He then went on to play for Hereford Town and Bristol Eastville Rovers.[2]

Roach died in Birmingham in 1955 aged about 91.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Nottingham: SoccerData. p. 222. ISBN 978-1-899468-67-6.
  2. ^ a b c Matthews, Tony (1995). Birmingham City: A Complete Record. Derby: Breedon Books. p. 120. ISBN 978-1-85983-010-9.
  3. ^ Matthews, p. 143.