Roberts was born in Rhosllannerchrugog near Wrexham and was a member of the village football team by the time he was thirteen, going on to captain the side for four seasons.
[2] Shortly after his international debut, Roberts was persuaded by Seth Powell to sign for West Bromwich Albion as an amateur.
By the end of the season he had become the Wrexham captain before a move back to the Football League to join Crewe Alexandra in 1892.
[1] in 1892, the Football Association of Wales in the annual player assessment described Roberts as "a good outside left (who) passes well (but) requires the same partner regularly".
[3] In the league, Roberts made 38 appearances for Crewe over two seasons, scoring 17 goals, with the club finishing both years mid-table in the Second Division.