# Bob Hazell

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Footballer (born 1959)

Bob Hazell Personal information Full name Robert Joseph Hazell[1] Date of birth (1959-06-14) 14 June 1959 (age 67)[1] Place of birth Kingston, Jamaica[1] Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2] Position Defender Youth career Wolverhampton Wanderers Senior career* Years Team Apps (Gls) 1977–1979 Wolverhampton Wanderers 33 (1) 1979–1983 Queens Park Rangers 106 (8) 1983–1986 Leicester City 41 (2) 1985 → Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) 1 (0) 1986 Reading 4 (1) 1986–1989 Port Vale 81 (1) Total 266 (13) International career 1977 England Youth 2 (1) 1979 England U21 1 (1) 1978 England B 1 (0) * Club domestic league appearances and goals

**Robert Joseph Hazell** (born 14 June 1959) is a former professional [footballer](/source/Association_football) who made 266 league appearances in a 12-year career in the [English Football League](/source/English_Football_League) between 1977 and 1989. Born in Jamaica, he represented England at [under-21 level](/source/England_national_under-21_football_team). His nephew is the former [Oldham Athletic](/source/Oldham_Athletic_A.F.C.) defender [Reuben Hazell](/source/Reuben_Hazell), and his son Rohan was a [non-League](/source/Non-League_football) player.[3]

A big physical [defender](/source/Defender_(association_football)), he began his career at [Wolverhampton Wanderers](/source/Wolverhampton_Wanderers_F.C.), featuring in the [FA Youth Cup](/source/FA_Youth_Cup) final in 1976. He moved on to [Queens Park Rangers](/source/Queens_Park_Rangers_F.C.) in 1979. He helped QPR to the [Second Division](/source/Football_League_Second_Division) title in 1982–83 and also played in the [1982 FA Cup final](/source/1982_FA_Cup_final). He moved on to [Leicester City](/source/Leicester_City_F.C.) in 1983 and had a brief spell back on [loan](/source/Loan_(sports)) at Wolves in 1985 before he signed with [Reading](/source/Reading_F.C.). He joined [Port Vale](/source/Port_Vale_F.C.) in December 1986 and was a regular for the "Valiants" until a back injury forced his retirement in June 1989.

## Club career

### Wolverhampton Wanderers

Hazell was born in [Kingston, Jamaica](/source/Kingston%2C_Jamaica). He began his career at [Wolverhampton Wanderers](/source/Wolverhampton_Wanderers_F.C.) and featured in the 1976 [FA Youth Cup](/source/FA_Youth_Cup) final, which ended in a 5–0 [aggregate](/source/Aggregate_score) defeat to [West Bromwich Albion](/source/West_Bromwich_Albion_F.C.). He turned professional at [Molineux](/source/Molineux_Stadium) under [Sammy Chung](/source/Sammy_Chung) and played 20 [First Division](/source/Football_League_First_Division) games for Wolves in the [1977–78](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1977%E2%80%9378_Wolverhampton_Wanderers_F.C._season&action=edit&redlink=1) season; despite only making his debut in December and being [sent off](/source/Ejection_(sports)) in a 2–1 defeat to [Arsenal](/source/Arsenal_F.C.) in the [FA Cup](/source/FA_Cup), he made such an impact in a central defensive partnership with [John McAlle](/source/John_McAlle) that he picked up the club's second ever Player of the Year award.[4] Hazell scored his first career goal in a 1–0 home win over [Manchester City](/source/Manchester_City_F.C.).[5] He played 13 games in the first half of the [1978–79](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1978%E2%80%9379_Wolverhampton_Wanderers_F.C._season&action=edit&redlink=1) campaign. He played in a benefit match for West Bromwich Albion player [Len Cantello](/source/Len_Cantello), which saw a white team play against a black team.[6]

