Overview
Born in Gowkthrapple in 1890, Bobby started his football days with Wishaw Palace Rangers prior to moving to the juniors at Shettleston. He was signed in December 1910 from there. Had played for Glasgow Juniors against Newcastle previously.
Chosen to play for the Scottish League against Irish League on 6th November 1912. Capped for the Scottish League in Belfast when the Irish League were the opponents on 6th November 1913. Picked to play for the Scottish League versus the Southern League at Cathkin Park on 13th November 1913. Early the following year he appeared for the Home Scots versus the Anglo Scots.
In April 1914, he was transferred to Chelsea and on his League debut, he scored. Within days of his move he was selected to play in a North v South match in England on 27th April 1914. Chelsea reached the Final of the FA Cup in 1915 and Bobby was on their left wing, they lost however, 3-0 to Sheffield United.
With the outbreak of war, English games were cancelled and Bobby was reportedly signed by Bathgate in August 1915. On 28th October 1916 he once again joined Accies when he turned out against Hearts at Douglas Park. With the English Leagues suspended during the First World War, Bobby once again returned to Hamilton in 1918.
On 5th October 1918 he was released by Accies to play for Celtic in the Glasgow Cup Final. By this time he was sometimes played as a wing half. He also turned out for Motherwell in April 1919 as a guest. Again he was chosen in the Anglo Scots XI in March 1920 along with Tom Miller.
With the war over he returned to Stamford Bridge and in season 1920-21 he was their only ever present in League matches. There he remained until he was freed in 1927. His figures while with Chelsea in the League were 279 appearances and 27 goals.
He was Accies trainer from June 1931 and he was a strict disciplinarian. It was said that Accies were one of the fittest teams in the Scottish League thanks to his methods. Bobby was named as trainer to the Scottish League side for their game versus the Irish League in Belfast in September 1937. He acted as trainer a week later at Firhill in a League trial match to pick an eleven to face the English League, Bobby Wallace, Chris McNee and John Scott played also, the latter replacing Jackie Cox, who was injured.
During the Second World War he was a member of the Hamilton Burgh Police War Reserve. During his playing days he was known as the “Dabber”.
Debut on 17th December 1910 in a Scottish League match at home to Raith Rovers.
Scottish League 187 Appearances 29 Goals
Scottish Cup 13 Appearances 1 Goal
Lanarkshire Cup 10 Appearances 2 Goals
Victory Cup 1 Appearance
Accies Career
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Full Name
Robert McNeil
1910-14
1916-19
Nickname
Dabber
Position
Outside left
Born
Died
Signed by
Debut
17 December 1910
Last Game
Honours
Clubs Played For
Wishaw Palace Rangers
Glasgow Juniors
Shettleston Juniors
Hamilton Academical
Chelsea
Bathgate
Hamilton Academical
Celtic
Motherwell
Chelsea