COLIN MILLAR TRUE LIFE

By Romance of the game alive at Tillysburn for keeper Robinson

FORMER Linfield goalkeeper Robert Robinson admits he is “loving every minute” of being back playing first team football with H&W Welders. The 42-year-old’s career in the top flight of Northern Irish football spanned over 15 years, while he also spent three seasons as manager at Shankill United.

Having initially joined the Welders in a coaching capacity this summer, he has now started the last seven matches after an injury to Jason Craughwell.

“I joined the club in the summer as goalkeeping coach, and signed a form to register to play just in case,” Robinson explained.

“The understanding was that should Jason get injured, I would be in a position to step in so that the club wasn’t short.

“I thought it would be the case that I’d be in for a few games until we get sorted, but the manager has kept picking me in the team.

“The truth is I’m really enjoying every minute of this run of games. I thought before that maybe because I hadn’t played in a while and my ankles sometimes get sore, but that really hasn’t been the case. “I haven’t put any weight on and have kept myself in good fitness and it’s a great feeling to be playing again despite not having any intention of doing so when I first joined the club. Jason had been doing really well until his injury but as long as I’m being picked, I’m happy to play.”

Robinson, who counts Ballymena, Newry, Glenavon and Donegal Celtic among his former clubs, cited his work as goalkeeping coach as maintaining his level of performance.

“Outfield players wouldn’t be able to do goalkeeping training – it’s a proven fact,” he joked.

“Whilst I have been taking training I’ve also been doing that training and that has kept me at a level where I’d want to be.

“You couldn’t not be enjoying this, I’d much rather be involved here than shopping in Tesco on a Saturday afternoon!”

Robinson featured in the Welders’ 3-2 success over Limavady on Saturday as they moved into the top five – a position they are keen to maintain.

“The first objective for us was to get into the top six and then you worry about where you are after that,” the goalkeeper added.

“We missed out on that narrowly last season but this is a club who are moving forwards off the pitch and we must replicate that with results.

“We have the new ground to look forward to and if we can ensure this club stays at the right end of this division then we’ll be on the right path.

“There’s not much between any of the teams in this league but the aim is to try and at least maintain the position we have now.” Despite Saturday’s victory at Tillysburn Park, the mood in the Welders dressing room suggested they have plenty of room for improvement.

“Our performance on Saturday was brutal and it was so poor it felt like a loss afterwards,” continued Robinson.

“The previous week against Newry we equalised late on to draw and that felt like a victory.

“But when you perform so poorly it isn’t the same regardless of the result.

“With hindsight you need to look at the bigger picture, we were beaten by Institute and Ballyclare in games we never should have lost.

“It’s swings and roundabouts, not every game you get what you deserve but it was important for us to pick up the three points.

“There’s plenty of character and harmony about the club.”

The East Belfast outfit’s win saw two quickfire late goals in what is swiftly becoming a habit for Gary Smyth’s side – with six goals in the final five minutes of their last five outings.

“There’s a really strong bond at this club between everyone involved,” lauded the goalkeeper.

“A good few of the players and coaching staff have been at the club for a number of years now and the camaraderie is brilliant.

“It’s a fantastic atmosphere at the club with everyone knowing each other and knowing they have a part to play.

“That shows with the number of late goals we’ve been getting too, we all fight for each other.”

Next up for the Welders is a trip to Portadown on Saturday.