Don and dusted at 35? Not me, says Robinson
PAUL ROBINSON signed a one-year contract extension with AFC Wimbledon but the 35-year-old defender now suggests he can play on for another three seasons.
The former Millwall captain has become an integral part of the side since moving to the Dons in 2015.
Robinson has played 41 games in all competitions this season and is enjoying what he describes as some of the best times of his career.
He believes “looking after himself ” has helped his longevity and points to Wimbledon coaches Neil Cox and Alan Reeves playing into their late 30s.
Team-mate Dannie Bulman is still a regular in the AFC midfield at 38 and Robinson wants to continue playing for as long as he can.
“I am over the moon with how well it has gone since I stepped in the door here,” says Robinson, who signed his new deal two weeks ago.
“If you speak to anyone for advice, they will say keep playing as long as you can. These are the best times. I have always looked after myself and tried to give myself the best chance of playing for as long as possible. As soon as the legs give up or another attractive option is available to me, then I will assess it then.
“But Coxy and Reevesy, two of the coaches, both played until they were 38 and Dannie Bulman is still running around like a headless chicken and he is 38.
“I played 49 games last season and hopefully I am on course to match that this season. That is testament to the way the manager, the coaches and sports scientists work with us. When we work we work hard but they give us good time to rest. I have really benefited from it. To still be playing week Bet with
Betfair and double your profit on your first ever Cash Out on the Betfair Sportsbook. Max stake £25. Max bonus £25. Available on all bets eligible for Cash Out. Full terms at Betfair. com in, week out at this stage of my career, I am just enjoying it.”
Robinson clearly still has enthusiasm for the game and he wants to help write another chapter in the remarkable Wimbledon story before he hangs up his boots for good.
He believes Wimbledon, who are 13th in League One and play Southend tomorrow, can challenge for promotion to the Championship next season under manager Neal Ardley.
“I want to keep being part of the journey at this club,” says Robinson.
“If we keep improving there is no reason why we cannot have a tilt at that top six next season. That is what we should be looking at.
“We have had a good look at League One this season. It is always difficult in the second season, in terms of some of your players might move on or the novelty of League One might have worn off. But the manager and the squad here is hungry and will not let that happen.
“There are some really good clubs in this division. But this club has always been the underdog ever since it started so I do not think that is going to phase us.”
LEYTON ORIENT boss Danny Webb admits it will be difficult to avoid relegation. Orient are seven points from safety at the bottom of League Two and face Crawley tomorrow. Webb said: “It is going to be very tough.”