Robinson Coming Of Age?

Andy Robinson may have only been in the professional game for four years but he is now one of the senior pros at Swansea and has people looking to him for advice and inspiration.

It was the summer of 2003 when Brian Flynn took Robinson from non league and gave him his chance and it's been a four year period where he has rarely looked back but he has gone through personal grief through the loss of his father.

Last season was a troubled one for the midfielder following on from his 18 goal haul the year before and problems on and off the pitch meant he failed to reach double figures and came in for much criticism from the supporters for a perceived lack of effort and fitness. And add to that a protracted contract negotiation in the summer of 2006 and it is easy to understand why things didn't quite work for him last season.

However, this time around he has seen himself earn a starting place at the front end of the season - something many predicted wasn't going to happen - and against Forest he completed his first 90 minutes with just a 'handbags' with Neil Lennon blotting his copybook in terms of stats in the game.

And Robinson, now 28, is showing a maturity that is needed as he looks to cement that place in a side that everyone hopes will secure a Championship place this season and will give Robinson the chance to take the step up just like his great pal Lee Trundle.

Talking to the Wales on Sunday, Robinson said "I think I've done that both as a player and a person," he said. "It's been difficult for me on and off the pitch at times but I think I've come through stronger in both senses.

"I think as you grow up you take more responsibility in everything you do and that's definitely happened with me at home and with this club.

"With people like Trundle leaving I've had to step up a little and I've enjoyed being there for some of the younger lads, trying to help them out.

"I've matured as a footballer; this isn't a novelty for me anymore.

"I knew I had a bit of raw talent, but that was all I had when I first came here

"Everything was new to me but now I help in and around the club a lot more, look after myself a lot better and it's not a novelty anymore.

"This is for real now and I know I've got to do right by myself and right by my family to get the best out of this game in what time I've got left.

"I've got to make up time on a lot of players who achieved things in their early years.

"I've been through rough times where I only seemed to be doing interviews about my discipline rather than my game.

"But I haven't been sent off for two years now and that's something I'm very proud of.

"I feel I've progressed every year and I want that to continue.

"There was speculation about me going again this summer, but this club gave me a chance I will be forever grateful for and I want to see things through by making the step up in a Swansea shirt.

"I have to keep performing and if there's people fighting for my shirt that's even better - I won't spit my dummy out. I'm not a kid."

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