Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ROBINSON CRUES NO
Josh leaves Seaview men on the rocks as he sails to Blues instead
CRUSADERS boss Stephen Baxter is ‘shocked and personally let down’ by Josh Robinson’s decision to sign for title rivals Linfield.
The IFA ruled yesterday that Robinson, who looked poised to return to Seaview, had been “successfully registered” as a Linfield player. This came after the Crues stated on Thursday night the defender, who left the Shore Road club for York City last summer, had agreed a four-year deal.
However, confusion reigned when Linfield said on the same night they had snapped up the 24-year-old on a three year contract.
The IFA ruled in Linfield’s favour yesterday teatime, three hours after the player was photographed in a Blues shirt alongside
David Healy at Windsor Park.
Baxter (inset) declined an interview with Sky Sports yesterday as one of the most confusing transfers in the history of the local game hit a national audience.
But sources close to the club said he was “astonished” by Robinson’s decision to jump ship at such late notice after indicating a strong desire for a return to Seaview.
Mirrorsport was told: “To say Stephen is annoyed is an understatement – he is deeply shocked and also feels personally let down. Josh had been around the Crusaders squad for the past six weeks, so the lateness of his decision came as a major surprise. It’s disappointing on so many levels.”
Crusaders claim Robinson signed the “necessary documentation” to return there but only learned of a potential turnaround on Thursday afternoon.
The former Northern Ireland U21 star had even agreed a shirt number at Seaview and was booked on the club’s flight for next week’s Europa League second leg tie with FK Liepaja in Latvia.
In an official statement, Crusaders said they had a signed pre-contract agreement with the player on June 9 – dated for June 29 - and all paperwork had been lodged with the IFA.
However, it appears that was received three hours after Linfield’s in the wake of Robinson’s official release by York on Thursday morning.
The IFA said it had received contract forms for the player on Thursday from both Linfield (7.56pm) and Crusaders (10.56pm).
A statement added: “Having considered the documentation received from both clubs and based upon IFA regulations regarding priority of registrations, the Irish FA can confirm that the player is successfully registered with Linfield.”
On Thursday night, Linfield boss Healy said: “Josh is a player I’ve admired and will add real quality to our squad.”