Young Bob Image 1 Sunderland 1921

Description

Brandon, County Durham born left back Bob Young began his football career with New Brancepeth Juniors in 1910 and played for New Brancepeth Villa in 1911 as well as Esh Winning Rangers in 1912 before joining First Division Sunderland, for whom he made his Football League debut, and only appearance before the First World War, against Bradford City in April 1915.

The First World War denied Young of a significant part of his career and he served in the Army during the conflict, winning the Military Medal for his bravery. After the War he returned to Sunderland and made 28 appearances between October 1919 and early April 1920 as Sunderland finished fifth in the League Championship.

He had a spell of 11 matches between November 1920 and January 1921 but increasingly became a fringe player for The Wearsiders, making his last appearance of 56 in an FA Cup tie in a 2-1 defeat at Everton in February 1925. In 1926 he became player coach of Norwich City and after hanging up his boots he remained at the club, eventually becoming their manager in February 1937. Although he stepped aside in January 1939 during their relegation season in favour of Jimmy Jewell, he returned as manager in September 1939 and remained their manager throughout the Second World War, leaving the post in December 1945.