British · Bellshill, Scotland · Born 4 March 1976English striker known for prolific goalscoring across multiple divisions, particularly remembered for his Championship performances with Birmingham and Forest.
Robert James Blake was born on 4 March 1976 in Middlesbrough, England, and began his career with Darlington in 1994, including a loan spell in Ireland with Waterford United before moving to Bradford City in 1997. His clever movement and eye for goal made him a valuable attacking option as Bradford won promotion to the Premier League in 1999, and he helped the club survive their difficult debut top-flight season. Blake went on to have a well-travelled career across the English divisions, playing for Nottingham Forest on loan before spells at Burnley, Birmingham City, and Leeds United. He returned to Burnley in 2007, and it was there that he enjoyed one of the most memorable moments of his career, scoring on his full Premier League debut for the club at 33 years old in 2009, becoming one of the competition's older debutants. Over a career spanning more than 500 Football League and Premier League appearances, Blake played for eight different clubs, including Bolton Wanderers and Doncaster Rovers, generating career transfer fees totalling around £3.6 million. His versatility across attacking midfield and striker roles made him a reliable performer wherever he played. After retiring, Blake moved into non-league management, taking charge of Bognor Regis Town for six years and later serving as caretaker manager of Eastbourne Borough, continuing his involvement in football at a grassroots level decades after his own playing career began in the lower divisions.
Prolific goalscoring record across multiple Championship clubs
His League Cup hat-trick against a full-strength Manchester City side remains one of the most memorable cup upsets of the 2000s.
Did You Know?How They Played
Pacey striker with clinical finishing and strong work rate
Career Honours
- Championship Play-Off Runner-Up
- League Cup Semi-Final
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darlington | 1994–1997 | — | 68 | 21 | — |
| Waterford United | 1995–1996 | loan | 2 | 0 | — |
| Bradford City | 1997–2002 | — | 153 | 40 | #9 |
| Nottingham Forest | 2000–2000 | loan | 11 | 1 | — |
| Burnley | 2002–2005 | — | 120 | 42 | — |
| Birmingham City | 2005–2005 | — | 11 | 2 | — |
| Leeds United | 2005–2007 | — | 77 | 19 | — |
| Burnley | 2007–2010 | — | 122 | 19 | — |
| Bolton Wanderers | 2010–2012 | — | 9 | 1 | — |
| Doncaster Rovers | 2012–2013 | — | 7 | 0 | — |
| Team Northumbria | 2013–2013 | — | — | — | — |
British Athletes