BERNARD, Rab 1919-20

Fullname: Robert S Bernard
Born: 1885
Birthplace: Newtown, Bo'ness
Died: April 1958
Date Signed:
Signed From: Airdrieonians
Position: Goalkeeper

Bio:
An eccentric keeper who started his early career with spells at many clubs including Dundee, East Fife & East Stirlingshire before moving to Airdrieonians in 1916 where he made over 100 first team appearances before his move to Partick Thistle making his Jags debut in a 1-1 draw with Morton at Firhill in August 1919. Rab (as he was known) was 1st choice keeper in his first season at Firhill (1919-20), he managed to keep 10 clean sheets out of 32 league games. Manager George Easton brought Scotland International keeper Kenny Campbell from Liverpool as number 1 keeper, in April 1920 forcing Rab into the reserves and a spell on loan to Bo’ ness. He managed 5 1st team appearances in 1920-21 including a famous game at Firhill, where while leading 3-0 and awarded a penalty-kick saw big Rab charging out off his goal to convert the penalty and make it 4-0. When he lost his first team place he had loan spells at Bo’ness and Dumbarton with form of rival Campbell kept him out of the Scottish Cup triumph over Rangers at Parkhead. He left Firhill in 1922 for 2nd Division East Fife followed by spells at Bo’ness and Albion Rovers.

Key Dates:

• 16th August 1919 – Partick Thistle debut v Morton (H), 1-1, 1st Division
• 12th February 1921 – Scores a Penalty kick v Morton (H) 4-0, 1st Division
• 1922 Signs for Bo'ness
• 1952 Was a Publican in Bo'ness
• 1954 Retired and was living in Falkirk.

Thistle League Stats: