The popular defender was signed by Harry Storer from Leeds United in early 1952 as City struggled against relegation from Division Two. Understudy to John Charles at Elland Road, Roy was identified as the long term replacement for the veteran George Mason but sadly he could not stop City from sliding into Division Three. Kirk went on to become a stalwart of the defence for eight years, first as a centre-half, later, after the emergence of George Curtis, as a right back. Fearsome in the tackle and excellent in the air he was one of few consistent performers in a black era for the club.
He was an ever-present three seasons out of six and although not a prolific scorer did manage a freak 50-yard effort in an FA Cup tie at Northampton in 1954. When City won promotion from Division Four in 1959 he played every game but then lost his place to Don Bennett in early 1960. That summer he joined the then non-league Cambridge United as player-coach under his former City teammate Alan Moore. In 1964 he replaced Moore as manager and had three seasons in charge of the emerging Southern League side who would become league members in 1970. He lived in Cambridge until his untimely death.
Penalties (5 - 2 scored)
1952-53
21 February 1953 v Bristol Rovers A, Division Three South, scored (keeper Howard Radford)
11 April 1953 v Newport County H, Division Three South, missed, over (keeper Harry Fearnley)
1953-54
13 March 1954 v Shrewsbury Town H, Division Three South, missed, wide (keeper John McBride)
19 April 1954 v Southampton A, Division Three South, scored (keeper John Christie)
1958-59
22 September 1958 v Aldershot H, Division Four, missed, over the bar (keeper Roy Marshall)
Own goals (7)
1954-55
20 September 1954 v Leyton Orient H, Division Three South
20 September 1954 v Leyton Orient H, Division Three South
1955-56
7 September 1955 v Gillingham A, Division Three South
10 September 1955 v Leyton Orient A, Division Three South
3 March 1956 v Crystal Palace H, Division Three South
1957-58
31 August 1957 v Northampton Town A, Division Three South
1959-60
7 September 1959 v Bradford City H, Division Three
Penalties faced (1 - saved)
1955-56
21 April 1956 v Newport County A, Division Three South, saved - Arthur Lever (Kirk had replaced the injured Reg Matthews in goal)
