Bobby Brown

1923 —

Bobby made his first team goalkeeping debut for Queens Park against Celtic in 1940 having just turned 17. He volunteered to serve in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy during the Second World War and regularly played for the Combined Services team during the war years as well as representing Scotland in a number of unofficial international matches. In addition he made guest appearances for Portsmouth, Chester, Chelsea and Plymouth Argyle. Bobby played for Scotland in the post war Victory Internationals and earned his first ‘full’ cap against Belgium in January 1946 whilst still a Queen’s Park player, making him the last amateur player to appear for the national side.

He was transferred to Rangers in May 1946 forming an integral part of the famous “Iron Curtain” defence. In his time at the club Bobby won three League Championships, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups. He also added an additional four full international caps to his collection. In 1956 Brown moved to Falkirk and after two years retired from the playing side of the game to become manager of St Johnstone. After a successful spell in Perth he was appointed Scotland’s first full time manager in 1967 and in his first competitive match in charge Scotland recorded a famous 3-2 win over reigning World champions England. Bobby remained as national team manager until 1971.