Robert Appleby (15 January 1940 – 25 April 2024) was an English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Career

Born in Warkworth, Appleby moved from Amble Welfare to Middlesbrough aged 17, initially playing with their Reserves before making his first-team debut in April 1960. He was a first-team regular for two seasons, and made nearly 100 appearances before moving to Hereford United in 1967. He also played for

Carlisle United Carlisle United Football Club ( , ) is a professional association football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, England. The team compete in , the fourth tier of the English football league system. They have played their home games at Brunton Par ...

. Appleby was known for making bird noises during games, and for having a shotgun in his van, which he once used to shoot pigeons over the training pitch.

References

1940 births 2024 deaths English men's footballers Middlesbrough F.C. players players Carlisle United F.C. players English Football League players Men's association football goalkeepers {{England-footy-goalkeeper-stub