### Queens Park Rangers

In September 1979, Hazell was [transferred](/source/Transfer_(association_football)) to [Queens Park Rangers](/source/Queens_Park_Rangers_F.C.) for a £240,000 fee, who had just been [relegated](/source/Promotion_and_relegation) into the [Second Division](/source/Football_League_Second_Division).[5] Rangers finished fifth in [1979–80](/source/1979%E2%80%9380_Queens_Park_Rangers_F.C._season) under the stewardship of [Tommy Docherty](/source/Tommy_Docherty), two places and four points behind [promoted](/source/Promotion_and_relegation) [Birmingham City](/source/Birmingham_City_F.C.). Following this disappointment, [Terry Venables](/source/Terry_Venables) was put in charge at [Loftus Road](/source/Loftus_Road). The "Hoops" then dropped to eighth position in [1980–81](/source/1980%E2%80%9381_Queens_Park_Rangers_F.C._season), before rising to fifth again in [1981–82](/source/1981%E2%80%9382_Queens_Park_Rangers_F.C._season), just two points behind promoted [Norwich City](/source/Norwich_City_F.C.). Hazell played for QPR in the [1982 FA Cup final](/source/1982_FA_Cup_final) against [Tottenham Hotspur](/source/Tottenham_Hotspur_F.C.) at [Wembley](/source/Wembley_Stadium_(1923)) and provided the [assist](/source/Assist_(association_football)) for [Terry Fenwick](/source/Terry_Fenwick) to make the original tie a 1–1 draw.[7] However, a [Glenn Hoddle](/source/Glenn_Hoddle) [penalty](/source/Penalty_kick_(association_football)) was enough to hand "Spurs" a 1–0 victory in the [replay](/source/Replay_(sports)). Perhaps his most impressive performance came in the semi-final against West Bromwich Albion, where he marked [Cyrille Regis](/source/Cyrille_Regis) out of the game.[8] Promotion was finally achieved in [1982–83](/source/1982%E2%80%9383_Queens_Park_Rangers_F.C._season), as Rangers won the Second Division title by a ten-point margin.[5]

### Leicester City to Reading

Hazell transferred to First Division rivals [Leicester City](/source/Leicester_City_F.C.) in September of the [1983–84](/source/1983%E2%80%9384_Leicester_City_F.C._season) campaign for a fee of £100,000.[9] He helped [Gordon Milne](/source/Gordon_Milne)'s "Foxes" to post a 15th-place finish in [1984–85](/source/1984%E2%80%9385_Leicester_City_F.C._season), but became plagued by injury problems.[5] He had a brief [loan](/source/Loan_(sports)) spell at old club Wolves in [1985–86](/source/1985%E2%80%9386_Leicester_City_F.C._season), but could do little to prevent [Sammy Chapman](/source/Sammy_Chapman)'s side from slipping into the [Fourth Division](/source/Football_League_Fourth_Division). He was released from [Filbert Street](/source/Filbert_Street) and played for [Leeds United](/source/Leeds_United_F.C.) in the Yorkshire Cup.[5] He moved on to Second Division side [Reading](/source/Reading_F.C.) for the [1986–87](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1986%E2%80%9387_Reading_F.C._season&action=edit&redlink=1) season. He made just four league appearances for [Ian Branfoot](/source/Ian_Branfoot)'s "Royals" before leaving [Elm Park](/source/Elm_Park_(stadium)).[10] Reading wanted him on a short-term [contract](/source/Association_football_contracts) to cover for [Paul Futcher](/source/Paul_Futcher), who was out with a [fractured jaw](/source/Mandibular_fracture).[5]

### Port Vale

Hazell joined [Port Vale](/source/Port_Vale_F.C.) in December 1986.[1] He was reluctant to join due to the club's dire league placement but was talked round by former Leicester teammate [Mark Grew](/source/Mark_Grew).[5] His signing proved to be another master-stroke by [manager](/source/Manager_(association_football)) [John Rudge](/source/John_Rudge). Along with defensive partner [Phil Sproson](/source/Phil_Sproson), Hazell quickly shored up the "Valiants" defence before the end of [season](/source/1986%E2%80%9387_Port_Vale_F.C._season) run-in to steer the club out of the [Third Division](/source/Football_League_Third_Division) relegation zone to a 12th-place finish.[1][11] He went on to serve as club [captain](/source/Captain_(association_football)), setting an example with his performances whilst commanding respect with his mentality and presence.[12] He was the first black player to captain the club.[13] He played 52 league and cup games in [1987–88](/source/1987%E2%80%9388_Port_Vale_F.C._season), and gained some measure of revenge over Tottenham Hotspur in the [FA Cup](/source/FA_Cup) as he helped Vale to snatch a memorable 2–1 win; it was reported that he successfully intimidated [Clive Allen](/source/Clive_Allen) by knocking him to the ground and telling him that "You're going to get that for the next eighty-five minutes".[14]

