NewsLiverpool's Greatest - No.96: Bobby Robinson
Years: 1904-1912
Appearances: 271
Goals: 65
Trophies: Second Division (1904-05), First Division (1905-06)
Though perhaps less well-known in the modern day, Bobby Robinson was one of Liverpool’s earliest consistent goal-getters.
Recruited from Sunderland 12 years after the club’s formation, the fair-haired forward netted five times in nine games after arriving in February 1904 but his new team nevertheless suffered relegation.
Robinson was prolific in the next campaign to help fire the Reds out of the Second Division, his 24 strikes a key factor in an instant return to the top flight.
He and Liverpool used that trajectory to full advantage in 1905-06, too, by immediately clinching the club’s second league championship success.
Thirty-four appearances and 10 goals were Robinson’s numerical contributions to the triumph as Tom Watson’s side finished four points clear at the summit.
In the later years of his Anfield career, the north-east native was reverted to the half-back position from his hitherto role as an attacker, likely denying him an even higher goal total.
But it was a transition he seemingly took in stride, with one contemporary report stating: “He relies mainly on his bustling tactics, determination and unlimited energy, combined with a degree of skill, for his success at half-back… as a forward he has demonstrated his versatility.”
Robinson’s last outing for the club came at the end of 1911-12, with an injury precipitating his departure to Tranmere Rovers in 1913.
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