Bauld Bobby Image 1 Raith Rovers 1922

Description

Cowdenbeath, Fife born left half Bobby Bauld began his career as an inside forward played junior football for Glencraig Celtic in 1920 and began to attract the attention of a number of senior clubs. In October 1920 he appeared as a trialist for St Bernard’s in a Central League match against Dundee Hibernian and was reported to have “played well” at right back. Later that month, Bauld was also due to play as a trialist for Cowdenbeath in the Central League, but missed the chance due to suspension after he was sent off playing for Glencraig.

On 4th December 1920, Bauld “gave a satisfactory display” turning out for a Scottish Select in a junior international trial match against Dumbartonshire at Clydeholm, Clydebank. He was then selected to appear in a further trial match, for the Rest of Scotland against Glasgow at Firhill Park, Glasgow on 4th January 1921. His performance at Clydebank also led to further interest from senior clubs, with approaches from Raith Rovers and Celtic before Bauld agreed to appear for Rangers “A” in a Scottish Alliance fixture against Ayr United “A”. He also had a trial with Tottenham Hotspur before signing for Raith Rovers in January 1921. Bauld made his Scottish League debut for Raith in a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Stark’s Park on 8th January 1921, when he “gave a sterling exhibition in his first senior game”.

Bauld moved from Raith to Dundee United on 31st October 1923 for a fee of £100, indeed he was the first player signed by the club on their name change from Dundee Hibernian. He scored 10 goals in his second season as United won promotion to the top flight in 1924-25, scoring 30 goals in 143 games across all competitions for them before he was sold to Third Division (North) club Bradford City for a transfer fee of £350 in July 1927 after their relegation back to the Scottish Second Division.

By now playing in the half back line he made his Football League debut at Ashington in August 1927 scoring a penalty in a 2-2 draw, and in his second season at Valley Parade he helped The Bantams to win the Third Division (North) Championship. He was a regular in their Second Division teams for the next five seasons but lost his place in January 1934 and played just 7 more times for the club before he moved to Chesterfield in May 1935, having scored 35 goals in 227 appearances for them. He had a single season at Chesterfield making only 3 appearances as The Spireites won the Third Division (North) Championship, before retiring in 1936.