Surely it’s not possible but CCFPA member, true ‘Cov kid’ and former Sky Blues player and manager Bobby Gould is celebrating his 78th birthday today! We are sure CCFPA speaks for the rest of the Sky Blue family in sending our very best wishes! We were pleased to say that Bobby was back again with us at both of the Association’s former player reunions in 2023. He returned (for a unique CCFPA treble) with both brother Trevor and son Jonathan for Legends Day 2023 (below centre). Sadly he couldn’t make it to LD24. You will already have seen photos on this site of Bob back once more for Golf Day 2024 which took place only a few days ago!
Spells at West Ham United, Wolves (again), Bristol Rovers and Aalsund (Denmark) followed before Bobby’s playing career tailed off with spells at Hereford United, Charlton Athletic and Aldershot.
Bobby retired in 1980 with both two cup winners medals under his belt (Texaco- 1971: F.A.Cup -1975).
Bobby, of course, has also had extensive management experience including twice with CCFC at Highfield Road (1983-84 and 1992-93) as well as a four year spell managing the Wales national team (1995-99).
‘The Gouldfather’ has had a packed career. Born in Cov. on 12th June 1946 and a Caludon Castle schoolboy, Bobby joined the Sky Blues as an apprentice in 1962, became a professional two years later and, before leaving for Arsenal in February 1968, this rambunctious centre forward had scored a fantastic 42 goals in 89 first team appearances.
Similar success followed at Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion before Bristol City got the benefit of 21 goals from 44 appearances from December 1972.
He’s also managed Bristol Rovers twice (1981-83 & 1985-87) as well as memorably taking the ‘Crazy gang’ of Wimbledon FC to F.A.Cup glory in 1988, the year after the Sky Blues’ own success. Other teams where he has had management responsibility include Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City, Cheltenham, Weymouth and Wanderers (Australia).
Bobby comes back to his home City whenever he can and is a frequent attender of both our Legends Days and Golf Days.
Have a very happy birthday week Bobby, from all at CCFPA!
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