Mark Roberts (footballer, born 1983)

Early life

Born in Northwich, Cheshire, Roberts also grew up in Cheshire. He was a season ticket holder at Old Trafford during his childhood, where he sat in the Stretford End supporting Manchester United.{{cite news |access-date = 26 May 2011 |archive-date = 30 May 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110530005328/http://www.thecomet.net/stevenage-fc/boro_always_believed_in_play_off_dream_says_robbo_1_905018 |url-status = dead | access-date = 9 August 2022}}

Career

Early career

Roberts joined Crewe Alexandra at the age of 11 and progressed through the club's academy, signing his first professional contract on 6 July 2003.{{Cite book | access-date = 3 January 2021}} He made his debut in a 3–1 victory against Lincoln United on 22 November 2003 and scored his first senior goal in a 2–1 home defeat to Kidsgrove Athletic on 26 December 2003. Roberts made 10 appearances and scored twice during the loan. Roberts subsequently spent time on loan at Vauxhall Motors of the Northern Premier League Premier Division,{{Cite news | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130722120031/http://www.questia.com/library/1G1-112900978/motormen-break-their-league-duck-vauxhall-motors | url-status = dead | archive-date = 22 July 2013

After playing his first full 90 minutes for Crewe in a 2–1 pre-season friendly victory over Everton, assistant manager Neil Baker stated that Roberts had the potential to "bridge the gap" to first-team football and praised the way he adapted to the higher level.{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} Roberts made his first-team debut for Crewe on 21 September 2004, starting in a League Cup match against Sunderland that Crewe won 4–2 on penalties following a 3–3 draw after extra time.{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} He made his Football League debut in a 1–0 away defeat to Preston North End on 25 September 2004,{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} and made five further appearances before an injury curtailed his run in the first team.

Having been unable to establish himself in the Crewe first team, Roberts was loaned to Conference National club Southport on 23 November 2005.{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} He made six appearances during the loan, before joining Chester City on a one-month loan,{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} where he played once in a 5–0 defeat to Carlisle United.{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} Roberts returned to Southport for a second loan in March 2006,{{Cite news | access-date = 23 July 2010}} making 12 appearances and receiving the first red card of his career in a 2–1 win at Forest Green Rovers.{{Cite news | access-date = 23 July 2010}} Ahead of the 2006–07 season, he was loaned to Conference National club Halifax Town,{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} where he made 13 appearances and scored once before returning to Crewe in November 2006.{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} Roberts joined his hometown club Northwich Victoria on loan on 3 January 2007,{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} making his debut in a 3–1 away victory over St Albans City. After three appearances, he signed permanently and became a regular during the second half of the 2006–07 season as Northwich's form improved.{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}}{{Cite news | access-date = 19 August 2010

Roberts returned to the Football League with Accrington Stanley on 3 July 2007 for a fee set by a tribunal.{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} He started the first 30 matches of the 2007–08 season and made three further appearances as a substitute. He rejoined Northwich Victoria on a one-month loan on 28 March 2008,{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} making nine appearances and scoring once in a 4–3 victory against relegation rivals Stafford Rangers to help the club secure Conference Premier safety.{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} Roberts signed permanently for Northwich following the loan spell,{{Cite news | access-date = 19 August 2010}} and made 20 appearances during the first three months of the 2008–09 season, scoring once in a 3–2 home defeat to Weymouth on 27 September 2008.{{Cite news | access-date = 23 July 2010

Stevenage

Roberts started for Northwich in a 1–1 draw away to Stevenage Borough on 15 November 2008,{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}} and joined the Hertfordshire club on loan a week later.{{cite news | access-date = 24 October 2010}} After impressing manager Graham Westley during his one-month loan agreement, he signed permanently for Stevenage the following month. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–0 FA Trophy win at Farnborough on 14 January 2009,{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009}}{{cite news | access-date = 23 July 2010}} Roberts played regularly as Stevenage finished in the final play-off positions, scoring in the semi-final first leg against Cambridge United as the club were defeated 4–3 on aggregate.{{Cite news | access-date = 22 July 2010}}{{Cite news | access-date = 20 August 2009}} He was named Stevenage Player of the Year at the end of the season,{{Cite news | access-date = 12 August 2009 | archive-date = 6 August 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100806173448/http://www.sfcsa.co.uk/home/player-of-the-year/previous-winners/2008-2009 | url-status = dead | access-date = 12 August 2009}} In May 2009, Roberts was appointed club captain for the 2009–10 season,{{Cite news | access-date = 23 July 2010}} with Westley describing him as "a natural leader who leads by example".

