Bob Jefferson
Robert William Jefferson was an English professional football player and manager.
Early life
Robert William Jefferson was born in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, Tyne and Wear in 1882. He left school to join the Royal Navy, before deserting after a few weeks to become an apprentice moulder at a foundry back in Sunderland. At this time, he began playing junior football with local team Sunderland Royal Rovers, before becoming a professional footballer. Jefferson served as a corporal in the Royal Air Force during the First World War.Career
Jefferson played primarily as an outside right, but could play at any forward or wing position.He began his professional career at Bradford City in November 1904, scoring six goals in 30 appearances in the Football League over the next two seasons. Jefferson joined local rivals Leeds City in May 1906, scoring on his debut against Leicester Fosse. By May 1908, Jefferson had moved to Swindon Town along with former-Leeds players Harry Kay and Jack Lavery. Jefferson was to remain with the Wiltshire club for the next 14 years, despite his career being disrupted by the First World War. At Swindon, Jefferson made 356 appearances in all competitions, scoring 82 goals. His spell at Swindon included an appearance in the 1911 FA Charity Shield, and eleven appearances for the Southern Football League representative team. Jefferson also scored in Swindon's first ever game in the Football League, in a 9–1 victory against Luton Town. In total, Jefferson made 321 appearances in the Football League and the Southern Football League between 1904 and 1922, scoring 78 goals.
In May 1922 Jefferson joined non-League team Bath City, where he ended his playing career one year later.