Carl Robinson, born in Wales in 1976, is a retired professional footballer who played as a central midfielder. He began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers and later played for Sunderland and Portsmouth before joining Toronto FC in the MLS in 2007. Robinson’s experience and impressive international background made him an asset to any team he played for.
Playing Career
Wolverhampton Wanderers
At the age of 18, Robinson joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, then a League Championship side. He appeared 165 times for the Wolves and scored 19 goals. Eight of those goals came during the 1998-99 campaign when he made 34 appearances.
Sunderland
Robinson had an impressive loan spell with Sunderland, leading to his signing of a three-year deal. During the successful campaign that saw Sunderland promoted following the 2004-05 season, Robinson played in 42 matches and scored four goals.
Portsmouth
Robinson moved to Portsmouth in 2002 but only managed to play in 15 matches during the team’s promotion year before being sent out on loan to five different English clubs.
Loan Spells
In 2003, Robinson scored one goal in four appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, one goal in eleven appearances with Walsall, and made fourteen appearances for Rotherham United. In 2004, he went on loan to Sheffield United but only made five appearances before moving back out on loan to Sunderland where he scored a goal in seven appearances.
Toronto FC
Robinson signed with Toronto FC in the MLS in 2007 and was voted team MVP (Most Valuable Player) in his first year. He went on to win the award again in 2008 and scored three goals in seventy-four league appearances with Toronto.
New York Red Bulls
In January 2010, Robinson joined New York Red Bulls as a veteran player bringing experience to their midfield. Despite missing action mid-season due to lingering knee issues, Robinson provided cover and depth while appearing in ten matches.
Vancouver Whitecaps
Robinson switched over to Vancouver Whitecaps as an assistant coach after leaving New York Red Bulls.
Coaching Career
After retiring from playing soccer professionally, Robinson became a coach. He started as an assistant coach at Vancouver Whitecaps before becoming head coach at Welsh club Newport County AFC from September 2011 until February of the following year.
Huddersfield Town AFC
In July 2012, Robinson became assistant manager at Huddersfield Town AFC under Simon Grayson’s management. When Grayson was sacked as manager just two months later, Mark Lillis took over as caretaker manager until Mark Robins was appointed permanent manager soon after.
Norwich City FC
Robinson joined Neil Adams’ coaching staff at Norwich City FC as a first-team coach on June 26th,2014 after leaving Huddersfield Town AFC.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC
In May of 2021, Carl Robinson was announced as head coach for the Australian A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.
International Career
One of Robinson’s notable achievements was his international background representing the Wales National Team earning a total of fifty-two caps throughout his career. Despite losing his father eighteen months ago, Robinson continues to make an impact through coaching positions worldwide. His experience as a player and coach allows him insights into what it takes to be successful on-and-off-the-field.
Summary
Carl Robinson may have retired from playing professional football but he continues his journey through coaching positions worldwide. His experience both on and off the field allows him insights into what it takes not only to be a successful player but also how best one can contribute towards making others successful too.