Members News: Happy 74th Birthday Dudley Roberts (Mr Sky Blue Rose & Ted’s Son)

Dudley in the sixties Sky Blue

CCFPA wishes former sixties Sky Blue inside forward Dudley Roberts a ‘Very Happy Birthday’ for today. He is celebrating his 74th birthday today!!

Ted Roberts

Though Derby born (on 16th October 1945) Dudley was brought up in Coventry and went to Cheylesmore School because he is the son of CCFC’s former centre forward (1936-52) and later coach, the late, great Ted Roberts.

He became a CCFC junior ready for the start of the Jimmy Hill era in 1961 turning professional in November 1963. Thanks to one of JH’s innovations at Highfield Road, the Sky Blue Phone-In’ Dudley met and eventually married City receptionist and telephonist Rose McNulty (later dubbed ‘Sky Blue Rose’) in 1969!

Dudley Roberts, Dave Bennett & Tommy Hutch pay attention!

Dudley was rarely first choice during his five years with CCFC, mainly deputising for the Bobby Gould, John Tudor or the late Ernie Machin (all CCFPA members) when they were either indisposed or off form. Making his debut at No.8 in a goalless draw on 9th October 1965 in a D2 game at Preston North End Dudley was restricted to only 16 Sky Blue appearances but scored an impressive 6 goals! 

Dudley Roberts at Legends Day

It was at Mansfield Town (to whom he was transferred in March 1968 by City gaffer Noel Cantwell for £6k) where Dudley found his fame. For the Stags he appeared a total of 229 times scoring a tidy 73 goals between 1968-74! The crowd favourite was instrumental in the North Notts. club’s great F.A.Cup runs of 1968-69-70.

Though he had a short loan spell with Doncaster (7 appearances) whilst at Field Mill his last professional club was at Scunthorpe United from February 1974 where he made a further 64 appearances (17 goals) before trying out non league football with Burton Albion. A knee injury forced his retirement from the game in May 1976 and Dudley became among other diverse things an EMEB Storekeeper 1977-1998; a painter in North Notts. and a photographer’s assistant before finally retiring.

Dudley has been to a number of CCFPA events and reunions over the years and was last at the Ricoh at Legends Day in April 2017 (with wife Rose).

We hope you have a wonderful day today Dudley; come back and see us soon!