For the latest in our ongoing series covering those who have achieved legendary status among the support, we feature another former Luton figure who became a fans favourite.
Following on from those already covered – John Moore, David Preece, Mal Donaghy, Brian Lewis, Bruce Rioch, Fred Jardine, Brian Horton, Kevin Nicholls, Tony Read, Steve Foster, Mike Keen, Ian Buxton, Lars Elstrup, Peter Anderson, Graham French, Alan West, David Moss, Terry Branston, John Aston, Paul Futcher, John Ryan, Syd Owen, Marvin Johnson, Malcolm MacDonald, Bob Hatton, Steve Buckley,Chris Coyne, Ron Baynham, John Still, Jack Bannister, Ricky Hill, Chris Nicholl, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Don Givens, Gordon Turner, Brian Stein, Jesse Pye, Raddy Antic, Joe Payne, Max Dougan, Alan Slough, Ray Whittaker, Dave Pacey, Milija Aleksic, Ron Davies, Sandy Davie John O’Rourke, Les Sealey, Bob Morton, Wally Shanks, Gordon Riddick, Billy Bingham, Herbert Moody, Adrian Alston, Reg Pearce, Keith Allen, Jimmy Ryan, George Cummins, Rodney Fern, Harry Walden, Billy McDerment, Scott Oakes, Bert Mitchell, Kingsley Black, Mike Harrison, Matt Tees, Jimmy Husband John Collins, Billy Waugh and Steve Howard.
For the latest in our ongoing and, hopefully, comprehensive series, we’re going to take a brief look at the career of Robert Hawkes , as nominated by Dave Howard.
Every so often one of the readership suggests the name of a legend for me to cover which is way off my time line. But rather than dismiss it I see it as a challenge to learn about a player who was a legend, with Luton Town, before I was even born, Robert Hawkes is one such player.
Delving into the history books, to discover something about the man, his exploits certainly opened my eyes and provided me with information that was certainly very interesting.
Born in 1880, Robert Hawkes was what could be described as a local man, born in the village of Breachwood Green, nestling just outside of Luton and, nowadays, on the borders of the airport.
In his early career, Robert showcased his skills playing for the Strawplaiters before his skills saw him join Luton Town.
Playing for the Hatters, Robert was to cement his place in the clubs history when he became the first Luton Town player to play for England. It should also be mentioned that Robert, courtesy of his skills as a half-back, played for England at amateur level and represented England at the 1908 Summer Olympic Games, assisting his country in winning the gold medal in the football tournament.
His skills attracted the attention of numerous Football League clubs but Robert remained loyal to the Hatters retaining his amateur status until 1911.
Unlike many today, Robert remained a one-club man and continued appearing for Luton Town until he was 39-years-of-age.
His final appearance for the club came in 1920 with Robert making 410 appearances, a remarkable achievement.
Sadly, Robert passed away, while still living in Luton, in 1945, aged 64.
Robert Hawkes – Mini Fact File
Name – Robert Murray Hawkes
Date of Birth – 18-October-1880
Place of Birth – Breachwood Green, England
Position – Winger
Youth Career – Luton Town
Playing Career – Luton Town
International Career – England (amateur), England
If you feel able to share any of your thoughts or memories on the Hatters career of Robert Hawkes , please feel free to do so in the comment facility beneath this article.
If you can think of anyone who deserves nominating for coverage in this ongoing series, please drop their name into the comment facility beneath this article.
My thanks go to those who have already nominated faces from the past, they will all be covered, in time.
Next up in the series will be Mark Pembridge as suggested by Tony Byfield.
COYH’s
Previous article by Mad Hatter
Luton Town – One Defeat Does Not A Season Make
Bernard Streten Goalkeeper
Noted