Profile

John or Jack "Nipper" Roberts, as he was commonly called, played just once for the club, when he was selected to replace Sam English for the visit to Stoke City on September 4th 1933.

But a 1-1 draw meant that Liverpool's miserable start to the 1933-34 season continued. The Reds only won one of their opening six First Division fixtures and eventually finished in 18th place, dangerously close to the relegation zone.

He was quite successful with Wigan Athletic in the Cheshire league, scoring 54 goals in 57 matches during an 18 month period.

He joined Second Division side Port Vale in December 1935, but by the end of his first season Vale had been relegated.

"Nipper" was very prolific with The Valiants, scoring 74 goals in 118 games until World War II finished his League career.

He was something of an all-round sportsman and even featured in England's baseball team. He served with the Irish Guards during the war and was captured in Tunisia.

He attracted widespread attention when he escaped from a prisoner-of-war camp in Italy and walked 400 miles to freedom despite a broken neck.

Other clubs:
Marine, Orrell, Northern Nomads, Blundellsands FC, Southport, Wigan, Port Vale, Wrexham (wartime guest)