Vic Mobley

Victor John Mobley (born 11 October 1943) is an English former professional footballer who played in the Football League for Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers. Mobley was a central defender who made 212 League appearances in a career which lasted from 1964 to 1971, scoring eight goals. He was forced to retire at the age of 28 through injury.

Playing career

Early days Mobley was born in Oxford. As a youth he played for Oxford Boys and later both Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Boys. He had a trial for England Schoolboys in February 1959 before signing for Isthmian League side Oxford City. Mobley quickly impressed as a strong centre half and rapidly progressed from City's Colts side to the first team. He was spotted by Sheffield Wednesday manager Vic Buckingham and signed for The Owls in September 1961 for a fee of £50.

Sheffield Wednesday Mobley signed for Wednesday as a 17-year-old, primarily as an understudy to Peter Swan who was then first choice centre half for the England national side. Mobley's chance to play in the first team probably came quicker than expected as Swan was banned for his part in the 1964 British betting scandal. He made his debut on 4 April 1964 in a 1–1 away draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was an ever-present in the following 1964–65 season, playing 44 games in all as Wednesday finished eighth in the league. He spent two years on the Q.P.R. coaching staff before becoming manager of Oxford City between 1973 and 1975.

Career statistics