Robert Young played for St Mirren in the Scottish League before joining West Ham United in 1907. In his first season he played 35 league and cup games for the club. He lost his place during the next season and moved to Middlesbrough in 1909. He scored five goals in 34 games before being transferred to Everton for a fee of £1,200 in 1910. This was a record for a defender. He scored 7 goals in 38 games before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1911. Over the next two years he scored 10 goals in 67 games. His career was brought to an end by the outbreak of the First World War.