Southend United manager Kevin Bond is expecting striker Theo Robinson back at Roots Hall this summer, admitting he could well stay at the club.
Robinson, who has a year left on his current deal, was sent out on loan to Swindon by previous manager Chris Powell as the Shrimpers plunged down the League One table.
He settled well under Richie Wellens and bagged seven goals in 16 outings for the Robins, prompting hopes he might make his move their permanent. However, speaking to the Echo News, Bond has said he expects the former Lincoln City man back in training for pre-season.
“I’ve met with Theo, we had a good, long chat about everything and he’s still our player,” said Bond.
“He’s no more likely to leave than anyone else at this stage. I’m looking forward to seeing him back here for pre-season.”
Robinson has played in all of the top five divisions, notably the Premier League with Watford, Championship with Derby County, League One with Doncaster Rovers, League Two with Hereford and the National League with Lincoln. He’s also played in the SPFL with Motherwell and has a list of former clubs that numbers 12.
He joined the Shrimpers under Phil Brown after impressing in Lincoln’s FA Cup run of 2016/17, but hasn’t settled at Roots Hall. In 79 matches he’s bagged 13 goals, but is often seen as little more than a late impact substitute.
Our View
Perhaps now, with his impressive stint at Swindon proving his worth, Theo Robinson can thrive at Southend. He’s a quick striker, but is physically very strong as well. He looked to be dropping out of the game after failing to impress at Port Vale, but did remarkably well to turn his career around with that spell in the non-league scene.
Kevin Bond might just be the best thing that has happened to Robinson at Southend and at just 30-years-old, he could have plenty left to offer.
