Robert Creilly (1888/89 to 1895/96)

Robert Creilly hailed from beyond the Border, as many other Associationists did at the time and turned out for Newcastle for seven years, during which time he made a name for himself in local "Socie" circles.

He joined East End in 1888 and was in the side for their first Northern League game and was in the United eleven in the first Football League match

He would have been an acquisition to any team, since he could be entrusted to perform with success the duties of a forward, half back, back, or even (in times of need) goalkeeper.

Despite his appearance he was a genial chap with a quiet and judicious style and a football brain which enabled him to be effective in many positions. A very hard working player he would have “get up and go” from the first to the last whistle.

Always in the thick of the action Creilly regularly suffered injuries, but his bravery always pulled him through. In the game at Sheffield United in the 1892/93 season he suffered a nasty leg injury in the first half and had to leave the field temporarily. He was almost entirely unfit to take his position at the commencement of the second and had he not been one of the pluckiest of players he would have had his leg stitched, as he did after the game, rather than continuing. He then suffered a clash of heads which led to him having to depart permanently. And in December 1893 he had to retire after receiving a severe kick in the eye against Notts County.

There was another side to his character though and he was suspended by the club on a couple of occasions. Once for bad language towards match officials (in 1892/93) and a couple of years later he was one of the players reprimanded and suspended after the home defeat against Grimsby. On the latter occasion the directors generously curtailed the length of his suspension after he apologised.

And during the match against Sheffield United at St. James’ in 1891/92, he walked off the field before the match had finished. Captain and right-full back, Wilson, was having a bad time of it and when the Cutlers scored a second after he completely missed his kick, Creilly walked off in disgust.

In February 1895 Bobby got married and almost ended up playing in goal when Ward had a touch of influenza. Released at the end of the season, he joined Hebburn Argyle in August.

On three occasions he played for Northumberland County.