| Tony Roberts is arguably the best goalkeeper
playing in the Non-league game today. He started his career with Queens
Park Rangers where he signed in 1987, staying for eleven season. During
that period he made 145 appearances for the Super Hoops, and became
international understudy to Neville Southall for the Welsh team, winning 2
under 21 caps and 2 full caps.
He took a break from the game following a
serious finger injury and was persuaded back by Garry Hill when at St
Albans City, then followed Hill to Dagenham & Redbridge signing at the
start of the 2000/01 season. He won a single semi-pro cap for Wales during
that season and it is believed he is the only player to have Welsh caps at
both levels.
He is a very commanding keeper, and has a
great rapport with the home fans, although has been known to have the odd
spat with opposing supporters. Last season, Tony hit the headlines in the
clubs FA Cup run, becoming the first goalkeeper to score a goal in open
play in the history of the FA Cup with a last gasp equaliser against
Basingstoke Town in the 4th Qualifying Round.
During the 2002 close-season, Tony was a
member of the victorious Welsh semi-pro team that won the home nations
tournament.
In 2002/03 Tony again had a great season,
winning the FA Cup player of the round for his heroics and emotion during
the 1-0 defeat at Norwich City in the 4th Round. He also mad the decisive
save in the Conference play off semi-final penalty competition to take the
Daggers to the final. During the close season he had a double hernia
operation to sort out a long standing problem.
Tony
Roberts interview - July 2003
Home v Morecambe 2003/04
(copyright Dave Simpson)
Away v Farnborough 2003/04
(copyright Dave Simpson)
Tony grabs the ball at the feet of Guy Lopez v Barnet 2003/04
Tony held aloft by fans after the final penalty save at Morecambe
(www.kipax.com)
Tony makes the penalty save at Morecambe that takes the Daggers to the
play off final
(www.kipax.com)
Tony at Stevenage Borough 2002/03
Tony at Yeovil in 2001/02
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