Bill Roost, English footballer (d. 2013)

William Charles Roost, a name etched into the history of English football, was a professional inside forward whose career, though impacted by the Second World War, saw him become a notable figure for clubs like Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town. Born on 22 March 1924, Roost lived a long and impactful life, passing away on 10 February 2013, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the pitch. His story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a deep love for the beautiful game, even as he transitioned to a successful life beyond professional sports.

A Late Start For A Promising Talent

William Charles Roost's journey into professional football took an unconventional path, largely due to the tumultuous backdrop of the Second World War. While many aspiring young players were honing their skills, the global conflict meant a delayed start to his official League career. It wasn't until 1948, at the relatively mature age of 24, that Roost made his professional debut in The Football League, a testament to his enduring talent and determination. Prior to stepping onto the larger stage, Roost showcased his abilities for Stonehouse in Gloucestershire, where his impressive performances caught the keen eye of a scout from Bristol Rovers. This pivotal moment led to his initial signing with Rovers as an amateur on 10 September, a move that quickly demonstrated his worth. So immediate was his impact and promise that, remarkably, he was awarded his first professional contract less than two weeks later, officially signing on 23 September. This swift progression underscored Bristol Rovers' belief in Roost's potential to become a key player for the club.

Bristol Rovers: A Defining Spell

It was with Bristol Rovers that William Charles Roost truly established himself as a prominent *inside forward* in The Football League. His tenure at the club was marked by consistent performances and a prolific goal-scoring record, endearing him to the Gasheads. Over his time with Rovers, Roost made an impressive 177 League appearances, a significant number that highlights his integral role in the team. During these matches, he found the back of the net 49 times, showcasing his attacking prowess and ability to contribute crucial goals. His skill, vision, and tactical understanding as an *inside forward* made him a formidable opponent and a fan favourite. This period at Bristol Rovers represented the peak of his professional career, where he consistently demonstrated the quality that had initially attracted the club's attention.

Transition to Swindon Town and Later Career

In 1957, after a successful and memorable period with Bristol Rovers, William Charles Roost made the move to fellow Football League club, Swindon Town. Expectations were high for the seasoned *inside forward* to replicate his scoring feats. However, his two-year spell with the Robins proved to be less fruitful than his time in Bristol. He made just eighteen League appearances for Swindon Town and found goals harder to come by, scoring only three times in total. Interestingly, all three of these goals came in a single memorable game against Shrewsbury Town in December 1957, a rare highlight in what was otherwise a challenging period. Following his departure from Swindon, Roost sought new opportunities. An unsuccessful trial with Yeovil Town in 1959 led him to the non-League circuit. In January 1960, he joined Minehead, a move that reignited some of his earlier form. At Minehead, he proved to be a valuable asset, playing 90 times in all competitions and contributing 21 goals before finally hanging up his boots and retiring from competitive football in 1963.

Life After Football

Upon his retirement from professional football in 1963, William Charles Roost smoothly transitioned into a new chapter of his life, demonstrating the same work ethic that defined his sporting career. He embarked on a career as a foreman in a scaffolding yard, a role that saw him applying his leadership and organizational skills in a completely different environment. Away from the roar of the football crowd, Roost settled into a quieter life, making his home in the Whitehall area of Bristol. This part of Bristol, steeped in local history and community spirit, became the backdrop for his post-football years, where he continued to be a respected member of the community until his passing in 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Charles Roost

Who was William Charles Roost?
William Charles Roost was a professional English footballer who played as an *inside forward* for clubs such as *Bristol Rovers* and *Swindon Town* in The Football League.
When was William Charles Roost born and when did he pass away?
He was born on 22 March 1924 and passed away on 10 February 2013.
Which clubs did William Charles Roost play for professionally?
His primary professional clubs were *Bristol Rovers* and *Swindon Town*. He also played for Stonehouse and later Minehead after his League career.
When did William Charles Roost make his Football League debut?
He made his Football League debut in 1948 at the age of 24, following a delay due to the Second World War.
What was William Charles Roost's position on the field?
He played as an *inside forward*, a key attacking role in traditional football formations.
How many goals did he score for Bristol Rovers?
He scored 49 goals in 177 League appearances for *Bristol Rovers*.
What did William Charles Roost do after retiring from football?
After retiring from football in 1963, he worked as a foreman in a scaffolding yard and lived in the *Whitehall Bristol* area.