Barry Robson
Encyclopedia
Barry Gordon George Robson (born 7 November 1978 in Inverurie
, Scotland
) is a Scottish footballer who plays for Middlesbrough
in the Football League Championship
and for the Scotland national squad
. He can play anywhere across the midfield line
, and also as a left back.
, but failed to break through to the first team at Ibrox
. In October 1997, he signed for Inverness Caledonian Thistle
, and although not always a first team regular in his early Inverness career, helped them win promotion from the Second Division
in 1999. Robson spent most of the 1999–2000 season on loan at Forfar Athletic
, but thereafter returned to establish himself in the Inverness line-up.
submitted a bid for Robson in May 2003 and he signed ten days later for a fee of between £50,000 and £100,000. Despite being sent off on his United début, he became a regular in the United team. Robson missed only two matches throughout the 2004–05 season, finishing as United's second top scorer with nine goals, and signed a new three-year contract at the end of the season. Robson scored the goal that ensured United's survival in the SPL in the final game of the season against his old club Inverness CT.
Robson started the 2006–07 season as United captain and scored against Falkirk
on the opening day of the season. Robson made his 100th league appearance for United in the game against St. Mirren
in late August, scoring twice in a 3–1 win but also being sent off late in the match. In February 2007, Robson signed a new contract until 2011, with his first career hat-trick
following in March in a 4–0 away win against Hearts
. With 11 goals by mid-March, Robson finished the season as the league's top scoring midfielder, four ahead of Rangers' Charlie Adam. Given that Robson played just 29 games, his ratio of one goal in less than three games was bettered only by Rangers striker Kris Boyd
.
The following season, Robson managed an even better ratio, scoring 12 from 24 games in all competitions at the point of leaving United. With 11 league goals, Robson was second top scorer in the league, one ahead of colleague Noel Hunt
. Six of his goals came in January 2008, including a second hat-trick against Hearts in less than a year.
, Robson was in negotiations to move to Celtic after they had a "seven figure" bid, plus Celtic player Jim O'Brien on loan until the end of the season, accepted by United. Robson signed for Celtic that evening.
He made his Celtic debut on 10 February against Aberdeen
, scoring with his first touch of the ball, a perfectly placed free-kick into the bottom left corner of the goal. Robson scored his second goal for Celtic on his Champions League
debut against Barcelona
. An assist from Aiden McGeady
allowed Robson to loop a header over Víctor Valdés
, to put Celtic ahead, though they eventually lost 3–2. On 27 April, Robson scored his first Old Firm
goal, converting a penalty which was the winning goal. On 10 August, Robson again scored from a penalty kick, this time against St. Mirren, the opening goal of Celtic's league campaign for the 2008–09 season, in a 1–0 victory for Celtic. Robson final game for Celtic was against Old Firm Rivals Rangers
at Middlesbrough
along with teammates Willo Flood
, Scott McDonald
and Chris Killen
. He was sent-off on his home debut against Bristol City
. He captained Middlesbrough against Peterborough
standing in for injured Gary O'Neil
, and scored his first goal for the club in the seventh minute. His form continued as he scored two penalties against QPR
on 27 February at the Riverside.
He scored again in the Tyne-Tees derby
against Newcastle on 13 March.Three days later he scored his against Derby County at Pride Park.
Robson scored the quickest ever goal at the Riverside on 8 September 2010 against Reading, netting afer just 24 seconds in a game which Middlesbrough went on to win 3 - 1. On 2 October 2010, Robson scored a penalty in a 2 - 2 draw with Portsmouth, in a match where he was also sent off in, in the 86 minute. He scored Middlesbrough's third in a 4 - 0 victory over Bristol City on 15 January 2011. On 2 May 2011, Robson scored Middlesbrough's second goal in a 3 - 0 victory over Cardiff City. He followed this up five days later, scoring a superb free-kick in the first half of his team 3 - 0 win over Doncaster.
Robson scored his first goal of the 2011/12 season in a 3 - 1 victory over Barnsley on 16 August 2011 On 21 August 2011, he scored the equalizer from a free kick in Middlesbrough's 3 - 1 win over Birmingham City. He followed this, three days later, by hitting his team's opener on four minutes in a 2 - 0 victory over Peterborough United in the second round of the 2011–12 Football League Cup
.
for the first time in December 2005, alongside fellow Dundee United player Mark Kerr
.
