Robert Milne Football player
Robert ("Bob") George Milne is a former footballer who played for the Gordon Highlanders, Linfield and Ireland during the 1890s and early 1900s. Born in Scotland, Milne was stationed in Ireland with the Gordon Highlanders and played 7 games for the regimental football team as they won the Irish Cup in 1890. He subsequently signed for Linfield and played 43 games and scored 19 goals for the club in the same competition.Between 1894 and 1906 Milne also made 27 appearances and scored 2 goals for Ireland. On March 3, 1894 at the Solitude Ground in Belfast, Milne, together with Olphert Stanfield, was a member of the Irish team when, after thirteen attempts Ireland finally avoided defeat to England. Against an England team that included Fred Spiksley and Jack Reynolds, Ireland came back from 2-0 down to gain a 2-2 draw. Milne was also captain of Ireland during the 1903 British Home Championship. Until then the competition had been monopolised by England and Scotland. However in 1903, before goal difference was applied, Ireland forced a three way share. With a team that also included Archie Goodall, Jack Kirwan, Billy Scott and Billy McCracken, Ireland beat both Wales and Scotland 2-0. This was also the first time Ireland had beaten Scotland.