John Tait Robertson (1905-1906)

John Tait Robertson (1905-1906)

Written by Bluebeard in May 2007

Chelsea’s first ever manager was a Scot, born in Dumbarton in 1877. Before coming to Chelsea, he’d played for Glasgow Rangers as a centre-half, and was selected 16 times for his country.

Chelsea FC started out in 1905, being elected straight into Division Two. Robertson began his short Chelsea career as player-manager, and indeed played 33 league games in the first season, scoring four goals. One of those goals was the first ever Chelsea goal, away at Blackpool in September.

Known as Jackie Robertson, the new manager selected a reserve side to play at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Third Preliminary Round, and they were beaten 1-7 – still a record cup defeat. Robertson played in the game, but his reason for selecting the reserves was that Chelsea had a home league game against Burnley on the same day! (Chelsea won that one 1-0).

The club finished their first ever season in third place, behind the promoted Bristol City and Manchester United. That summer, Robertson made an astute signing, George ‘Gatling Gun’ Hilsdon (pictured right) from West Ham. Hilsdon was to prove his worth by scoring five goals in the first game of the 1906/07 season in the 9-2 victory over Glossop at Stamford Bridge – still a record Chelsea league win – and went on to score 27 goals that season.

Chelsea continued to do well, but in November Robertson suddenly resigned, with the club lying in third place in Division Two. He later became player-manager of Glossop.

He played 36 league game in total for Chelsea, scoring 4 goals, and also played in 3 cup games.

Robertson died in Milton, Hampshire on 24 January 1935.

Managerial Record

Highest League Position 2nd (Div 2) 1905-1906