Robson played in the Scotland Future
team in March 2006. In August 2007, Robson received his first full international call-up when selected for the friendly against South Africa
, making his début as a second-half substitute. He was subsequently called up for the following squad in September 2007 for the double-header against Lithuania
and France
but failed to make an appearance.
In September 2008, Robson was credited with his first international goal in the 2010 World Cup qualifying victory against Iceland
in unusual circumstances. After James McFadden
's second-half penalty kick
was saved, both players chased the rebound. Though it appeared that McFadden touched the ball over the line, the goal was officially awarded to Robson. The SFA
lobbied on McFadden's behalf, and in March 2009 FIFA
re-credited the goal to McFadden.
Celtic
Inverurie
Inverurie is a Royal Burgh and town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, approximately north west of Aberdeen on the A96 road and is served by Inverurie railway station on the Aberdeen to Inverness Line...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
) is a Scottish footballer who plays for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
in the Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
and for the Scotland national squad
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
. He can play anywhere across the midfield line
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
, and also as a left back.
Early career
Robson began his professional career with RangersRangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
, but failed to break through to the first team at Ibrox
Ibrox Stadium
Ibrox Stadium is a football stadium located on the south side of the River Clyde, on Edmiston Drive in the Ibrox district of Glasgow. It is the home ground of Scottish Premier League club Rangers and has an all-seated capacity of 51,082...
. In October 1997, he signed for Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas...
, and although not always a first team regular in his early Inverness career, helped them win promotion from the Second Division
Scottish Football League Second Division
The Scottish Football League Second Division is the second highest division of the Scottish Football League and the third highest overall in the Scottish football league system....
in 1999. Robson spent most of the 1999–2000 season on loan at Forfar Athletic
Forfar Athletic F.C.
Forfar Athletic Football Club are a Scottish semi-professional football club from the town of Forfar, Angus. They are members of the Scottish Football League and currently play in the Second Division...
, but thereafter returned to establish himself in the Inverness line-up.
Dundee United
Dundee UnitedDundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
submitted a bid for Robson in May 2003 and he signed ten days later for a fee of between £50,000 and £100,000. Despite being sent off on his United début, he became a regular in the United team. Robson missed only two matches throughout the 2004–05 season, finishing as United's second top scorer with nine goals, and signed a new three-year contract at the end of the season. Robson scored the goal that ensured United's survival in the SPL in the final game of the season against his old club Inverness CT.
Robson started the 2006–07 season as United captain and scored against Falkirk
Falkirk F.C.
Falkirk Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Falkirk. It is one of two professional football teams from the town, the other being East Stirlingshire...
on the opening day of the season. Robson made his 100th league appearance for United in the game against St. Mirren
St. Mirren F.C.
St Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire who play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
in late August, scoring twice in a 3–1 win but also being sent off late in the match. In February 2007, Robson signed a new contract until 2011, with his first career hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
following in March in a 4–0 away win against Hearts
Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Heart of Midlothian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Gorgie, in the west of Edinburgh. They currently play in the Scottish Premier League and are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian...
. With 11 goals by mid-March, Robson finished the season as the league's top scoring midfielder, four ahead of Rangers' Charlie Adam. Given that Robson played just 29 games, his ratio of one goal in less than three games was bettered only by Rangers striker Kris Boyd
Kris Boyd
Kris Boyd is a Scottish professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Turkish side Eskişehirspor.Boyd grew up in the Ayrshire village of Tarbolton and started his senior career with Kilmarnock. He transferred to Rangers in January 2006, and was Rangers' top goalscorer in each of his...
.
The following season, Robson managed an even better ratio, scoring 12 from 24 games in all competitions at the point of leaving United. With 11 league goals, Robson was second top scorer in the league, one ahead of colleague Noel Hunt
Noel Hunt
Noel Hunt is an Irish footballer, who currently plays as a striker for Football League Championship side Reading. His brother is Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C...
. Six of his goals came in January 2008, including a second hat-trick against Hearts in less than a year.
