Scores of fans have paid their tributes to the man judged to be Southport Football Club’s greatest ever player, Eric ‘Big Red’ Redrobe.
The legendary centre forward played 192 times for the club, scoring 55 goals.
The former England youth international was part of the team which secured promotion from the Fourth Division to the Third Division.
In 2007, he was chosen as the Southport fans’ all-time favourite player as part of the Professional Footballers’ Association centenary celebrations.
Eric was honorary president of the Southport FC Supporters Trust and was inducted into the Southport FC Hall of Fame.
He died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 81.
His death came just a few days apart from the tragic loss of another Sandgrounders legend, Tony Field.
A club spokesperson said: “Southport football club is saddened by the news that Eric ‘Big Red’ Redrobe sadly passed away on New Year’s Eve.
“Eric, heritage number 986, was one of the most recognisable and much loved figures in Southport FC history.
“Signed from Bolton Wanderers on 18 August 1966, he made his debut two days later against Port Vale and went on to become a fixture in the Southport side for more than six seasons.
“In total, Eric made 192 league appearances for the club, scoring 55 goals.
“Beyond his playing career, Eric retained a deep and visible connection to the club. He later served as honorary president of the Southport FC Supporters Trust and was inducted into the Southport FC Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the club.
“Our thoughts are with Eric’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Commenting on the Southport FC Facebook page, fans paid their tributes.
Jed Stone wrote: “Oh no! After losing Tony Field last week, now my other 1st football hero has passed, I loved ‘Eric The Red’ growing up, tough as old boots, proper centre forward. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP Eric.”
Former Southport FC striker Steve Haw said: “Very sad news and sincere condolences to his family.
“Rest in Peace Eric, it was an honour to meet and share the same pitch as you!”
Steve Oldfield said: “Went to each Friday night game with my Dad, so sad to lose Eric the red and Tony Field so close together.”
Barry Hedley said: “My mate Eric, what a gentleman. He was also a good friend of Ronnie Radford at Hereford. So sad.”
Neil Leatherbarrow said: “Legend is arguably an over used word nowadays. But this man simply was, especially to anyone who supports Southport and is over 65. RIP a gentleman.”
John Marchant said: “Oh my, RIP Eric what wonderful memories you have given us old gold Sandgrounders.
“55 goals….. in my memory you seemed to score every week!
“You were the main man, strong, brave and built like a brick out house….. formidable.”
Dave Baker said: “RIP Eric, nobody would have liked marking Eric ‘the wardrobe’ Redrobe. A tank of a man who could play as well.”
Peter Holland said: “One of the best players I have seen in a southport shirt. Rest in peace I will keep his family in our prayers.”
Frank Rimmer said: “Two absolute legends gone in a week. These guys were great professionals, loved wherever they played. RIP and thank you.”
Steve Rowson said: “The greatest. I remember him bundling a goalkeeper into the back of the net whilst holding the ball. Goal!”
Jeff Ingram said: “Absolute ‘Port legend and a great bloke too. Chatted to him many times when we both worked in the same building in Southport. RIP Eric the Red.”
Sylvia Tatham said: “RIP remember him when he played the odd Sunday for my dad’s cricket team.”
Paul Christien said: “Really sad news , one great man, I spent a couple of years playing at Southport as a young Goalkeeper Eric took the time to chat with me over the season and offer some great advice , never forgotten , RIP and God Bless.”
Simon Evans said: “Back in 1972 SFC played away at Notts County in the League Cup. After the game, and an hour or two at a local nightclub, I had the honor of driving Eric home from Nottingham. A fond memory for sure. Legend. RIP.”
Eamonn McNamara said: “RIP Eric Redrobe and thank you for all the magical moments that you gave to us Port fans.
“He was not only a great player but he was also great company and a man without airs and graces.”
Ged Bird said: “Roy of the Rovers centre-forward. The goal I remember was on a very wet April game, Eric picked-up the ball and ploughed a furrow through a muddy penalty-box to power it into the back of the net.”
Brian Johnson said: “My hero! Always let the goalkeeper ‘know he was there!’ at corners which usually resulted in the keeper ending up in the net!!!”
Mike Ratcliffe said: “Mastered the art of running in from the edge of the box at corners timing the jump, header and scoring goals. A man mountain and the making of a total hero to any 8 year old!”
Mike Cattrall said: “Such a sad week, two legends in Eric and Tony Field leaving us. I was so lucky growing up in those great days at Haig Ave, gone but never forgotten, thank you so much.”
Terry Waller said: “Very sad news. I got 93 autographs off him over the years. Eric was a gentleman, Rest in Peace.”
John Baggott said: “Absolutely gutted to hear this news. An absolute gentleman and much loved when at Hereford United FC.
“Remember meeting him at Haig Avenue a few years ago to invite him to Edgar Street for a presentation. He attended with his good lady and was welcomed like the King he was. RIP Eric.
“Condolences to his family and to all at Southport FC.
“Legend can be an overused word in football but Eric a legend you sir definitely were.”
Eric Redrobe (23 August 1944 – 31 December 2025) played in the Football League as a striker for Bolton Wanderers, Southport and Hereford United during the 1960s and 1970s.
He played rugby league for Lancashire Schoolboys, and received contract offers in that sport, but chose to play association football instead.
An England youth international] he started his career at Bolton Wanderers making four appearances and scoring one goal in two and a half seasons].
He had a trial at Colchester United before joining Southport in 1966. In his first season, he scored the winning goal in Southport’s last away game, then, needing to win their last home game to secure promotion from the Fourth Division, he set up the only goal of the game for George Andrews.
Called ‘Big Eric’ or ‘Big Red’ by Southport fans, Redrobe was a regular in the side during its three seasons in the Third Division before relegation.
After another three seasons in the Fourth Division, he was sold for a fee of £6,000 to Hereford United, newly elected to the Football League, in October 1972; he scored nine goals as the Bulls were promoted at their first attempt. He remained at Edgar Street until the end of Hereford’s successful 1975–76 season when they won the Third Division. He dropped into non-league football to play for Bath City before a brief return to Hereford in 1977. He later became a bailiff.
In 2007, he was chosen as the Southport fans’ all-time favourite player as part of the Professional Footballers’ Association centenary celebrations.
Eric Redrobe died on 31 December 2025, at the age of 81.
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