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Robinson Becomes Shrimpers' Second Shotstopper

Last updated : 25 July 2003 By Robert Craven

Robinson at Blackburn
20-year-old custodian Robinson has signed a twelve-month contract which will see him act as understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Carl Emberson, himself a summer acquisition. The six-foot two-inch Cumbrian, who had previously plied his trade in coming up through the youth ranks at Ewood Park, found himself a free agent in the summer after Graeme Souness wielded his axe on those that he did not rate from the batch of youngsters coming through at the UEFA Cup side. Wignall invited the youngster to train with the growing first-team squad at Boots & Laces, and almost a month to the day since his arrival on trial, Robinson has signed for the 2003/4 campaign.

Seasiders fans were first alerted to Robinson's ability when he performed in the club's reserve side at Ashton Gate, where despite a 4-0 thumping at the hands of the Second Division outfit, the shotstopper was impressive in making a number of saves from the likes of Peter Beadle and Leroy Lita. He was also let down by a young Blues defence. On Tuesday evening he had a much more comfortable ninety minutes, only conceeding a goal from veteran striker Tommy Johnson after his vision was obscured by United's defence. He was called into manager Steve Wignall's office a day later, and he has now accpeted the terms of the deal. He passed his medical this morning.

Fellow trialists Michael Husbands and Leke Odunsi are due to deliver their decisions to Wignall before tomorrow's southeast Essex derby clash with Canvey Island. One man who will certainly not be handed a Roots Hall deal is Carl Griffiths, the striker deciding to try his luck with Blues' Essex rivals Colchester United.

Ryan Robinson Factfile

Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: English
Age: 20 (Born: Cumbria; 13th October 1982)
Height: 6ft 2ins
Weight: 13st 2lbs

Career (0 games, 0 goals):
Blackburn Rovers (1st August 2001-8th June 2003) - 0 games, 0 goals

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com