Hugh Roberts (talent scout)

Hugh Roberts (d.April 2006), was a talent scout for Manchester United F.C.. His greatest discovery for the club was Mark Hughes, the popular former Wales striker and manager, nicknamed "Sparky".

Roberts spent most of his life in Caernarfon, where he lived with his wife Nesta. For many years he was the main talent scout for Manchester United in North Wales. He spotted 12-year old Mark Hughes playing for local schoolboy teams Rhos Aelwyd under-16s and Wrexham schoolboys. Hughes went on to join Manchester United after leaving school in the summer of 1980. He made his first team debut three years later in a 1–1 draw away to Oxford United in the FA Cup in which he scored for his team.

Roberts remained involved with Manchester United all his life, making regular visits to the Old Trafford stadium. He died in April 2006, aged 84.

External links

• Old Trafford scout Roberts dies, BBC News Website, April 19, 2006.