Ross Forbes

Scottish footballer

Ross ForbesPersonal information

Full name|  Ross Forbes
Date of birth|  (1989-03-03) 3 March 1989 (age 35)
Place of birth|  Glasgow, Scotland
Height|  6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1]
Position(s)|  Midfielder
Senior career*
Years|  Team|  Apps|  (Gls)
2007–2012|  Motherwell|  70|  (7)
2009|  → Dumbarton (loan)|  18|  (1)
2012|  Dumbarton (trial)|  1|  (0)
2012–2014|  Partick Thistle|  43|  (4)
2014–2015|  Dunfermline Athletic|  25|  (4)
2015–2018|  Greenock Morton|  102|  (14)
2018–2019|  Dumbarton|  36|  (13)
2019–2020|  Forfar Athletic|  20|  (5)
2020–2021|  Dumbarton|  27|  (1)
2021–2023|  Stenhousemuir|  57|  (4)
2023|  Clyde|  13|  (0)
International career‡
2007|  Scotland U19|  1|  (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 31 January 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 7 December 2022

Ross Forbes (born 3 March 1989) is a Scottish footballer midfielder. He has played for Motherwell, Dumbarton (three spells), Partick Thistle, Dunfermline Athletic, Greenock Morton, Forfar Athletic, Stenhousemuir and Clyde.

## Career[edit]

### Motherwell[edit]

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Forbes began his football career with Motherwell. In the 2007–08 season, Forbes was an unused substitute on 23 April 2008 against Celtic[2] and continued doing so the following season, as he appeared on the bench four more times.

### Loan move to Dumbarton[edit]

On 24 January 2009, Forbes was loaned out to Dumbarton, until the end of the season.[3] At the club, Forbes was a key man in helping the club win the Scottish Football League Third Division championship. He scored his only goal in a 2–0 win for the Sons against Berwick Rangers on 11 April 2009.[4] He hoped his good performances would earn him a first team place at Motherwell the following season.[5]

### Return to Motherwell[edit]

Forbes made his first-team debut for Motherwell in the Europa League first qualifying round defeat against Llanelli on 2 July 2009, Jim Gannon's first match in charge. He scored 2 goals in the return leg of their second qualifying round match against KS Flamurtari Vlorë which Motherwell won 8–1 and another in the next qualifying round home match, a 1–3 loss against Steaua Bucharest.

After scoring on his debut in the opening game of the season, he carried his good form into the league campaign, scoring five times in the opening 10 games, and was rewarded by being named SPL Young Player of the Month for August.[6][7] Forbes was also rewarded by extending his contract until 2012.[8] On 10 February 2010, Forbes had a goal ruled offside against his boyhood club, Rangers, which he described as the "goal of his dreams". The game ended in a 1–1 draw.[9] In a match against Hibernian Forbes had the chance to equalise from a penalty kick with three minutes left, but it was saved by Graeme Smith, who had conceded the penalty in the first place.[10] After the match, Forbes said he couldn't cope and move on following the missed penalty.[11] Later in the season, under new manager Craig Brown, Forbes form dipped badly after a couple of months coming on as a sub without scoring. During this time he was often played out of position.

In the 2010/11 season, Forbes started the season by scoring a curling free-kick in the Europa League second qualifying round match against Breiðablik in the first leg.[12] Under new manager Stuart McCall, Forbes said he'd been given a second chance to show his talent, and that he was to blame for dropping out of the team.[13] In the final of Scottish Cup, Forbes was an unused substitute, and this continued for the remainder of the matches played. After featuring just seven times for the club Forbes was released at the end of the 2011–12 season.[14]

### Partick Thistle[edit]

After being released by Motherwell, Forbes was close to sealing a move to recently relegated Dunfermline Athletic and played as a trialist for former club Dumbarton in a Scottish First Division game against Partick Thistle.[15] His performance earned him a six-month deal with Thistle on 5 September 2012,[16] joining up with former team-mate Steven Lawless; and stating that joining the timing of the move was perfect.[17][18]

He made his debut for the club as a substitute for Aaron Taylor-Sinclair, in a 2–1 win over Cowdenbeath. A month later Forbes scored his first goal for the club, in a 7–0 victory over Airdrie United.[19] His second goal came on 10 November 2012, in a 5–1 win over Dunfermline Athletic; in a match where he also provided an assist for Conrad Balatoni. After seven appearances and two goals Forbes signed a new contract until the end of the season in November 2012.[20] At the end of the season, following the club's promotion to the SPL for the first time in nine years Forbes signed a one-year deal.[21] Upon signing the new contract he said that Thistle had helped him get his career on track and brought back his love for playing football.[22]

In the 2013–14 season, Forbes made his first Scottish Premiership appearance since leaving Motherwell in a 0–0 draw against Dundee United on the opening day. Forbes scored his First Premiership goal for Partick Thistle against St Mirren, coming off the bench in a 2–1 comeback victory.[23] Despite this however his playing time was limited.

