Bob McFarlane (footballer, died 1898)

Robert "Bob" McFarlane (unknown – October 1898) was a Scottish footballer who played as a full-back.

Born in Airdrie, McFarlane began his career with local side Airdrieonians, before moving to England to play for Bootle.[1] He was part of the Bootle side that took part in the inaugural season of the Football Alliance in 1889–90, helping them to second place behind The Wednesday.[2] That summer, he joined Sunderland Albion,[1] whom he also helped to a runners-up spot in 1890–91.[3]

He moved on to Newton Heath in 1891–92,[4] where he took over as captain from the departing Jack Powell.[5] He immediately became the club's first-choice right-back and played in all but four league matches during the season, scoring once in a 5–0 win at home to Walsall Town Swifts on 5 March 1892,[6] as he secured his third successive second-place finish.[7] He also played in four FA Cup matches (although the Second Round Qualifying match was technically a friendly after their opponents, Heywood, were disqualified from the competition) and the Manchester Senior Cup semi-final defeat to Bolton Wanderers.[6]

At the end of the season, while on holiday back home in Airdrie, he re-signed for Airdrieonians after being allowed to resume his amateur status.[8] To replace McFarlane, Newton Heath signed Airdrieonians full-back Andrew Mitchell, who had been set to partner McFarlane in defence for the Scottish club.[8] McFarlane played a further 67 league games between 1894 and 1898, when he contracted pneumonia and died.[8] His final appearance for the club came against Morton at Cappielow on 8 October 1898, and he died later that month.[8]

McFarlane was married to a sister of the Doughty brothers, Jack and Roger, who also played for Newton Heath in their pre-League days.[4]