[Archived] Robbo interview

[Muddboy]

Great interview with Robbo on the Rovers Player today, explaining why he's been absent for so long and the complications that he had to deal with (blood clot on the lung).

He seemed to be really buzzing about the atmosphere within the club at the moment and said we'd see him back playing "very shortly".

Good news that he's on the mend and looking to challenge Kean. Healthy competition.

[Tom]

Good news that he may be back soon I feel we need him back at least to push Kean to up his game if not replace him

[moerpho]

Must admit to being critical of Robinsons last performances before he was replaced by Kean, but nothing would make me happier than if he could come back and perform like he did when he was at the top. Lose a few pounds, be more commanding and no more flapping at crosses would be preferable. He turns 34 in 5 days so he should have a couple of good seasons in him at least. Only worrying bit would be his wages

[DE.]

It would be a big boost to have Robbo back, and if he got back to full match fitness and looked sharp in training I'd give him the nod ahead of Kean.

Robbo has his weaknesses but I think as an experienced head he instills more confidence in a defence and would be more able to command the likes of Dann, Kilgallon and Spurr. Because of the age and experience difference I doubt Dann pays much attention to Kean and I can't imagine our young keeper having much success trying to give the much more experienced pros in front of him any kind of bollocking.

[yoda's brother]

Must admit to being critical of Robinsons last performances before he was replaced by Kean, but nothing would make me happier than if he could come back and perform like he did when he was at the top. Lose a few pounds, be more commanding and no more flapping at crosses would be preferable. He turns 34 in 5 days so he should have a couple of good seasons in him at least. Only worrying bit would be his wages

why ?, do you think we arnt paying them now ?

[tomphil]

Maybe the medical insurance has been paying them with it being such a long term serious injury?

[Plastics]

His distribution could be lethal with us if we had King and Best on the field. Still, all depends on plenty of factors and I trust GB to make the right footballing choice.

[watford-rover]

I always thought Robbos injury was a bit like the situation with Salgado, Nelson, Roberts etc. I'm shocked how serious it was. Glad he's recovered and hopefully he can have the same form he did when Sam was here

[Andy]

I be delighted if Robbo was back between the sticks.

Fantastic GK when fit.

[Amo]

Our football would suffer for it. Ball retention starts with the goalkeeper and Robbo can't help but punt it 50yards downfield to no-one.

[onlyonejackwalker]

Our football would suffer for it. Ball retention starts with the goalkeeper and Robbo can't help but punt it 50yards downfield to no-one.

Somewhat strange comment. Robbo is 10 times better with his feet than Kean.

Much rather he clears his lines than fanny about trying to deceive on-rushing attackers with a little back flick. Sounds like you want him to take a touch and then start spraying it about. Agreed he ain't Tugay, don't agree our football would suffer unless he was letting the ball in the goal too frequently. 40+ caps for England suggests he knows his onions and can adapt.

[Plastics]

It depends what instruction he is under. If he is told to pass it out in certain circumstances then he will. In the past his instruction has been to launch it at all times.

[Amo]

Somewhat strange comment. Robbo is 10 times better with his feet than Kean.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Kean isn't averse to giving to his defenders to build from the back. Did you know Robinson had one of the worst pass completion rates in Europe for us a few seasons ago? That didn't matter so much in an Allardyce team because it's all about the percentages but we're one of the better passing sides in this league and I'd rather Robinson didn't breakdown attacks by looking to go long at every opportunity. He has great range but his accuracy is dire and we don't have a target man who could profit from that sort of ball, anyway.

[onlyonejackwalker]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Kean isn't averse to giving to his defenders to build from the back. Did you know Robinson had one of the worst pass completion rates in Europe for us a few seasons ago? That didn't matter so much in an Allardyce team because it's all about the percentages but we're one of the better passing sides in this league and I'd rather Robinson didn't breakdown attacks by looking to go long at every opportunity. He has great range but his accuracy is dire and we don't have a target man who could profit from that sort of ball, anyway.

