Born in Wollongong on 14 March 1922, Bob started his football career in 1939 and amassed 424 appearances over twenty-four years with the Corrimal Rangers, Woonona, North Shore and South Coast United. As a regular in the Australian and New South Wales teams his small stature was massed with lightning speed and a tenacious will to win.
On the field he was one of a handful of top quality defenders playing regular football, but soccer was not the only sport Bob excelled at. For two years in the 1950's Bob turned out for the Corrimal Rugby League first grade side on Sundays when it didn't conflict with his soccer commitments. In summer it was tennis and cricket again at first grade level and when he retired he took up the noble art of training greyhounds. A number of city winners such as 'Ginger Ted' and ‘Julies Top' all came out of the kennel of Bob Bignell.
Bob played 8 matches for the Socceroos from 1954 -1956. Bob debuted as Socceroo #127 against New Zealand on 28 August 1954, became the 16th Socceroo captain against South Africa in Sydney on 24 September 1955 and he captained the Socceroos for both matches at the 1956 Olympic Games.
His love affair for sport continued throughout his life and recently he was able to be part of the crowd at the MCG when Melbourne Victory took on Liverpool FC.
Bob passed away in 2013.
Hall of Fame 1999 Inductees
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