Rosbotham Arthur Image 1 Arsenal 1920

Description

Lower Ince, Lancashire born inside forward (he played both sides) Arthur Rosbotham began his football career with Allerton, and having joined Eccles Borough in 1912 transferred to Lancashire Combination club Nelson in 1914. His career was then interrupted by the First World War, but after the cessation of hostilities Rosbotham played for Chorley in 1919 before signing for First Division club Preston North End that December, where he spent the rest of the season without making the Preston first eleven. He joined fellow First Division club Arsenal in August 1920, again without making The Gunners’ first team, before a move to Second Division club Stockport County that December, for whom he made his Football League debut against Leeds United in February 1921, scoring in a 3-1 victory.

He held his place until the end of the season but lost it early the following season, playing only 5 more matches for The Hatters during 1921-22. After 3 goals in 21 appearances for County, he joined Southport in May 1922 where he scored 3 times in 18 matches for The Sandgrounders during a single season stay at Haig Avenue. He re-joined Chorley in the 1923 close season before a return to Football League action, signing for Third Division (North) club Barrow in June 1924, where again he only stayed a single season at Holker Street, scoring 7 goals in 23 appearances for The Bluebirds.

Rosbotham once again returned to Chorley in the summer of 1925 and later the same year played for Rossendale United. In 1926 he played for Colwyn Bay United and moved to Winsford United in 1927, his last known club before his eventual retirement.

NB this photograph was taken before Arsenal’s match at Aston Villa on 28th August 1920 when Rosbotham was the non playing reserve.