Births on January 30

Bobby Stokes

Born on January 30, 1951

Bobby Stokes, English footballer (d. 1995)

Robert William Thomas Stokes, widely and affectionately known as Bobby Stokes, was a celebrated English professional footballer whose name is indelibly linked with one of the most remarkable upsets in FA Cup history. Born on 30 January 1951, Stokes' professional career, though tragically cut short by his passing on 30 May 1995, is primarily immortalized by a singular, iconic moment that cemented his place in English football folklore.

He is best known for scoring the decisive winning goal in the 1976 FA Cup Final for Southampton Football Club against the formidable Manchester United. This goal, struck in the 83rd minute of the match, delivered Southampton their first and only major trophy, a triumph that resonated deeply across the footballing world.

The Defining Moment: The 1976 FA Cup Final Goal

The 1976 FA Cup Final, held at the historic Wembley Stadium on 1 May, was a quintessential David-and-Goliath encounter. Southampton, then a team from the Second Division (the equivalent of today's EFL Championship), faced off against the mighty Manchester United, a prominent First Division side (now the Premier League) boasting a wealth of talent and a strong pedigree. Against all predictions, the Saints, managed by Lawrie McMenemy, adopted a disciplined and resilient approach, stifling United's attacking prowess.

As the game entered its critical final stages, with the score still locked at 0-0 and the prospect of extra time looming, Bobby Stokes seized his moment. In the 83rd minute, a long, looping pass from Southampton defender Jim Steele found Stokes, who expertly controlled the ball just outside the penalty area. With a moment of composure and a powerful, left-footed strike, he unleashed a shot that flew past Manchester United's experienced goalkeeper, Alex Stepney, and into the net. This solitary goal, a testament to Stokes' clinical finishing and Southampton's unwavering spirit, secured a sensational 1-0 victory for the underdogs, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Southampton faithful.

Bobby Stokes' Broader Football Career

While the 1976 FA Cup Final goal is undoubtedly his most celebrated contribution, Bobby Stokes' career spanned a significant period beyond that iconic moment. He joined Southampton as a junior and made his first-team debut for the club in 1968. Predominantly a forward, he was known for his energetic work rate, natural athleticism, and a knack for scoring crucial goals.

During his nine-year tenure with Southampton from 1968 to 1977, Stokes made over 200 appearances across all competitions, netting more than 60 goals. Following his departure from The Dell, he went on to play for local rivals Portsmouth, further showcasing his commitment to professional football in the region. Later in his career, he continued to play at a semi-professional and amateur level for various non-league clubs, including Waterlooville and Fair Oak, underscoring his lifelong passion for the game.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

Bobby Stokes remains an enduring legend and a deeply cherished figure among Southampton Football Club supporters. His winning goal against Manchester United in 1976 is not just a statistical highlight; it is a foundational pillar of the club's history and its most treasured achievement. For generations of Saints fans, "Stokesy's Goal" symbolizes the epitome of resilience, the thrill of overcoming overwhelming odds, and the magical essence of the FA Cup. His memory is eternally preserved, synonymous with the club's greatest and most unexpected triumph.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bobby Stokes

Who was Bobby Stokes?: Bobby Stokes was an English professional footballer, best known for scoring the winning goal for Southampton Football Club in the 1976 FA Cup Final against Manchester United.
What was Bobby Stokes' most significant achievement in football?: His most significant achievement was scoring the only goal in the 83rd minute of the 1976 FA Cup Final, securing Southampton's historic 1-0 victory over Manchester United and their first major trophy.
Which clubs did Bobby Stokes play for?: Bobby Stokes spent the most notable part of his career with Southampton FC from 1968 to 1977. He also played for Portsmouth and had spells with non-league clubs like Waterlooville and Fair Oak.
When did the 1976 FA Cup Final take place?: The 1976 FA Cup Final between Southampton and Manchester United, where Bobby Stokes scored, took place on 1 May 1976 at Wembley Stadium.
Why was Southampton's 1976 FA Cup victory considered an upset?: It was considered a major upset because Southampton was a Second Division team at the time, competing against Manchester United, a prominent First Division club, making their victory against the odds particularly memorable and celebrated.

References

Bobby Stokes

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Events on 1951

11 Apr

President Truman's relief of General Douglas MacArthur
Korean War: President Harry Truman relieves General of the Army Douglas MacArthur of overall command in Korea.
22 Apr

Battle of Kapyong
Korean War: The Chinese People's Volunteer Army begin assaulting positions defended by the Royal Australian Regiment and the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry at the Battle of Kapyong.
25 Apr

Battle of Kapyong
Korean War: Assaulting Chinese forces are forced to withdraw after heavy fighting with UN forces, primarily made up of Australian and Canadian troops, at the Battle of Kapyong.
3 May

Harry Truman
The United States Senate Committee on Armed Services and United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations begin their closed door hearings into the dismissal of General Douglas MacArthur by U.S. President Harry Truman.
15 Oct

Combined oral contraceptive pill
Mexican chemist Luis E. Miramontes conducts the very last step of the first synthesis of norethisterone, the progestin that would later be used in one of the first three oral contraceptives.