Roberts scored his first goal of the 2009–10 season on his 50th appearance for Stevenage, giving the club the lead in a 3–1 victory against Salisbury City on 17 October 2009.{{Cite news | access-date = 20 October 2009}} He captained the team in a 2–0 victory against Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough on 17 April 2010, a result that confirmed Stevenage's promotion to the Football League for the first time in its history.{{Cite news | access-date = 17 April 2010}} Roberts played 49 times that season, scoring five times from defence, and was named Conference Premier Player of the Month for April 2010. Forming a central defensive partnership with Jon Ashton, he was part of the back line that conceded 24 goals in 46 league matches, the best defensive record in the division.{{Cite news |access-date = 1 April 2013 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120924021943/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/conference-premier/2009-2010 |archive-date = 24 September 2012 | access-date = 1 April 2013}} In May 2010, Roberts signed a new two-year contract with the club, describing it as a "privilege" to continue as captain in the Football League. He was also named in the Conference Premier Team of the Year, alongside teammates Ronnie Henry and Scott Laird.{{cite news |access-date = 6 June 2010 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717022254/http://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/article.asp?aid=10682&iid=191&sud=1695 |archive-date = 17 July 2011

Stevenage]] earning back-to-back promotions after their 1–0 [2011 Football League Two play-off final

play-off final victory]] over [[Torquay United F.C.

| access-date = 30 May 2011 Roberts captained Stevenage in their first-ever Football League match, a 2–2 home draw with [Macclesfield Town at the start of the 2010–11 season.{{cite news | access-date = 12 December 2010}} He scored his first goal of the season in a 3–0 away victory over local rivals Barnet on 2 November 2010,{{cite news | access-date = 12 December 2010}} and added two further goals in a 4–0 away win against Macclesfield Town on 26 March 2011, taking his tally to five for the season.{{cite news | access-date = 26 March 2011}} He captained the team in the 2011 League Two play-off final against Torquay United at Old Trafford on 28 May 2011, playing the entirety of a 1–0 victory that secured Stevenage consecutive promotions and a place in League One for the first time in their history.{{cite news | access-date = 28 May 2011 | access-date = 1 April 2013

Roberts captained the team in their first match in League One, a 0–0 draw against Exeter City on 6 August 2011.{{cite news | access-date = 4 September 2011}} He signed a new two-year contract with the club later that month.{{cite news |access-date = 4 September 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120612025632/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2433227,00.html |archive-date = 12 June 2012 |access-date=5 October 2011 |access-date=13 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116023618/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2575845%2C00.html |archive-date=16 January 2012 | access-date = 14 January 2012}} a 1–1 draw with Scunthorpe United,{{cite news | access-date = 25 January 2012}} and a 4–2 home win against Milton Keynes Dons,{{cite news | access-date = 25 January 2012}} before Gary Smith's appointment as manager.{{cite news |access-date=25 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128121547/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2588007%2C00.html |archive-date=28 January 2012 | access-date = 20 May 2012 | access-date = 20 May 2012 | archive-date = 20 March 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110320085654/http://www.sfcsa.co.uk/home/player-of-the-year/previous-winners | url-status = dead | access-date = 20 May 2012}}

In the summer of 2012, Stevenage rejected several transfer offers from Doncaster Rovers for Roberts and fellow centre-back Jon Ashton.{{cite news | access-date = 23 August 2012 | access-date = 23 August 2012}} He captained the team in the opening match of the 2012–13 season, scoring the third goal in a 3–1 League Cup victory against AFC Wimbledon on 14 August 2012.{{cite news | access-date = 23 August 2012}} Two days later, the club confirmed that Roberts would not be sold during the campaign.{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305064602/http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/roberts-and-ashton-to-stay-315459.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2016-03-05 | access-date = 23 August 2012 | access-date = 15 April 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130614031718/http://www.thepfa.com/community/casestudies/aspire-stevenage-fc | archive-date = 14 June 2013 | url-status = dead |access-date = 15 April 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305125315/http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/mark-roberts-enjoys-working-in-the-commu-150890.aspx |archive-date = 5 March 2016 |url-status = dead | access-date = 15 April 2013}} Following the dismissal of manager Gary Smith in March 2013, Roberts was appointed caretaker manager while the club searched for a permanent appointment.{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130324014815/http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/club-statement-gary-smith-725546.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2013-03-24 | access-date = 20 March 2013}} He scored in his final game as caretaker, heading in the opening goal in a 1–1 away draw with Crawley Town, in which Stevenage played with 10 men for most of the match following Miguel Comminges' early red card.{{cite news | access-date = 30 March 2013}} After the match, Roberts stated he was "proud of the phenomenal performance".{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241130102355/https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/report-crawley-a-741634.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2024-11-30 | access-date = 30 March 2013}} Graham Westley was reappointed as manager the following day, with Roberts resuming his playing duties.{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130403014407/http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/graham-westley-returns-742181.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2013-04-03 | access-date = 30 March 2013 | access-date = 30 March 2013}} He made 48 appearances and scored four goals during the season. Across four and a half years at Stevenage, Roberts made 237 appearances and scored 27 goals in all competitions, placing him sixth on the club's all-time appearance list.{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130708010429/http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/ashton-announced-new-captain-893426.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2013-07-08 | access-date = 3 July 2013

