Fraser Bob Image 2 Newcastle United 1948

Description

Glasgow born right back Bob Fraser began his football career with Dunoon Athletic and played for Glasgow Ashfield, from where he was signed by Scottish League club Hibernian in 1937. He made his Scottish League debut against Clyde in September 1938 and immediately established himself as a regular in Hibs’ 1938-39 campaign, but the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939 severely disrupted his career.

Fraser served in the Armed Forces and also made wartime league appearances for Hibernian during every season except 1941-42 scoring once in 33 such matches and on resumption of peacetime football he returned to Easter Road, playing his last match at St Mirren in November 1946, by when he had made 46 appearances for Hibs either side of the War.

In December 1946 First Division club Newcastle United paid £3,750 to take Fraser to St James’ Park as cover for Frank Brennan and he made his Football League debut against Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day 1947, however he made only two further first team appearances before the season end with Brennan’s return to the first team. Returning to the side in the autumn, he played 21 matches during their 1947-48 campaign but again lost his place in February 1948. Described as “a grand type of attacking half back, he has shown his versatility by playing with distinction in various positions”, he played only 3 more matches for Newcastle United during their 1948-49 campaign but suffered a broken foot before forced to retire in July 1950 after 27 matches, later becoming a scout for Newcastle.