### Dunfermline Athletic[edit]

On 31 January 2014, Forbes was released by Partick Thistle[24] and signed for Scottish Second Division side Dunfermline Athletic on the same day.[25] Forbes made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in a 3–1 win over East Fife.[26]

### Greenock Morton[edit]

In a swap deal with Andrew Barrowman, Forbes made the move to Greenock to sign for league rivals Greenock Morton.[27] He signed a one-year extension in May 2015.[28]

At the end of his deal, Forbes agreed a two-year extension until summer 2018.[29]

Forbes was nominated by his peers for the Championship Player of the Year for 2016–17.[30] He was also selected in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.[31]

### Return to Dumbarton[edit]

After leaving Morton Forbes returned to Dumbarton, nine years after his loan spell with the club, in June 2018.[32] His first goal back at the club was an injury time equaliser against Arbroath in August 2018.[33] During the season Forbes was appointed club captain after Andy Dowie retired[34] and scored 13 goals in 43 games — the best goal return of his career.

### Forfar Athletic[edit]

Forbes left Dumbarton for Forfar Athletic in May 2019.[35] After making 27 appearances, scoring six times he left the club on deadline day 2020.

### Dumbarton (third spell)[edit]

Forbes returned for a third spell at Dumbarton in January 2020, signing an 18-month deal.[36][37][38]

### Stenhousemuir[edit]

Forbes signed for Scottish League Two side Stenhousemuir in May 2021.[39]

## International career[edit]

In recognition of his good form at the start of the 2009–10 season, Forbes was called into the Scotland under–21s squad to play Belarus under-21s on 9 October 2009.[40]

## Honours[edit]

### Club[edit]

Dumbarton

* Scottish Division Three (fourth tier): Winners 2008–09[41]

Morton

* Scottish League One (third tier): Winners 2014–15[42]

Partick Thistle 2012-13 Scottish First Division (second tier)

### Individual[edit]

* Championship Player of the Month: January 2017[43]
* Championship Player of the Year 2016–17 – nominee

## Personal life[edit]

Forbes is a lifelong Rangers fan and was a season ticket holder, along with his father, during the Advocaat era. He revealed that Barry Ferguson was his favourite player around that time.[44]

## Career statistics[edit]

As of 20 May
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition  Club  | Season  | League  | Scottish Cup | League Cup | Other  | Total

|
|
|
|
|
|

Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals
Dumbarton | 2008–09[45] | Third Division | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 1
Motherwell | 2009–10[46] | Premier League | 28 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6[a] | 3 | 37 | 9
2010–11[47] | 23 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5[a] | 1 | 33 | 1
2011–12[48] | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0
Total  | 55 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 77 | 10
Dumbarton | 2012–13[49] | First Division | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0
Partick Thistle | 2012–13[49] | First Division | 27 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2[b] | 0 | 31 | 4
2013–14[50] | Premiership | 16 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 1
Total  | 43 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 51 | 5
Dunfermline Athletic | 2013–14[50] | League One | 13 | 3 | – | – | 4[c] | 0 | 17 | 3
2014–15[51] | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 16 | 1
Total  | 25 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 33 | 4
Greenock Morton | 2014–15[51] | League One | 16 | 1 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 16 | 1
2015–16[52] | Championship | 36 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1[b] | 0 | 45 | 5
2016–17[53] | 34 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 12
2017–18[54] | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 21 | 1
Total  | 102 | 14 | 7 | 2 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 125 | 18
Dumbarton | 2018–19 | League One | 36  | 13  | 1  | 0  | 4  | 0  | 2  | 0  | 43  | 13
Forfar Athletic | 2019–20 | League One | 20  | 5  | 1  | 0  | 5  | 1  | 1  | 0  | 27  | 6
Dumbarton | 2019–20 | 7  | 1  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 7  | 1
2020–21 | League One | 20  | 0  | 1  | 1  | 3  | 0  | 4  | 0  | 28  | 1
Dumbarton Total  | 82  | 15  | 2  | 1  | 7  | 0  | 6  | 0  | 97  | 16
Stenhousemuir | 2021–22 | League Two | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 0
Career total  | 327 | 47 | 19 | 4 | 37 | 5 | 27 | 4 | 410 | 60

1. ^ a b Appearances in the Europa League
2. ^ a b c d Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup
3. ^ Appearances in the Championship play-offs

