Robert Kearney

Born in Ashton-Makerfield, Lancashire. Robert moved to Scotland, with his family, at an early age.

He started his career in Scottish junior football. Joining Burnbank Athletic in 1921, before moving to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

Making the move to senior football, Dundee signed him in April 1927. Bob made one first team appearance for the Dees. Which was  a 5-1 defeat away to St Johnstone on 14th January 1928.

Portsmouth came in for him before the start of the 1928/29 season, becoming a regular in the team for the following two seasons.

Tragedy struck in  February 1931, when at the young age of 28 he died of pneumonia. Leaving behind a wife and child. The club started a subscription to raise funds for the family, which raised £1,649 12s 7d. A benefit match was arranged, which featured a joint Portsmouth /Southampton team versus a mixed London team.

The report of his death in the local paper stated that “he was one of the nicest and most unassuming lads in the team. Good tempered and almost too modest.”