Hazell was a regular feature in the [first XI](/source/First_XI) until he received a back injury in January 1989.[1] He made 17 league appearances in Vale's [1988–89](/source/1988%E2%80%9389_Port_Vale_F.C._season) promotion season. However, injury meant he was unable to play in the [play-off final](/source/1989_Football_League_Third_Division_play-off_final) victory over [Bristol Rovers](/source/Bristol_Rovers_F.C.).[1] Unable to overcome a back injury, he was given a [free transfer](/source/Free_transfer_(association_football)) in June 1989, having made 100 club appearances in all competitions at [Vale Park](/source/Vale_Park).[1] Chairman [Bill Bell](/source/Bill_Bell_(businessman)) refused to pay up his contract as he wanted to try and sell Hazell on to another club, and so the [Professional Footballers' Association](/source/Professional_Footballers'_Association) (PFA) decided to pay the remainder of his contract rather than try and take the club to court over the issue.[15]

## International career

During his time at Wolves he represented the [England Youth](/source/England_national_under-18_football_team), playing two games in March 1977.[5] He scored for the [under-21](/source/England_national_under-21_football_team) team in a 2–1 victory over [Denmark](/source/Denmark_national_under-21_football_team) in February 1979.[5] He also played for the B team in 1978.[15]

## Style of play

"Big Bob was your typical 'throw back' defender who took no prisoners and would kill to prevent a goal. On the ball he had much more skill and ability than he was given credit for, but it was his physicality that scared opposing forwards to death. This monster of a man had a particularly light, soft-spoken voice. But I never heard anyone take the mickey out of him!"

— [Robbie Earle](/source/Robbie_Earle) writing in 2012.[16]

## Post-retirement

After leaving the game, Hazell attempted a job selling [life insurance](/source/Life_insurance) but fell into a deep [depression](/source/Depression_(mood)).[15] He took up [Transcendental Meditation](/source/Transcendental_Meditation) and became a sports prevention manager in [Birmingham](/source/Birmingham), working to help rehabilitate young offenders through sport.[15][8]

## Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[17] Club Season League FA Cup Other Total Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Wolverhampton Wanderers 1977–78 First Division 20 1 3 0 0 0 23 1 1978–79 First Division 13 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 Total 33 1 3 0 0 0 36 1 Queens Park Rangers 1979–80 Second Division 29 1 1 1 4 0 34 2 1980–81 Second Division 8 2 0 0 2 0 10 2 1981–82 Second Division 24 2 4 0 4 0 32 2 1982–83 Second Division 39 3 1 0 2 0 42 3 1983–84 First Division 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 Total 106 8 6 1 12 0 124 9 Leicester City 1983–84 First Division 27 2 1 0 2 0 30 2 1984–85 First Division 14 0 0 0 2 0 16 0 Total 41 2 1 0 4 0 46 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) 1985–86 Third Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Reading 1986–87 Second Division 4 1 0 0 1 0 5 1 Port Vale 1986–87 Third Division 21 1 0 0 3 1 24 2 1987–88 Third Division 43 0 6 0 3 0 52 0 1988–89 Third Division 17 0 3 0 4 0 24 0 Total 81 1 9 0 10 1 100 2 Career total 266 13 19 1 27 1 312 15

## Honours

**Individual**

- [Wolverhampton Wanderers](/source/Wolverhampton_Wanderers_F.C.) Player of the Year: [1977–78](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1977%E2%80%9378_Wolverhampton_Wanderers_F.C._season&action=edit&redlink=1)[4]

**Wolverhampton Wanderers**

- [FA Youth Cup](/source/FA_Youth_Cup) runner-up: 1976

**Queens Park Rangers**

- [FA Cup](/source/FA_Cup) runner-up: [1982](/source/1982_FA_Cup_final)[7]

