Number 4 in our series of Tigers Legends looks at the career of Local lad Gareth Roberts. One of those rare footballers who spent his entire career at one club.
Gareth Roberts
Gareth Roberts was born on the 15th November 1960 in Hull
He started off like most lads playing in local youth football.He was spotted by the Tigers scouting network and was signed up as an apprentice in January 1978
After impressing in the juniors and reserves he made his debut for the first team as a substitute in a 4-1 home win against Bury on the 10th March 1979.He went on to make a further 18 appearances for the Tigers in that season.
The following season he made 44 appearances for City Scoring 2 goals.
Roberts was to experience all the Highs and lows of City during the turbulent eighties including relegation to the Basement league in 1981, and promotion to the second division in 1986.
The financial worries that had hampered City following the departure of the Needlers and the succesion of Manager appointed by the club was all taken in his stride by Roberts who constantly performed on the pitch in a variety of positions from defence to midfield to the forward line.He was also made captain of the team as a result of his leadership skills and unwavering loyalty to the black and amber cause.
He was eventually forced to retire from football with an injury in 1991 having played more tham 480 games for the Tigers.
At 5’5′ Roberts wasn’t the tallest player around but his loyalty, determination, skill and commitment to the team marks him out as a Legend who will always be known as a true Tiger and a true proffesional.
