Port Vale have this morning completed the signing of journeyman forward Theo Robinson following his release from Southend United.
The 31-year-old returns to vale Park for the second time in his career, having scored two in 14 outings in 2016. When he left the club last time, it seemed he was on a downward trajectory, but he took a gamble in the non-league scene and it paid off.
Robinson started out as a youth at Watford, later adding Huddersfield Town to his list of employers as well as a series of loan appearances. Arguably his best season came at Derby County in 2011/12, where he scored 12 times in 41 games for the Championship outfit. Following a loan spell back at Huddersfield, he moved to Doncaster, Scunthorpe on loan and Motherwell before his first Port Vale stint.
Struggling to secure a deal, he dropped into the National League with Lincoln City and became a key part of their FA Cup run, scoring twice against Oldham in the second round, as well as twice against Ipswich in their famous third round draw. He later bagged against Brighton in round four, but left the club for Southend before the famous victory at Burnley.
He scored 13 times in 83 matches across a three-and-a-half-season stint with The Shrimpers, enjoying loan spells with Swindon (seven goals in 16 games) and Colchester (12 goals in 34 games). He has penned a two-year deal with the Valiants, joining Devante Rodney, Zak Mills and Danny Whitehead as new arrivals.
Port Vale finished eighth last season, but still voted to end the season on PPG in a thoroughly unselfish move.
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https://twitter.com/rathgorn/status/1297833377572294656
Tremendous work here from Port Vale and the unveiling of Theo Robinson!
Lovely oak effect table with Robbo armed with the classic Bic pen with black ink. Nib exposed and ready to sign on the dotted line. 8/10
— David Cullen (@TheBattleFF) August 24, 2020
If he carries on form of last two years I think he will do very well. Yea keeper and LB might be it?
— Sam Evans (@samwelo) August 24, 2020
Wasn't prolific in his last spell with us but it's something to build on. Welcome Theo!
— Matt Forrester (@MDF_19) August 24, 2020
He’s been great the last few seasons at Southend and Swindon. good signing.
— Sid (@SiddallPVFC) August 24, 2020
Theo Robinson scores goals at this level, stays relatively injury free, wants to come here, is 31 and didn’t cost the keys to the Kingdom.
Nicky Maynard only one of the above, scores goals at this level! A shrewd signing— Big Stevo 🥁⚽️🏴 (@BigStevo_1976) August 24, 2020
https://twitter.com/unrulydooley/status/1297833692379979777
Our View
Theo Robinson is a journeyman, but he does score goals. There have been very few periods in his career where he hasn’t averaged one every three games or so.
In League Two, he has proven himself over the last two seasons and he still has power and pace in his Arsenal. It’s rare to see a player heading back to a club so long after his first outing when there isn’t any obvious emotional attachment, but Vale fans should welcome him back as a great squad player and potential goalscorer.
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