He was playing to instruction as you will be aware. Taking free kicks from half way etc. Not sure why you think he would be unable to follow new instructions very easily. He doesn't sound thick when I am listening to him chatting and he is hardly pre-programmed to boot it long as you are seemingly suggesting.

Pass completion rates for a goal-keeper?

[roversfan99]

The most important thing is that your keeper isn't a liability with his distribution, before it becomes a strength. Whenever teams press us back to our keeper, Kean slices it out of play almost without fail, or at best shanks it weakly forward. Robinson used to sometimes throw the ball out quickly to his full backs. I think Kean could benefit from half a season in League 1 when Robbo returns.

[OJRovers]

Robbo is one of my favourite characters in the squad just because of the way he never backed down to Kean. He knew it was wrong and wasn't afraid of taking sides with the fans.

He was the only player at Wigan who didn't listen to Kean, when Kean told the players not to clap the fans. Robbo threw his gloves into the crowd and was last off the pitch.

I don't think we missed him on the pitch last season, when Kean was on fire, but right now I think we need Robbo's experience because Kean is looking a bit jittery.

[J*B]

Robbo is one of my favourite characters in the squad just because of the way he never backed down to Kean. He knew it was wrong and wasn't afraid of taking sides with the fans.

He was the only player at Wigan who didn't listen to Kean, when Kean told the players not to clap the fans. Robbo threw his gloves into the crowd and was last off the pitch.

I don't think we missed him on the pitch last season, when Kean was on fire, but right now I think we need Robbo's experience because Kean is looking a bit jittery.

Also, the game after the Bolton match (I think), we where getting slaughter by all of the media. The Darwen End sang "Robbo, @#/? hates Steve Kean", and he applauded behind his back, and put his thumbs up. Confirmed we where right, and the players didn't support that bald Scottish scumbag.

[Ben-2000]

Also, the game after the Bolton match (I think), we where getting slaughter by all of the media. The Darwen End sang "Robbo, keaning hates Steve Kean", and he applauded behind his back, and put his thumbs up. Confirmed we where right, and the players didn't support that bald Scottish scumbag.

I remember that. Great relationship between Robbo and the Darwen End.

Can't wait to see him back.

[Leonard Venkhater]

It depends what instruction he is under. If he is told to pass it out in certain circumstances then he will. In the past his instruction has been to launch it at all times.

Absolutely! It comes from the manager and I always associated that with Big Sam's instructions.

[CapeTownRover]

I like Jake Kean, but for me Robbo would be my choice if he is fully fit.

[Boner]

We've a young back 4 and a young team. Robbo would bring some much needed experience in a key area.

[moerpho]

why ?, do you think we arnt paying them now ?

Sorry for the late reply, but I'd imagine Robinson is still on PL-wages? Or at least one of our highest paid players with probable bonuses for games played. Seeing as we're obviously trying to trim away the PL-wage-players I'd worry that if Robinson came back in form an started every match he would prove to be to expensive if that makes any sense. This is just speculation though, so make of it what you will.....

[Plastics]

The most important thing is that your keeper isn't a liability with his distribution, before it becomes a strength. Whenever teams press us back to our keeper, Kean slices it out of play almost without fail, or at best shanks it weakly forward. Robinson used to sometimes throw the ball out quickly to his full backs. I think Kean could benefit from half a season in League 1 when Robbo returns.

I think it would be a good idea to keep both. Kean himself might benefit from that but it'd be far too risky for the club. Simple competition could be enough to bring out the best in Kean.

[ABBEY]

Sorry for the late reply, but I'd imagine Robinson is still on PL-wages? Or at least one of our highest paid players with probable bonuses for games played. Seeing as we're obviously trying to trim away the PL-wage-players I'd worry that if Robinson came back in form an started every match he would prove to be to expensive if that makes any sense. This is just speculation though, so make of it what you will.....

hes not being paid by you so dont worry man.

[roversfan99]

I think it would be a good idea to keep both. Kean himself might benefit from that but it'd be far too risky for the club. Simple competition could be enough to bring out the best in Kean.

I think Robinson should come back as first choice if Kean continues to look shaky, I would personally loan him out with a 24 hour recall clause, but also he could learn from Robinson when he gets back from the loan.