Fleetwood Town

Following the expiry of his contract at Stevenage, and having rejected the club's offer of a new contract, Roberts joined League Two club Fleetwood Town on a free transfer on 3 July 2013.{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130706075903/http://www.fleetwoodtownfc.com/news/article/roberts-arrives-at-highbury-893414.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2013-07-06 | access-date = 3 July 2013}}{{cite news | access-date = 3 July 2013}} Upon signing, he described Fleetwood as "an exciting prospect" and expressed admiration for the club's ambitions and vision. He was appointed club captain ahead of the 2013–14 season.{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080238/http://www.fleetwoodtownfc.com/news/article/skippers-view-dagenham-965069.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2016-03-04 | access-date = 3 August 2013 | access-date = 3 August 2013}} Fleetwood finished fourth in the league, securing a place in the play-offs.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} Roberts played in all three play-off matches, with the team recording three consecutive clean sheets en route to promotion to League One following a 1–0 victory over Burton Albion in the final at Wembley Stadium.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017 | access-date = 29 October 2017 | access-date = 29 October 2017

He remained at Fleetwood for the club's first season in League One, initially featuring infrequently and making just one appearance in the opening two months of the 2014–15 season.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} He returned to the starting line-up on 4 October 2014, playing the full match in a 1–0 home victory over Port Vale,{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} and subsequently established himself as a regular in central defence. Roberts scored on the final day of the season in a 2–1 victory against Port Vale on 3 May 2015, scoring from close range.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} The match marked his final appearance for the club, with Fleetwood finishing 10th in their debut League One season.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} Over two seasons, Roberts made 72 appearances in all competitions, scoring six times. He was released at the end of his contract in May 2015 as part of a wider first-team restructuring focused on youth development.{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171030093407/http://www.fleetwoodtoday.co.uk/sport/football/fleetwood-town-facing-major-summer-rebuild-1-7249869 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2017-10-30 | access-date = 29 October 2017

Cambridge United

Roberts signed a two-year contract with League Two club Cambridge United on 25 May 2015,{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}}{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} and was appointed club captain, a role he had previously held at both Stevenage and Fleetwood Town. He made his debut on the opening day of the 2015–16 season in a 3–0 home victory over Newport County.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} Roberts scored his first goal for Cambridge in a 2–2 draw to York City on 3 October 2015, finishing from close range to earn a point after the team had trailed by two goals.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} A week later, he received a red card for violent conduct in a 3–1 home defeat to Portsmouth.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} He remained a regular starter until late January 2016, when he was dropped and replaced as captain; manager Shaun Derry noted that Roberts had accepted the change professionally.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} He finished the season with 34 appearances and two goals.

Roberts remained with Cambridge for the 2016–17 season, making his first start on 26 September 2016, helping the team earn their first victory of the season, a 2–1 away win against Newport County.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} Three days later, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against Yeovil Town, moving Cambridge off the bottom of the League Two table.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} Roberts remained a regular starter for the following five months, contributing to an upturn in the team's form. He scored a 92nd-minute equaliser in an eventual 4–2 extra-time FA Cup victory at Dover Athletic on 17 November 2016,{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}}{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017 | access-date = 29 October 2017}} Roberts played 31 matches during the season, scoring three goals. At the end of the season, he was placed on the transfer list with a year remaining on his contract.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} Having not featured in the opening weeks of the 2017–18 season, his contract was cancelled by mutual consent on 24 August 2017.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}}{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}}

Forest Green Rovers

On the same day that his departure from Cambridge was announced, Roberts signed for fellow League Two club Forest Green Rovers on a one-year contract. He made his Forest Green debut on 26 August 2017, playing the full 90 minutes in a 5–1 away defeat to Colchester United.{{cite news | access-date = 29 October 2017}} Initially a regular in central defence, Roberts did not feature for the first team from the start of 2018, his last appearance for the club coming in a 2–0 defeat to Yeovil Town in the EFL Trophy on 9 January 2018.{{cite news | access-date = 8 May 2018}} He left the club upon the expiry of his contract in May 2018,{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180509012621/https://www.forestgreenroversfc.com/news/first-team-news/2018/fgr-announce-retained-list | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2018-05-09 | access-date = 8 May 2018}}{{cite news | access-date = 9 May 2018}} having made 20 appearances in all competitions.

