Professional footballer, England player and captain. He played as a full-back for England and was the last surviving member of the famed Preston North End 'Invincibles' team of 1888-89. The son of a sailor, he was born Robert Holmes, but was always known as 'Bob'. He began his playing career with Preston Olympic FC, and joined Preston North End FC in 1884. His team became known as "The Invincibles" after they won the inaugural Football League competition in 1888–89, completing the season unbeaten in both the league and the FA Cup, so becoming the first team ever to achieve the 'Double'. He made 300 League appearances for his home town, before his retirement as a player in 1902. He also made seven appearances for England, all at left–back, and was never on the losing side. He was made England captain for the match against Wales on 13 March 1894 when he led his team to a 6–0 victory. He then worked as a football coach at Preston North End and several public schools and in 1908 was appointed trainer to the English amateur international team, and also became a referee in the Football League. Outside of football, he worked as a labourer on the railways, a publican and a plumber. In retirement, he was a groundsman, working back at his beloved Preston North End, and the local cricket club.
Professional footballer, England player and captain. He played as a full-back for England and was the last surviving member of the famed Preston North End 'Invincibles' team of 1888-89. The son of a sailor, he was born Robert Holmes, but was always known as 'Bob'. He began his playing career with Preston Olympic FC, and joined Preston North End FC in 1884. His team became known as "The Invincibles" after they won the inaugural Football League competition in 1888–89, completing the season unbeaten in both the league and the FA Cup, so becoming the first team ever to achieve the 'Double'. He made 300 League appearances for his home town, before his retirement as a player in 1902. He also made seven appearances for England, all at left–back, and was never on the losing side. He was made England captain for the match against Wales on 13 March 1894 when he led his team to a 6–0 victory. He then worked as a football coach at Preston North End and several public schools and in 1908 was appointed trainer to the English amateur international team, and also became a referee in the Football League. Outside of football, he worked as a labourer on the railways, a publican and a plumber. In retirement, he was a groundsman, working back at his beloved Preston North End, and the local cricket club.
Bio by: Turnpike
Inscription
In Loving Memory of
SARAH
THE BELOVED WIFE OF ROBERT HOLMES
WHO DIED 22 MARCH 1949 IN HER 67th YEAR.
ALSO OF THE ABOVE NAMED
ROBERT HOLMES
WHO DIED 16th NOV., 1955, AGED 88 YEARS.
RE-UNITED.
Gravesite Details
Bob is buried near to his friend fellow Invincible Robert Henry (Bob) Howarth- see memorial 233275658
Family Members
Spouse
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