Presenting Ex Robin Charles Bunyan an immensely interesting character who played for Ilkeston Town in 1895. However his major claim to fame is being the unfortunate goalkeeper who let in 26 goals for Hyde in their FA Cup match against Preston North End. This is still a British record. Charles had a colourful footballing career playing for Chesterfield, Derby County and then Ilkeston Town where he became the landlord of the Poplar Hotel formerly on Bath Street. He is thought to be responsible the for the Music Hall attractions that performed at the venue. On leaving Ilkeston Town he went on to play for Walsall, New Brompton (Gillingham) before going to Europe where he managed and coached the Swedish and Belgium national sides before joining Anderlecht as their Manager. Charles is such a legend he no doubt deserves a longer article than this to do him justice!

Last edited by WhiteBallProject (08/6/2021 10:17 PM)