Appeal to help trace former Poolie’s playing career

For example, I have recently been exchanging emails with the family of the late John Robinson, who passed away in September.

Thanks to Sarah Rowntree, Hartlepool’s Supporter Liaison Officer (amongst other things), I have linked up with John’s loved ones, hence this article about him. (Sarah referred their original enquiry to my inbox, after they had written to the club for advice.)

It’s possible some older readers will remember John Robinson as a Middlesbrough player, given that he turned out for the Boro, as a midfielder, for eight seasons, from 1951-1959.

John did, though, also spend some time on the books at Pools, once his time at Middlesbrough had come to an end, from 1959-1960. A native of Middlesbrough, he made nine appearances for Hartlepools, and also played for Horden Colliery Welfare. It can therefore be argued he was a bona fide Poolie, despite a relatively brief stay at the club. (Brought to Pools, incidentally, by manager Ray Middleton.)

All of which leads me to ask if any Hartlepool Life readers might possibly know of any items of John Robinson memorabilia or ephemera (pictures, programmes, etc) that might still be in circulation. Likewise, any memories anyone might have, of seeing him play for Middlesbrough or Pools. 

Should you happen to know of anything, please let the editor know, as John’s family would be delighted to hear from you. They are trying to piece together further details of his playing career, so any snippets of information, and any surviving souvenirs, would be of great interest to them, especially as John is sadly no longer with us.

Not only that, but it would all serve as a fitting tribute to a footballer from yesteryear whose career graced this part of the world with what I am told was some distinction.

Please drop the editor a line if you can help. Any material keepsakes, stories and tributes will come into their own now. In the meantime, we send our condolences to John Robinson’s loved ones as we acknowledge the part he played in the lives of the clubs he represented. John Robinson, 1934-1926.