- [Football League Second Division](/source/Football_League_Second_Division): [1982–83](/source/1982%E2%80%9383_Queens_Park_Rangers_F.C._season)[5]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-kent_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-kent_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-kent_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-kent_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-kent_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-kent_1-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-kent_1-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-kent_1-7) Kent, Jeff (1996). *Port Vale Personalities*. Witan Books. p. 132. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-9529152-0-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-9529152-0-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Dunk, Peter (1987). [*Rothmans football yearbook 1987-88*](https://archive.org/details/rothmansfootball00lond/page/294/mode/2up/search/port+vale). London: Queen Anne Press. p. 294. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0356143545](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0356143545). Retrieved 14 April 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [NonLeagueDaily.com](https://web.archive.org/web/20121001022327/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/teams/players.php?pid=17016)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-poty_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-poty_4-1) ["Wolves Heroes » Player of the Year"](http://www.wolvesheroes.com/player-of-the-year/). *www.wolvesheroes.com*. Retrieved 16 May 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-beano1_5-9) "The Bob Hazell Interview". *The Port Vale Beano*. **60**.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Adrian Chiles (17 November 2016). ["The match that pitted white players against black players"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-37924448). BBC. Retrieved 18 November 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-fff_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-fff_7-1) ["FA Cup final 1982"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110717033528/http://www.fa-cupfinals.co.uk/1982.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.fa-cupfinals.co.uk/1982.htm) on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 16 May 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Semi-final_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Semi-final_8-1) ["Semi-final just a blur for Bob"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180516174836/https://www.expressandstar.com/latest/2008/04/01/semi-final-just-a-blur-for-bob/). *Express & Star*. 1 April 2008. Archived from [the original](https://www.expressandstar.com/latest/2008/04/01/semi-final-just-a-blur-for-bob/) on 16 May 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Bob Hazell | Leicester City career stats - FoxesTalk"](https://www.foxestalk.co.uk/history/players?pid=510). *FoxesTalk*. Retrieved 27 March 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Brown, Neil. ["BOB HAZELL"](http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/player3/bobhazell.html). Retrieved 12 May 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Baggaley, Mike (10 February 2017). ["How Big Bob Hazell helped transform Port Vale"](http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/how-big-bob-hazell-helped-transform-port-vale/story-30124240-detail/story.html). *Staffordshire Sentinel*. Retrieved 10 February 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Earle, Robbie (13 May 2020). ["'You were shaking in your boots' - Robbie Earle on what makes good captain"](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-stoke-city-captains-4131089). *Stoke Sentinel*. Retrieved 14 May 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Black History Month: Port Vale Football Club"](https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2020/october/black-history-month-port-vale-football-club/). *Port Vale F.C*. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["A collection of Port Vale hard men from yesteryear - onevalefan.co.uk"](https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2017/08/a-collection-of-port-vale-hard-men-from-yesteryear/). *onevalefan.co.uk*. 28 August 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-beano2_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-beano2_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-beano2_15-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-beano2_15-3) "The Bob Hazell Interview (Part 2)". *The Port Vale Beano*. **61**.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Earle, Robbie (12 January 2012). ["Here's my promotion-winning Vale team"](http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Robbie-Earle-s-promotion-winning-Vale-team/story-14401576-detail/story.html). *[The Sentinel](/source/The_Sentinel_(Staffordshire))*. Retrieved 12 January 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [Bob Hazell](https://www.enfa.co.uk) at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)

v t e Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. Player of the Year 1977: Daley 1978: Hazell 1979: Berry 1980: Carr 1981: Bradshaw 1982: Bradshaw 1983: Burridge 1984: Dodd 1985: Flowers 1986: Streete 1987: Stoutt 1988: Bull 1989: Mutch 1990: Venus 1991: Stowell 1992: Bennett 1993: Cook 1994: Thompson 1995: Rankine 1996: Bull 1997: Bull 1998: Curle 1999: Muscat 2000: Pollet 2001: Naylor 2002: Rae 2003: Lescott 2004: Camara 2005: Lescott 2006: Miller 2007: Murray 2008: Hennessey 2009: Foley 2010: Craddock 2011: Jarvis 2012: Hennessey 2013: Sako 2014: McDonald 2015: Stearman 2016: Doherty 2017: Costa 2018: Neves 2019: Moutinho 2020: Jiménez 2021: Neto 2022: Sá 2023: Neves 2024: Lemina 2025: Gomes 2026: Bueno

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Bob Hazell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hazell) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hazell?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.