Bobby English signed as an apprentice professional at Old Trafford when 16. He was a pall-bearer at Duncan Edwards’ funeral having played in the same United Youth team. He should have played in United’s first post Munich cup-tie but with just hours to go, Stan Crowther was signed. United tended to forget him when he did his National Service. Lern Newcomb tried to sign this former F.A. Youth Cup winners medalist in July 1961 but it was four months before Manchester United decided to release him. He made his début at right-back in place of Fred Leeder before going on to displace Jack Hannaway at right-half, making 12 consecutive appearances in that position. In 1962—63 he made only 4 appearances in the League but played in both the F.A. Cup-ties with Wrexham. He met them again the following season when playing for Altrincham in the F.A. Cup First Round. He started a carpet business with his former Old Trafford team-mate Shay Brennan and, on emigrating to Vancouver in 1974, he set up his own carpet business there. He coached the Victoria West team which reached the Canadian Championship final four years running.

Profile reproduced with Permission from:
The Sandgrounders: The Complete League History of Southport F. C., by Michael Braham and Geoff Wilde (Palatine Books, 1995). ISBN 978-1-874181-14-9