Celtic
On the final morning of the January 2008 transfer windowTransfer window
The transfer window is the period during the year in which a football club can transfer players from other countries into their playing staff. Such a transfer is completed by registering the player into the new club through FIFA...
, Robson was in negotiations to move to Celtic after they had a "seven figure" bid, plus Celtic player Jim O'Brien on loan until the end of the season, accepted by United. Robson signed for Celtic that evening.
He made his Celtic debut on 10 February against Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
, scoring with his first touch of the ball, a perfectly placed free-kick into the bottom left corner of the goal. Robson scored his second goal for Celtic on his Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
debut against Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
. An assist from Aiden McGeady
Aiden McGeady
Aiden McGeady is a Scottish-born Irish footballer who currently plays as a winger for Russian club Spartak Moscow. Although born and brought up in Scotland, McGeady plays internationally for the Republic of Ireland, a country he qualifies for through his grandparents...
allowed Robson to loop a header over Víctor Valdés
Víctor Valdés
Víctor Valdés i Arribas is a Spanish football goalkeeper who currently plays for FC Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga.He is the most successful goalkeeper in Barcelona's history and is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having won a total of 17 titles including five...
, to put Celtic ahead, though they eventually lost 3–2. On 27 April, Robson scored his first Old Firm
Old Firm
The Old Firm is a common collective name for the association football clubs Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, Scotland.The origin of the term is unclear. One theory has it that the expression derives from Celtic's first game in 1888, which was played against Rangers. However, author,...
goal, converting a penalty which was the winning goal. On 10 August, Robson again scored from a penalty kick, this time against St. Mirren, the opening goal of Celtic's league campaign for the 2008–09 season, in a 1–0 victory for Celtic. Robson final game for Celtic was against Old Firm Rivals Rangers
Middlesbrough
Robson left Celtic in January 2010 and joined his former Celtic manager Gordon StrachanGordon Strachan
Gordon David Strachan OBE is a Scottish football manager and former player. He is currently without a club, having last managed Middlesbrough. Strachan played for Dundee, Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds United and Coventry City, as well as the Scotland national team. Prior to Middlesbrough,...
at Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
along with teammates Willo Flood
Willo Flood
William "Willo" Flood is an Irish footballer who currently plays as a right winger for Scottish Premier League club Dundee United. He has also won 15 caps for his country at under-20 and under-21 levels....
, Scott McDonald
Scott McDonald
Scott Douglas McDonald is an Australian football player who currently plays as a striker for English Championship side Middlesbrough and the Australian national team. Scott McDonald is of Scottish heritage.-Early career:...
and Chris Killen
Chris Killen
Christopher John "Chris" Killen is a New Zealand international footballer who plays as a striker for Chinese Super League club Shenzhen Ruby. Killen grew up in Wellington and played his club football for Miramar Rangers. After a trial with Manchester City, he joined City's youth academy...
. He was sent-off on his home debut against Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
. He captained Middlesbrough against Peterborough
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
standing in for injured Gary O'Neil
Gary O'Neil
Gary Paul O'Neil is an English footballer who currently plays for West Ham United.-Portsmouth:Tony Pulis gave O'Neil his Portsmouth debut as a 16-year-old on 29 January 2000 at home to Barnsley in the First Division, but kept him out of the spotlight for the rest of the season...
, and scored his first goal for the club in the seventh minute. His form continued as he scored two penalties against QPR
QPR
QPR usually refers to Queens Park Rangers F.C., an English football club.QPR may also refer to:*Queen + Paul Rodgers, a 2004-2009 musical supergroup*Queen's Park Rangers , a football club playing in the Grenada League...
on 27 February at the Riverside.
He scored again in the Tyne-Tees derby
Tyne-Tees derby
The Tyne–Tees derby is a term which is often applied to matches between Newcastle United and Middlesbrough. The derby is more of a regional derby between these two clubs who have played each other more often over the last ten years than both these clubs have played their nearest rivals Sunderland...
against Newcastle on 13 March.Three days later he scored his against Derby County at Pride Park.