Warrington Town

Roberts joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club Warrington Town on a free transfer ahead of the 2018–19 season.{{cite news | access-date = 2 September 2018}}{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180902220658/http://www.warringtontownfc.co.uk/news/post/a-closer-look-at-warrington-town--s-squad-for-the-2018-19-season | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2018-09-02 | access-date = 2 September 2018}} He made his debut in a 2–0 home defeat to Farsley Celtic{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180902220846/http://www.warringtontownfc.co.uk/news/post/losing-start-for-disappointing-yellows | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2018-09-02 | access-date = 2 September 2018}} and was appointed club captain for the following fixture, an away victory against Lancaster City.{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180903013305/http://www.warringtontownfc.co.uk/news/post/yellows-record-first-win-at-lancaster | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2018-09-03 | access-date = 2 September 2018}} He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–3 draw with Nantwich Town on 23 February 2019.{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190511174414/http://warringtontownfc.co.uk/fixtures/report/699 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2019-05-11 | access-date = 11 May 2019}} Roberts played regularly as Warrington finished third in the Northern Premier Division.{{cite news | access-date = 7 October 2018}} He played in all of the club's three play-off fixtures, winning the Northern Premier Division play-offs,{{cite news | access-date = 7 May 2019 | access-date = 11 May 2019 | archive-date = 11 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190511173051/http://warringtontownfc.co.uk/news/post/match-report-warrington-town-2-3--aet-kings-lynn-town | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190622130459/http://www.warringtontownfc.co.uk/news/post/captain-roberts-and-striker-gray-commit-to-warrington-town | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2019-06-22 | access-date = 22 June 2019}}

Roberts played regularly for Warrington during the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, both of which were curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,{{cite news | access-date = 20 September 2020}}{{cite news | access-date = 20 September 2020}} with the club positioned third and fourth in the Northern Premier League Premier Division at the time of suspension. He signed a one-year contract extension on 9 July 2021,{{cite news | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210709090227/https://www.warringtontownfc.co.uk/captain-mark-roberts-agrees-new-deal/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2021-07-09 | access-date = 10 July 2021}} making 47 appearances during the 2021–22 season as Warrington reached the play-off final, where they were defeated.{{cite news | access-date = 9 August 2022}} Roberts announced his retirement from playing on 20 June 2022.

Style of play

Roberts was primarily deployed as a centre-back and was described as a commanding presence in central defence.{{cite news | access-date = 10 July 2021 | access-date = 10 July 2021 | access-date = 10 July 2021

Personal life

Roberts studied professional sports writing and broadcasting at Staffordshire University, graduating in 2012.{{cite news |access-date = 11 May 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110514190522/http://www.givemefootball.com/league-two/gmf-exclusive-with-promotion-chasing-stevenage-ski |archive-date = 14 May 2011 |url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180318120838/https://sportcareers.co.uk/news.php?article=322 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2018-03-18 | access-date = 18 March 2018 | access-date = 17 September 2018}} Roberts also serves as a personal development mentor for League Football Education (LFE), supporting first-year apprentices at six professional clubs.

Career statistics

Honours

Stevenage

• Football League Two play-offs: 2011
• Conference Premier: 2009–10
• FA Trophy: 2008–09; runner-up: 2009–10

Fleetwood Town

• Football League Two play-offs: 2014

Warrington Town

• Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs: 2019

Individual

• Stevenage Player of the Year: 2008–09, 2011–12
• Conference Premier Team of the Year: 2008–09, 2009–10
• Conference Premier Player of the Month: April 2010{{Cite news |access-date = 19 June 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100522161133/http://www.bluesqfootball.com/story/0,20970,13040_6162520,00.html |archive-date = 22 May 2010 |url-status = dead
• Northern Premier League Premier Division Team of the Year: 2018–19{{cite news | access-date = 8 April 2019}}{{cite news | access-date = 8 April 2019

References

References

1. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2004
2. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2005
3. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2006
4. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2007
5. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2008
6. (20 April 2010). "I'm pleased for Stevenage Borough fans – Wallace".
7. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2009
8. (22 May 2010). "Roberts scoops April award".
9. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2010
10. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2011
11. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2012
12. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2013
13. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2014
14. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2015
15. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2016
16. {{Soccerbase season. 38710. 2017
17. (8 May 2010). "Barrow 2–1 Stevenage (aet)".