Neill Roberts was born March 30th, 1954 in Durban, South Africa. "Big Bird" started his career at the age of 18 with South African first division side Durban Celtic in 1973. A six year career in South Africa was interrupted by a one year stint with the reserves of Amsterdam FC.His first exposure to American soccer was with the ASL side Sacramento Gold, but he only played seven games before joining the NASL's Atlanta Chiefs. Scored 14 goals in 19 games for the Chiefs before joining the Rowdies in 1980. Notched up another 12 goals in two seasons before moving to the Edmonton Drillers in 1982 and then onto the Totonto Blizzard in 1983. He played in 20 regular season games, scoring 8 goals and 8 assists for second place in the Blizzard's scoring. Scored 3 goals and assisted on two others during their march to Soccer Bowl '83.
Rejoined the Rowdies just days before the 1983-84 indoor season opener. Played in 22 indoor games, with 15 goals and 7 assists.
During the 1984 outdoor season Neill played in 23 games, and scoring 9 goals and 5 assists. After the demise of the NASL, he moved onto the MISL's Chicago Sting 1985-86 team, but did make a return in 1985 for the game against the US World Cup Team. Then finished his career with the Wichita Wings for the 1986-87 indoor season.
Today, Neill turns out for the Rowdies Reunion matches and coaches for the Canmore Soccer Camps.
1 comment:
I played South African Schools with Neill Roberts and Currie Cup Soccer. He was a class act. Ant Connolly. RSA. I still have my hair though.
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