## See also[edit]

* Greenock Morton F.C. season 2014–15 | 2015–16

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Ross Forbes". www.dumbartonfootballclub.com. Dumbarton F.C. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
2. ^ "Motherwell 1–4 Celtic". BBC Sport. 23 April 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
3. ^ "Forbes and Pope head out on loan". BBC Sport. 24 January 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
4. ^ "Dumbarton 2–0 Berwick Rangers". BBC Sport. 11 April 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
5. ^ "Soccer shorts". Daily Record. 16 April 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
6. ^ "Forbes given young player prize". BBC Sport. 14 September 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
7. ^ "I would have scored penalty against Rangers, insists Motherwell's young player of the month Ross Forbes". Daily Record. 15 September 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
8. ^ "Forbes extends stay at Fir Park". BBC Sport. 8 September 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
9. ^ "I couldn't help knocking ball over the line against Rangers, I knew I was onside, says Motherwell's Ross Forbes". Daily Record. 12 February 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
10. ^ "Motherwell 6 – 6 Hibernian". BBC Sport. 5 May 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
11. ^ "I've no fear over taking penalty again against Hibs – despite 6–6 miss, insists Ross Forbes". Daily Record. 12 August 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
12. ^ "Motherwell 1 – 0 Breidablik". BBC Sport. 15 July 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
13. ^ "Ross Forbes: I'm happy Stuart McCall is giving me a chance to show what I can do". Daily Record. 19 February 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
14. ^ "Motherwell wait on deals with four key players". BBC Sport. 17 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
15. ^ "Transfer Talk: August 14 – Four-way battle for Ki; Well want midfielder; Inter want Walcott". Daily Record. 14 August 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
16. ^ "Thistle Sign Midfielder". ptfc.co.uk. Partick Thistle F.C. 5 September 2012. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
17. ^ "Firhill For Thrills: Fans Flocking Back To Partick Thistle In Record Numbers". The Glaswegian. 12 September 2012. Archived from the original on 7 July 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
18. ^ "Scottish Football Reform: Partick Thistle Chief Puzzled By SPL Plans". The Glaswegian. 22 November 2012. Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2013.`{{cite news}}`: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
19. ^ "Partick Thistle 7–0 Airdrie United". BBC Sport. 20 October 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
20. ^ "Ross Forbes Agrees New Deal". ptfc.co.uk. Partick Thistle F.C. 22 November 2012. Archived from the original on 27 November 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
21. ^ "Partick Thistle: Kris Doolan & Ross Forbes sign new deals". BBC Sport. 21 May 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
22. ^ "Partick Thistle midfielder Ross Forbes opens his heart on his Motherwell rejection". Daily Record. 23 May 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
23. ^ "St Mirren 1 Partick Thistle 2: Danny Lennon vows to fight to save his job as Saints slump to another costly defeat". Daily Record. 1 September 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
24. ^ "Ross Forbes Released". ptfc.co.uk. 31 January 2014. Archived from the original on 4 April 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
25. ^ "New Arrivals". dafc.co.uk. 31 January 2014. Archived from the original on 19 February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
26. ^ "East Fife 1–3 Dunfermline Athletic". BBC Sport. 1 February 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
27. ^ Mitchell, Jonathan (14 January 2015). "Morton sign Dunfermline midfielder". Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
28. ^ "Two Re-sign". Greenock Morton F.C. 18 May 2015. Archived from the original on 19 May 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
29. ^ "Player News – Ross Forbes". Greenock Morton F.C. 28 April 2016. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
30. ^ Mitchell, Jonathan (27 April 2017). "Ross Forbes". Greenock Morton F.C. Archived from the original on 28 April 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
31. ^ "PFA Scotland Teams of the Year". SPFL. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
32. ^ Galloway, Andy (11 June 2018). "Ross Forbes returns to Dumbarton". Dumbarton F.C.
33. ^ Galloway, Andy (18 August 2018). "Dumbarton (1) v Arbroath (1)". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
34. ^ Galloway, Andy (16 February 2019). "UNBEATEN CAPTAINCY FOR FORBES!".
35. ^ Galloway, Andy (29 May 2019). "SKIPPER LEAVES". Dumbarton Football Club.
36. ^ Coutts, Chris. "Ross Forbes heads back west". forfarathletic.co.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
37. ^ Clarke, Fraser (31 January 2020). "Ross Forbes rejoins Dumbarton after leaving Forfar Athletic". dailyrecord. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
38. ^ "Dumbarton Football Club — SIGNING NEWS: ROSS FORBES IS BACK AT DUMBARTON". www.dumbartonfootballclub.com. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
39. ^ "Dumbarton Football Club – FORBES MOVES ON". www.dumbartonfootballclub.com. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
40. ^ "Scots call Forbes and Wotherspoon". BBC Sport. 29 September 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
41. ^ "Annan 1–3 Dumbarton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
42. ^ "Greenock Morton claim League 1 title after 3–1 win against Peterhead". Scottish Television. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
43. ^ Mitchell, Jonathan (6 February 2017). "Ross Forbes picks up Player of the Month award". Greenock Morton F.C. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
44. ^ "I never thought I'd face Old Firm as I wanted to join police, says Motherwell starlet Ross Forbes". Daily Record. 19 December 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
45. ^ "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
46. ^ "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
47. ^ "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
48. ^ "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
49. ^ a b "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
50. ^ a b "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
51. ^ a b "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
52. ^ "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
53. ^ "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
54. ^ "Games played by Ross Forbes in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2017.

## External links[edit]

* Ross Forbes at Soccerbase
* Ross Forbes on Twitter

* v
* t
* e

2016–17 PFA Scotland Scottish Championship Team of the Year

* GK: Bell
* DF: Devlin
* DF: McGregor
* DF: O'Ware
* DF: Stevenson
* MF: Mallan
* MF: McGinn
* MF: Forbes
* FW: Andreu
* FW: Dobbie
* FW: Cummings

*[Apps]: League appearances
*[Gls]: League goals
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template