SoccerCarl Robinson reveals reason for Toronto FC departure

When questioned about the midfielder's departure last week, Toronto head coach Preki said "it was a case of the numbers, a case of the salary cap, it's a case of everything" and that Robinson had "already made up his mind that he wasn't coming back here." 

With little information forthcoming from the club or Robinson himself, media and fans alike were left to speculate as to validity of those reasons, bearing in mind the player's apparent happiness during his time in Toronto. 

Absence will be felt by TFC

While there are those supporters who feel that Robinson will be easy to replace, given the signing of Julian de Guzman, there are others who feel that his absence will be a loss for the club. Having played against Robinson during my career in England, I have developed an appreciation for the abilities he brings to the team. 

He is not every fan's favourite, because he does not often find the back of the net; nor does he keep people on the edge of their seats with his flamboyant skill. What he does do is what I like to call "grunt work." He sits in front of the back four, protecting his defenders and providing an outlet for the first pass out of defence. It isn't a glamorous job, but if you ask any defender who knows the game, it is an invaluable position.  

While I had played against Robinson many times in the past, it was not until I retired and began covering Toronto FC that I had an opportunity to witness the contributions he makes to his team behind the scenes, away from the spotlight - things that most people don't get to see during a 90-minute match on a Saturday. 

He is, quite simply, a leader.  

He is knowledgeable and thoughtful about the game, and he is always willing to pass on that knowledge to his younger teammates. He is a sounding board for those youngsters who are trying to find their way in the game - a valuable resource for any aspiring professional. 

The fact that he is well liked in the dressing room is irrelevant; the fact that he is respected in the dressing room is not. 

He is the type of respected senior professional that every coach needs in numbers. Someone who can drive home the tactical understanding and discipline that is required to be a successful team.  

While I knew that he was going to be on the move, I was as surprised as anyone to hear that leaving Toronto had been Robinson's idea. We have spoken many times over the last two seasons about his happiness in Toronto and his genuine affection for the club, its staff and its supporters. 

When I finally had the chance to speak with him on Saturday night, I asked him about the circumstances surrounding his departure. This is what he told me: 

"I would like to make something clear. Back in November, I was told by the club that I was not part of their plans, that I was not the type of player they wanted - that I was too old - and that they would try and ship me out. As a player, when your club tells you that, it becomes very hard to concentrate on moving forward with your club.

"I loved my time in Toronto, my family loved it, and I developed a wonderful rapport with the fans. In fact, I had my heart set on ending my career in Toronto. Unfortunately in football, things don't always work out the way you plan. Now, I am focusing all of my energy on the next phase of my career, which is in New York."  

As soon as Julian de Guzman was brought into the club towards the end of last season, it was inevitable that Robinson would be moving on. As the club's first designated player, the team would be built around de Guzman - and rightly so.  

TFC should have handled it much better

That sort of thing happens in football all the time, and anyone who plays the game knows that when a talented player comes in who plays your position, there is a possibility that you will be the next one out the door. 

Robinson knew that and accepted that, as any experienced professional would. 

Regardless of what discussions went on behind the scenes, the public statement regarding Robinson's departure was handled poorly. 

Had the club released a statement thanking Robinson for his years of services and wishing him the best for his future in New York, fans and media alike would have applauded the club for handling the departure of a respected player with class and dignity.  

Which is the least that Carl Robinson deserves. 

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