Robinson shock rival to Giggs and Bellamy
Former Wales star Carl in mix as 11th-hour contender for vacancy
CARL ROBINSON could emerge as a surprise 11th hour rival to superstars Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy in Wales’ hunt for their new manager.
Welsh legends Giggs and Bellamy remain the hot two tips for the job, with another leading contender, Tony Pulis, having chosen to join Middlesbrough instead.
However, 41-year-old Robinson may yet join Chris Coleman’s former No2 Osian Roberts as an outsider on the FAW’s short-list.
It is understood the 52-times capped midfielder has been approached by senior players keen for him to throw his name into the ring.
It remains unclear whether Robinson, who has been manager of MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps for the past four years, will actually be interviewed. He is happy in his current job across the Atlantic, with Vancouver’s new season due to start again next month.
However, at least one member of the six-man FAW committee leading the search for Coleman’s successor believes Robinson’s credentials need to be examined properly.
Robinson, currently back in Wales on a Christmas break, could be viewed within the dressing room as a kind of ‘continuity candidate’ by working next to Roberts.
However, there is a view from some amongst the FAW hierarchy that a fresh voice is required, and that one of Giggs or Bellamy has the footballing gravitas to supply that.
Giggs remains in pole position, having been part of a winning Manchester United dressing room for two decades and aware he has been earmarked for the Wales job for a number of years.
The prospect of having Giggs, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey in one dressing room is a marketing dream ticket for the FAW, particularly if together those three could spearhead a Wales charge to Euro 2020.
But Bellamy has also emerged as a major contender, with Pulis pulling out. The Wales and Cardiff City great is bound to bowl over FAW powerbrokers with the enthusiasm and energy he could bring to the post, whilst he regularly demonstrates his deep-thinking tactical expertise in his role as a Sky TV pundit.
Bellamy and Giggs are out on their own as favourites, but Roberts has also formally put his name forward and the Welsh players want to see him stay as No2 whoever gets the main job.
Robinson is very much the fourth choice for the FAW, the wish from some senior players for him to be in the mix carrying some weight, although not an overly-significant amount.
As one of John Toshack’s more experienced players, Robinson took then international rookies Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Ashley Williams under his wing within the confines of the dressing room. The support and kindness he offered back then has never been forgotten by those Wales Euro 2016 aces.
After an unheralded playing career, largely with Wolves, Sunderland and Norwich, Robinson moved to the MLS in 2007 where he appeared for Toronto and New York Red Bulls.
He became manager of Vancouver Whitecaps in 2013 and has had something of a mixed time, with a win ratio of 38 per cent.
Vancouver finished third in their 10-team conference last season, reaching the play-offs before falling to Seattle Sounders.
The highest the Whitecaps have finished under Robinson’s leadership was second in 2015.
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