[3] At the age of 17 years in August 1937 Roberts signed for Notts County where, although he never played a first team game, he received good advice and coaching from "Dixie" Dean & Hughie Gallacher who were both at the club at the time.
[3] Joe Riley recommended Roberts to Bristol City and Bob Hewison signed him in August 1938 on a free transfer.
[3][4] Dennis Roberts made his debut at centre half at Clapton Orient in a 1–1 draw on 24 September 1938 following the retirement of Joe Pearce.
[4] After retiring in May 1954 Dennis Roberts was landlord of the "Avon Packet" and then the "Ship Inn" near St Mary Redcliffe church in Bristol.
Roberts later drove a fork lift truck at GKN Bedminster until his retirement from work in February 1983.