About Bob Thomson
Lived 1890 – 1971 (aged 80–81). Bob Thomson was a British association football player.
Robert Thomson (29 December 1890 – 1971) was an English footballer who played during the early 20th century, mainly prior to World War I.
Playing as a forward, Thomson carved out a career in the game despite having only one eye, resulting from a childhood accident with a firework. When asked how he dealt with a ball coming to him on his blind side, Bob would answer: 'I just shut my other eye and play from memory.'
He started out with his local side Croydon Common before joining west Londoners Chelsea in September 1911. His most successful season with Chelsea came in 1914–15, when his six goals in eight FA Cup games helped his team reach the final, where they lost to Sheffield United.
He signed for Charlton Athletic in 1921.
Honours Chelsea FA Cup runner-up: 1914–15
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Important facts
People in Bob Thomson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Bob Thomson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Bob Thomson?
English footballer (1890-1971)
When was Bob Thomson born?
Bob Thomson was born on 29 December 1890 in Croydon.
When did Bob Thomson die?
Bob Thomson died in 1971 in Croydon.
What was Bob Thomson's occupation?
Bob Thomson was an association football player.
What nationality was Bob Thomson?
Bob Thomson was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Bob Thomson. https://biography.guide/bob-thomson/
MLA: "Bob Thomson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/bob-thomson/.
Chicago: "Bob Thomson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/bob-thomson/.
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