Dale Roberts

Dale Roberts (22 October 1986 – 14 December 2010) was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Roberts started his career in his native North-East with the academy sides at Sunderland and Middlesbrough before he moved to Nottingham Forest. He failed to make Forest's first team and had loans spells with Eastwood Town and Alfreton Town. He had two more loan spells both with Rushden & Diamonds before joining the Conference National side on a permanent deal in 2009. He won the club's player of the season in 2008–09. He also won six caps for the England C team, winning the 2009–10 player of the year, before his death by suicide at the age of 24.

Club Career

Roberts was born in Horden, County Durham. His mother was Isabella. He played for Cleveland Juniors Football Club and attended Easington Comprehensive School with fellow academy footballer Adam Johnson. He was with the Sunderland and Middlesbrough football academies, joining the latter in 2003 as a scholar and was part of Boro's FA Youth Cup winning squad in 2004 as back-up to David Knight.

Roberts began his senior career with Nottingham Forest after signing as a professional in 2005. He joined local Northern Premier League First Division side Eastwood Town on loan in March 2006, where he made 10 appearances. He joined Conference North club Alfreton Town on a season-long loan for the 2006–07 season in July, which he finished with 42 appearances.

He joined Conference National team Rushden & Diamonds on a one-month loan on 24 January 2008, which was extended for a second month in February. He made 19 first team appearances for the club, including the Conference League Cup Final. Roberts rejoined Rushden for a second loan spell in October 2008 as cover for Alan Marriott who was out with a stomach injury that needed surgery. The loan was extended until January 2009 and he finished the spell with 18 appearances, keeping five clean sheets, and subsequently signed permanently at Nene Park on 2 January 2009. He was named R