John Roberts

Who is John Roberts?

John Griffith Roberts is a Welsh former footballer who made nearly 400 appearances in the Football League and won 22 caps for Wales.

Born in Abercynon, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Roberts played football for local club Abercynon Athletic while working as a railway fireman. He joined Swansea City as an apprentice in 1963, turning professional in 1964. Initially a striker who later switched to centre half, he moved to Northampton Town in 1967 and then Arsenal in 1969. He played for Arsenal for three seasons, including 18 appearances in the 1970-71 season, when Arsenal won the First Division title, thus earning him a championship medal. Roberts however did not play in the FA Cup Final the same year, which Arsenal also won to complete the Double.

Roberts left Arsenal in 1972, having played a total of 81 matches, scoring two goals. He went on to have spells at Birmingham City, Wrexham and Hull City before trying his hand as player-manager of Oswestry Town. He also won 22 caps with Wales.

He went on to work as a stationery salesman and as a driving instructor.