Background
Roberts was born in Rhyl in north-east Wales and started his football career at his local club
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William Roberts
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He was an opportunistic player who excelled at "individual runs". As team captain, he helped Rhyl reach the final of the Northern Welsh Field Artillery in 1883. His solitary international appearance came at the Kennington Oval against England on 3 February 1883 when he was a late replacement for Thomas Britten, thus becoming the first international player from Rhyl.
His international appearance was not a success as the match finished 5–0 in favour of the home country with three goals from Clement Mitchell.
Roberts" performance was criticised for his lack of experience: "He may play fairly well for his own club but cannot be said to have been a success against England". A butcher by trade, Roberts moved to Manchester in 1885, where he turned out for the local Welsh expatriate side.