Robson scored the quickest ever goal at the Riverside on 8 September 2010 against Reading, netting afer just 24 seconds in a game which Middlesbrough went on to win 3 - 1. On 2 October 2010, Robson scored a penalty in a 2 - 2 draw with Portsmouth, in a match where he was also sent off in, in the 86 minute. He scored Middlesbrough's third in a 4 - 0 victory over Bristol City on 15 January 2011. On 2 May 2011, Robson scored Middlesbrough's second goal in a 3 - 0 victory over Cardiff City. He followed this up five days later, scoring a superb free-kick in the first half of his team 3 - 0 win over Doncaster.
Robson scored his first goal of the 2011/12 season in a 3 - 1 victory over Barnsley on 16 August 2011 On 21 August 2011, he scored the equalizer from a free kick in Middlesbrough's 3 - 1 win over Birmingham City. He followed this, three days later, by hitting his team's opener on four minutes in a 2 - 0 victory over Peterborough United in the second round of the 2011–12 Football League Cup
2011–12 Football League Cup
The 2011–12 Football League Cup, known as the Carling Cup due to the competition's sponsorship by lager brand Carling, is the 52nd season of the Football League Cup, a knock-out competition for England's top 92 football clubs...
.
International career
Robson won a call-up to the Scotland B teamScotland B national football team
The Scotland B national football team, controlled by the Scottish Football Association, is a secondary football team of Scotland, run occasionally as support for the Scotland national football team as a second string side to the first team....
for the first time in December 2005, alongside fellow Dundee United player Mark Kerr
Mark Kerr (footballer)
Mark Kerr is a Scottish professional football player who currently plays for Greek club Asteras Tripolis.-Falkirk:Kerr began his career with Falkirk, where he played from 1998 until 2003...
.
Robson played in the Scotland Future
Scotland B national football team
The Scotland B national football team, controlled by the Scottish Football Association, is a secondary football team of Scotland, run occasionally as support for the Scotland national football team as a second string side to the first team....
team in March 2006. In August 2007, Robson received his first full international call-up when selected for the friendly against South Africa
South Africa national football team
The South Africa national football team represents South Africa in association football and is controlled by the South African Football Association, the governing body for football in South Africa. South Africa's home ground is Soccer City, known as FNB Stadium due to a naming rights deal, in...
, making his début as a second-half substitute. He was subsequently called up for the following squad in September 2007 for the double-header against Lithuania
Lithuania national football team
The national football team of Lithuania is under the auspices of the Lithuanian Football Federation. It played its first match in 1923. In 1940, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union; the country regained its independence in 1990 and played their first match as a new nation against Georgia on...
and France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
but failed to make an appearance.
In September 2008, Robson was credited with his first international goal in the 2010 World Cup qualifying victory against Iceland
Iceland national football team
The Iceland national football team is the national football team of Iceland and is controlled by the Football Association of Iceland. It has never advanced to the finals of any major international competition....
in unusual circumstances. After James McFadden
James McFadden
James McFadden is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Everton.McFadden started his career with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell. He came to prominence in the 2002–03 season by scoring 19 goals and winning the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year award....
's second-half penalty kick
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
was saved, both players chased the rebound. Though it appeared that McFadden touched the ball over the line, the goal was officially awarded to Robson. The SFA
Scottish Football Association
The Scottish Football Association is the governing body of football in Scotland and has the ultimate responsibility for the control and development of football in Scotland. Members of the SFA include clubs in Scotland, affiliated national associations as well as local associations...
lobbied on McFadden's behalf, and in March 2009 FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
re-credited the goal to McFadden.
Honours
Dundee United- 1: 2005Scottish Cup 2004-05The 2004–05 Scottish Cup was the 120th season of Scotland's most prestigious football knockout competition, also known for sponsorship reasons as the Tennent's Scottish Cup...
Celtic
- 1: 2008Scottish Premier League 2007-08The 2007–08 Scottish Premier League season was the tenth season of the Scottish Premier League. It began on 4 August 2007 and was originally due to end on 18 May 2008...
-
-
- 1: 2009Scottish League Cup 2008-09The 2008–09 Scottish League Cup was the 63rd season of the Scotland's second most prestigious football knockout competition, also known for sponsorship reasons as the Co-operative Insurance Cup...
- 1: 2009
-
External links
- Player profile - Barry Robson Middlesbrough FC