Robbo honoured to have served club so well

BIRMINGHAM City stalwart Paul Robinson has posted an emotional message to the Bluenoses, thanking them for their support, as he prepares to call time on his decorated career.

Robinson originally signed for Blues on a month-long contract under Lee Clark in 2012 having been released by Bolton Wanderers and, before you knew it, he was club captain. The former Albion defender has transformed from an adventurous left-back into a no-nonsense centre-half during his six seasons at St Andrew’s.

And posting to his followers on Instagram and Twitter, the veteran – who remarkably turns 40 in December – admitted this weekend will be an emotional one as he prepares to conduct business as a player for the final time.

“It’s going to be an emotional last few days’ training leading up to the final game Sunday on a professional level!” he posted.

“Hanging them boots up will be hard but I’ve earned every tear that will fall saying goodbye.

“I would like to take this opportunity now to say a massive thank you to @bcfcofficial for what was originally month/month contracts which ending up being seven great years, I’m forever grateful. It’s been an honour being given the responsibility to captain this great club over the years and to wear this shirt with pride and passion.

“Thank you to the owners, the directors, all the players, the manager and his staff, the staff behind the scenes at the training ground/ground who don’t get the recognition they deserve for all their hard work and finally to all the Bluenose fans who have accepted me, accepted me for who I am, the 100% effort I have given and what I have tried to bring to this team on/off the pitch.

“It’s very much appreciated and I can’t thank you enough.... Robbo x KRO #bcfc #kro #onemoregame #lovetheball #thankyou”

Blues need a point to confirm safety and their Championship status for another season on Sunday when Fulham visit St Andrew’s

Blues will be roared on by their biggest crowd in more than three years against the Cottagers. They decided to open Blocks 1-4 in the upper tier of the Gil Merrick Stand for the first time in several seasons, with tickets quickly sold out.

With the Tilton Road and Kop now full Blues could be watched by in excess of 28,000. That’s more than the 26,914 who saw Blues beat Huddersfield Town in the final home fixture last term.