Introduction
Roger Charles Osborne (born 9 March 1950) is a former professional footballer who is best known for scoring the winning goal in the 1978 FA Cup Final.
Biography
Born in Otley, Suffolk in 1950, Osborne was signed by Ipswich Town from Suffolk & Ipswich League club Grundisburgh in March 1971. He made his league debut on October 27, 1973 against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Portman Road, Ipswich Town winning 2-0.
In 1978, he was part of the Ipswich team that won the FA Cup against Arsenal, scoring the winning goal in the 77th minute, in a 1-0 victory. His celebration upon scoring the winning goal caused him to faint and be substituted with only ten minutes of the match remaining. In 1979, he was loaned to NASL side Detroit Express, for whom he played 22 matches.
In 1981, he moved to Colchester United where he played out until 1986, making over 200 appearances. After retiring from professional football, he worked as a lorry driver and at the Willis Faber Sports Centre in Rushmere St Andrew, which was run by former Colchester manager Dick Graham. He also played for non-League clubs Sudbury Town, Braintree Town, Felixstowe Port & Town and SIL club Westerfield, whom he also managed.
Today Osborne is the manager of the sports centre, now known as the Rushmere Sports Centre.
Honours
Ipswich Town
- FA Cup winner 1978