Ex-Bluebird Robbo Hangs Up His Boots

Thanks Robbo !
By Chris O'Brien
November 30 2004

Ex-Bluebird John Robinson has retired from professional football at the age of 33. Only weeks after leaving Ninian Park for Gillingham, the Welsh international has decided to call it a day.

Former Cardiff City midfielder John Robinson has retired from professional football only a matter of weeks after leaving Ninian Park. The ex-Welsh international moved to Gillingham to be closer to his family, but only a short time into his career as a Gill has decided to call it a day.

The veteran has given new meaning to the cliché ‘Honest John’ after announcing his reasons to retire. With a month remaining on his Gillingham contract, Robinson has decided to terminate his contract at the struggling Football League Championship club with niggling injuries preventing him from fulfilling his midfield general role to the best of his ability

Robinson only made four appearances for Gillingham, two as substitute. With family problems getting on top of him and his contract soon up at the Priestfield, Robinson has decided to end his successful career with dignity.

Capped 30 times for Wales, the midfielder made his name for Charlton Athletic. He spent 11 years at the Valley, playing an integral part in Charlton’s rise to the Premiership where they have now established themselves under Alan Curbishley.

Gills chairman Paul Scally said: John had injuries and is an honest lad as he could have sat here for one more month and taken his wages, but he thought it was wrong to take money from the club he was not earning.

“His contract has been cancelled. I respect his honesty and told him he is welcome to use our facilities any time he wishes."

After becoming surplus to requirements at the ambitious Charlton, Robinson moved to Ninian Park for the start of the 2003/2004 season. His commitment and effort has to be applauded as he helped the Bluebirds to a very respectable 13th place finish, but to be honest he looked knackered in the handful of City appearances he made before his departure this term.

Gillingham visit Ninian Park on Saturday in a relegation battle. However, Robinson would not have made a return to the South Wales turf as a stipulation in his contract forbid him from playing against City.

Good luck to Robinson in the future, and thanks for your service at Ninian Park.