Robert Hawkes

Robert Murray Hawkes (18 October 1880 in Breachwood Green – 12 September 1945) was an English footballer who played for Luton Town, became their first international player, and competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics.

Robert Hawkes
Personal information
Full name Robert Murray Hawkes
Date of birth (1880-10-18)18 October 1880
Place of birth Breachwood Green, England
Date of death 12 September 1945(1945-09-12) (aged 64)
Place of death Luton, England
Position(s) Winger
Youth career
1900–1901 Luton Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1901–1920 Luton Town 349 (40)
National team
1907–1908 England 5 (0)
1908 England (amateur) 3 (2)
Olympic medal record
Men's football
Representing  Great Britain
1908 London Team competition
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Hawkes joined his local team Luton Town as an amateur in 1900, while working in the hat trade, which was prominent in the town. Such was his quality that he was a member of the English team that won the gold medal in the football tournament at the 1908 London Olympics. Meanwhile, he had become the captain

 | title     = The Luton Town Story 1885–1985
 | publisher = Luton Town F.C.
 | first     = Timothy
 | last      = Collings
 | year      = 1985
 | pages     = 17–19
 | isbn      = 0-951067-90-7

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He also made five appearances for the full England team, making his debut against Ireland on 16 February 1907. In 1908 he was a member of the England squad who toured Europe for the first time, making four appearances in the space of seven days against Austria (twice), Hungary and Bohemia; all four matches resulted in comfortable victories for England.

He was courted numerous times by clubs from the Football League, but always remained loyal to his roots at Luton, turning professional in 1911. He stayed with Luton until his retirement as a 39-year-old in 1920, when Luton rejoined the League themselves.

References
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