Paul Robinson

For the Millwall defender, see Paul Robinson (footballer born 1982). For other people named Paul Robinson, see Paul Robinson.
Paul Peter Robinson (born 14 December 1978 in Watford) is a combative England football (soccer) player. He currently plays for West Bromwich Albion, having started his career with Watford F.C.. He is a left-sided defender who can also play at centre back.

Career

Watford

Robinson, a product of Watford F.C.'s youth system, made his debut as a second minute substitute in a 1–1 draw against Watford's arch-rivals Luton Town F.C. on 29 October 1996, aged just 17. He had previously captained the First XI team of St. Michael's Catholic High School into the English Schools' Football National Final at Tranmere Rovers. He went on to make 12 more appearances that season. 1997-98 in English football, Watford's Football League Second Division Championship winning season, saw Robinson in and out of the side. He often played when the side reverted back to 4-4-2 (as opposed to their usual 3-5-2). In 1998-99 in English football, with the club playing 4-4-2, Robinson became a regular half-way through the season and featured in the club's run to the play-offs.

In a match against Port Vale F.C. on the 29 April 1999, Robinson made a poor tackle on Vale player, Stewart Talbot, breaking Talbot's leg. The injury kept Talbot out of the game for 10 months and resulted in legal action from the player. Robinson had become known for his ill-discipline and overly aggressive playing style. Out of 252 Watford appearances he was booked 63 times and sent off three times. One of these sendings off came in the 1998–99 play-off semi-final against Birmingham City F.C., which saw him miss the second leg. He did feature, however, in the club's 2–0 play-off victory against Bolton Wanderers F.C..

Robinson made 32 appearances for Watford in their Premier League season, and stayed with the club when they returned to Division One. In 2001–02, under new manager Gianluca Vialli, Robinson adopted a more disciplined attitude, which continued under the reign of Ray Lewington.

West Bromwich Albion

In October 2003 Robinson was sold to West Bromwich Albion for an initial £250,000 fee, which later rose to £375,000 due to Robinson making the requisite number of appearances as well as Albion being promoted to the Premiership. He made his debut in a 1–0 win against Norwich City F.C. on 18 October 2003.

Robinson was touted as a potential England left back by Bryan Robson and others. His first goal for West Brom was an injury-time headed equaliser at Villa Park in April 2005, which earned him the club's Goal of the Season award. The draw was one of several key results that enabled Albion's "Great Escape" from relegation.

In June 2006 Watford attempted to re-sign the player from West Brom for £1.4m. However this was rejected by manager Bryan Robson and chairman Jeremy Peace, with Robinson considered vital if the team is to realise its ambition of a quick return to the Premier League. Robinson ultimately committed his future to Albion by signing a new three-year contract in July 2006.

On October 28, 2006, Robinson fractured Birmingham City F.C. captain Damien Johnson's jaw in two places in a collision during a local derby. The incident drew criticism from Birmingham manager Steve Bruce, who believed Robinson's use of the elbow to be a deliberate act. Robinson was shown a straight red card by referee Nigel Miller.

Robinson was the subject of a £1.5 Million bid from Premier League team Wigan Athletic in August 2007 as a replacement for Leighton Baines, who had been sold to Everton F.C.. The move fell through however, when he failed a medical at the JJB Stadium. In early November he was named in the Championship Team of the Week following Albion's 3–0 win at his former club Watford. He made the Team of the Week once again following Albion's 4–3 home win against Colchester United F.C. on 29 March 2008. Robinson was named in the Professional Footballers' Association Championship Team of the Year, alongside team mates Jonathan Greening and Kevin Phillips (footballer), after helping Albion win promotion to the Premiership as league champions.

Personal life

Robinson has two sons: Luke was born in 2001 or 2002 and Jamie was born in 2005 or 2006.