James Robinson (footballer, born 1982)
James Robinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 18, 1982 Liverpool, England |
| Occupation(s) | Footballer, football manager |
| Years active | 2002–2016 (player), 2014–present (manager) |
| Known for | Playing for Crewe Alexandra, Melbourne Victory; managing Ballarat Red Devils and Brisbane Roar Youth |
James Robinson (born 18 September 1982) is a former English footballer turned manager. He led the National Premier Leagues Victoria team Ballarat Red Devils from 2014 until 2015 before taking on the role of youth team coach at A-League club Brisbane Roar in 2016.
England and Iceland
Originating from Liverpool, Robinson entered the youth ranks of Crewe Alexandra at eight years old in 1990 and broke into their senior squad in 2002. During his time there, he appeared 15 times and netted a goal against Ipswich Town. In 2005, with one year left on his contract, Robinson departed Crewe by mutual agreement. Subsequently, he joined Icelandic side ÍBV ahead of the 2005 season, alongside former Crewe teammate Matthew Platt. Later that year, Robinson returned to England and signed with Football Conference club Accrington Stanley, although he did not feature in any first-team matches. In November 2005, he moved to Altrincham, where he scored four goals across 14 Conference appearances.
Australia
Robinson transferred to Melbourne-based Richmond SC in February 2006. It was later discovered that neither Accrington nor Altrincham had obtained the necessary international clearance for his transfer—a mandatory procedure due to his spell in Iceland. Since Robinson had not played for Accrington’s first team, they escaped sanctions; however, Altrincham were penalized with an 18-point deduction corresponding to points earned during matches in which Robinson participated, nearly resulting in their relegation. Despite this controversy, Robinson contributed to Richmond SC’s promotion from the Victorian State League Division 1 to the Victorian Premier League.
Melbourne Victory
Robinson’s impressive performance at Richmond—scoring 13 goals in 19 games during the 2006 season—earned him a train-on position with A-League outfit Melbourne Victory. He made his debut in Round 8 as an 81st-minute substitute against Newcastle, filling in while striker Archie Thompson was away on international duty. After defender Geoffrey Claeys left Melbourne Victory in November 2006, Robinson was signed on a permanent basis. Throughout that season, he featured in five matches, starting only once against Perth Glory. His most notable contribution was a last-minute (92nd minute) header during the second leg of the 2007 A-League major semi-final against Adelaide United, which secured Victory’s place in their inaugural grand final before a crowd of 47,000 spectators.
Despite this crucial moment, head coach Ernie Merrick chose not to extend Robinson’s contract due to limitations imposed by his Australian visa conditions.
Perth Glory
Following successful displays with Sydney’s Marconi Stallions and an impressive pre-season trial, Robinson signed with A-League club Perth Glory for the 2007–08 campaign.
North Queensland Fury
Robinson became one of the initial squad members for the newly established North Queensland Fury, making multiple appearances for the club.
Late career
Towards the end of his playing days, Robinson featured for Victorian Premier League side Oakleigh Cannons in 2011, then spent two seasons with Bulleen Lions. He had a short tenure with Indonesia Super League team Sriwijaya FC before returning to Victoria to play for Dandenong Thunder.
Ballarat Red Devils
On 13 January 2014, Robinson was named player-coach of the Ballarat Red Devils as they prepared for their debut season in the NPLV. Although the team faced relegation during their initial campaign, they improved to secure fourth place in 2015. Robinson's leadership that year was recognized with the NPL 1 Coach of the Year accolade. He stepped down from his role in November 2015.
Brisbane Roar Youth
Robinson assumed the head coaching position for Brisbane Roar FC's youth squad on 7 September 2016, overseeing their participation in both the National Youth League and the National Premier Leagues Queensland competitions.