John Robertson programme interview
Posted : 22nd August 2023
Summer signing John Robertson says he is loving life in this new chapter in his career at Windsor Park, after joining the Club on a two-year-deal from Edinburgh City where he scored 25 goals in his two seasons there and also helped them get promoted to Scottish League One for the first time in their history.
“I’m really enjoying it. I am still settling in, but it’s been good. The European trips helped me settle in – both trips were great, apart from one moment in Albania when Matthew Clarke spooked me by coming up behind me and barking, ha! That was a real fright. It’s a change of scenery for me and a change of lifestyle.
“Belfast is brilliant, I am enjoying it so much – the lifestyle, the people and everything about it. I am staying in a house with Jack Scott and Max Haygarth and Darragh McBrien has recently moved in as well, so that’s brilliant too.
“The gaffer was a big pull for me – he was one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. I was aware that he is Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer and played for some huge clubs. I believe that he, as a former striker, can help my development by working with me and giving me advice. I am hungry to improve and he can help me do that. Willie McKeown came over to see me and once I knew Linfield were interested, it was a no-brainer for me. I had options from clubs in Scotland but they didn’t have the same appeal as Linfield and it felt like the time to take on this challenge.”
‘Robbo’ made his senior debut for St. Johnstone, aged just 16 under the management of former Linfield goalkeeper Tommy Wright, followed by loan spells that didn’t quite work out at Forfar and Cove Rangers, before finding his feet at Edinburgh City following his release from St. Johnstone. The move to Linfield brings about a desired return to Full-Time football for the forward, as he explains.
“Fitness wise, I’m flying, I feel great. It’s now about trying to earn opportunities and then taking them as they come along. I’ve played professional football before, when I was coming through at St. Johnstone, but then I dropped into semi-professional football for the last two seasons with Edinburgh City to kick-start my senior career again, so at the moment I’m just getting back into the flow of things.
“I think the biggest challenge for me at the moment is developing an understanding of how each of my teammates play the game, and they’ll be figuring my game out as well. I’m a striker who loves to score goals. Sometimes I get a little bit of stick for not passing the ball at times, but that’ll come with time, as we develop that understanding on the pitch.”
The striker – who turns 22 on Saturday – believes the current Linfield team is a dream for any striker to play in and he’s licking his lips at the prospect of receiving chances created by flair players like Joel Cooper and Kirk Millar.
“From what I’ve seen in our League fixtures so far, the Irish League is not too dissimilar in style to Scottish football, and is on par with the Scottish Championship. It’s a good standard and to be honest, I’ve been surprised by how good some of the players are.
“In our team we have some really good players. After his incredible goal last week against Glenavon, I told Joel Cooper that he is a joke. I mean that in a good way… he is unbelievable, and that goal speaks for itself. I see him on the training ground every day and he’s just phenomenal with what he does. Kirk Millar is quality as well, he’s one of the wiser, more experienced players, but when you see his movement and his quality on the ball, he’s an excellent player. When I played at Edinburgh City, our team didn’t tend to see much of the ball, but in this team, we have midfielders who can dominate a game and then the likes of Cooper and Millar who you know will create chances. As a striker, that’s exactly what you want!
“We should provide entertainment this season. Chris McKee and Joel Cooper have started the season brilliantly, scoring goals and I’m sure ‘Fitzy’ will be scoring when he gets into full flow, Kirk Millar will come up with goals and assists, and as a striker, I am hoping to score goals here as well. We have good options and it’s great to see everyone chipping in, because you need that.”
The man from Edinburgh says the Blues will be raring to go in front of what promises to be a big crowd when Linfield take on Cliftonville this evening, with a focus on trying to make home advantage count.
“This is a massive game tonight. All matches are very important but I know it’s something of a Belfast derby. They have started the season well but we will want to go out and beat them.
It didn’t take long to realise the demands for success here and we will be wanting to win any trophy that’s available to us. I know the Club finished second last year and we will really try to go one better this year. I am hungry for success and I know the rest of the lads all feel the same. If you want to do well in the League, then you need a strong home record, so hopefully we can continue that against Cliftonville.”
A warm welcome to John and best wishes for what we all hope will be a successful and prolific Linfield career. And Birthday Greetings to John for Saturday.