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BOB TOMLINSON
Note: Some sources incorrectly list him as A. Tomlinson.
Full Name: Robert Windle Tomlinson
Born: 04 June 1924
Came from: Blackburn Rovers Went to: Blackburn Rovers
First game: 22 September 1945 Last game: 23 February 1946
Appearances: 7 (7/0) Goals: 0
Although the Second World War was at an end, the Football League divided its competition into regional sections for the 1945-46 season because of the exceptional conditions at that time, with so many players still serving in the Armed Forces or employed on essential war work. Argyle played in the Football League South that season, against first-class opposition such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Aston Villa and Wolves. It proved impossible for the Pilgrims to field a regular side; 72 players made an appearance and performances inevitably suffered. From week to week the club called on Armed Services players who were stationed in the area, guest players from other League clubs and local amateurs to supplement its registered playing staff.
Tomlinson was one of 27 in the guest category. Born in Feniscowles, just to the west of Blackburn, the defender started his career with Blackburn Rovers, signing during the war and appearing twice for them in the 1942-43 season and a further five times in 1945-46, as well as guesting for Argyle that same season. Once the war was over and the full league programme resumed, he finally managed his Football League debut for Rovers, playing 25 times in the 1946-47 season. Unable to cement a regular place, he first moved to Accrington Stanley (but didn't make a first team appearance for them) before then moving into non-league football with Mossley, where he went on to play 154 times in three seasons at right-back. Mossley's records show that Tomlinson made 48 appearances for Stanley prior to signing for them – it's likely that these were in the Lancashire Combination where he would have no doubt played against his future team. After his consistent spell at Mossley he was offered a brief Football League renaissance when he signed for Halifax Town for the 1951-52 season, adding nine league appearances to those with Rovers. However, his Football League return was short-lived and he returned to the Manchester area, this time to sign for Mossley's rivals Ashton United and later Altrincham before retiring from the game.
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APPEARANCE DETAILS [reselect competitions]
The details below reflect appearances in all first-team competitions.
I'm very grateful to many who have helped write GoS-DB's player pen-pictures, and to Dave Rowntree, the PAFC Media Team and Colin Parsons for their help with photos. Thanks also to staff at the National Football Museum, the Scottish Football Museum and ScotlandsPeople for their valuable assistance.
The following publications have been particularly valuable in the research of pen-pictures: Plymouth Argyle, A Complete Record 1903-1989 (Brian Knight, ISBN 0-907969-40-2); Plymouth Argyle, 101 Golden Greats (Andy Riddle, ISBN 1-874287-47-3); Football League Players' Records 1888-1939 (Michael Joyce, ISBN 1-899468-67-6); Football League Players' Records 1946-1988 (Barry Hugman, ISBN 1-85443-020-3) and Plymouth Argyle Football Club Handbooks.
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