Barry Robson off to Canada

[Yngwie]

Looks like the former ICT whinger has agreed to join Vancouver Whitecaps when his Boro contract expires at the end of the season. The connection would appear to be that their assistant manager is Paul Ritchie, not the ex-ICT one, but the ex-Scotland defender who played alongside him at Dundee Utd.

Robson is 33 now and has undoubtedly had the most succesful post-ICT career of any of our former players. There certainly aren't many others who have scored against Barcelona in the Champions League.

[lukemackay]

good way to end his career imo after a sucessful career.

[Scotty]

Wednesday 11th July ....... Toronto FC -V- Vancouver already circled in the calendar !!!!!

[Scotty]

Was reading the official announcement on MLS website a few minutes ago and it seems he is coming over as a "designated player" .....

This means he will be earning at least $335,000 per year as that is what is charged against the salary cap for DPs (and there is no point designating someone if they earn less than that). Current DPs include David Beckham ($6.5m p/yr), Thierry Henry ($5.6m), Rafa Marquez ($4.6m), Robbie Keane ($3.4m), Torsten Frings ($1.1m), Danny Koevermans ($1.4m). Cant see Robson getting that kind of money, but Vancouver's other DP - Eric Hassli - is on just shy of $1m per year so maybe in that ball park. (all figures US$ even if playing in Canada)

Interestingly enough, Kris Boyd will also be a DP this year, for the Portland Timbers (who are managed by former Rangers player John Spencer)

And for the nosey amongst us ... which is probably all of us, wait a couple of months into the season and the players association will publish a list of all player salaries so we will know how much Robson and Boyd are getting paid !

[bishbashbosh]

Wednesday 11th July ....... Toronto FC -V- Vancouver already circled in the calendar !!!!!

dont get too excited. watched him in the cup against sunderland. scored a goal but he looked slow, bit of a carthorse compared to the others on the pitch.looked well past his sell by date. dont think he started in the replay, but may be wrong.

[Scotty]

not excited to see him play .... excited to give him a hard time

Doesnt take much for the TFC fans to get on the case of an opposing player, especially Vancouver or Montreal, so plant a few seeds in the minds and it will be priceless to see him turn on the gurn when he gets dogs abuse !

[AJS]

He's probably the best success story weve ever had, im sure Don Cowie will continue to prosper as well but Robson has certainly had most successful career out of players weve seen move on.

[starchief]

Not seen too much of him this year but last year, he was a top player for Boro. Easily one of Strachan's best buys.

[AJS]

Not seen too much of him this year but last year, he was a top player for Boro. Easily one of Strachan's best buys.

His goal against Sunderland in the FA cup was something special, did you see that?

[starchief]

That was a belter. He's no longer someone that can play down the wings (the big failing of Strachan was that he never replaced Adam Johnson and Stewart Downing with genuine wingers - instead he loaded up central mids and people like Robson and Flood who favoured left and right but not to the byeline) but he'd still be a power for any team in the SPL in an attacking mid role. Well done Toronto.

[IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER]

He is in the same vein as Scotty, the Pimple and luvgravy - past his sell by date, deported, longing to be a lumberjack and to dress up in womens clothes. Could have been worse - he could have signed for the Toronto Tinks.

He was so lucky that his career was not ended by injury when he confronted the Palmerston 19 on a cold wintry Tuesday nite !!

[Guest Mahonio]

He is in the same vein as Scotty, the Pimple and luvgravy - past his sell by date, deported, longing to be a lumberjack and to dress up in womens clothes. Could have been worse - he could have signed for the Toronto Tinks.

He was so lucky that his career was not ended by injury when he confronted the Palmerston 19 on a cold wintry Tuesday nite !!

Does that mean that you'll be next over to Canada then Mr MacKenzie, ain't you also "past his sell by date" :lol: ?

[Scarlet Pimple]

IHE --you kill me! :hahaha:

Scotty--over the hill.? Maybe his waistline is wasting away but he still looks fresh enough doesn't he, even if he looks as if he has passed the 30 line of no return...eh what?

Regardless, there doesn't seem to be too much wrong with his very active and clever brain at this time does there?

Reminds me of my hayday! You know ...Rosemary Clooney's song ."Heh there, you with the stars in your eyes" that's when the flipping eyes actually did work....eh? See what your'e coming to IHE? Better ease off on the "stuff eh?"

Vancouver's gain is some other team's loss.

If he is what, 33, how much gas does he have left in the tank to offer? The MLS is not a slow, carthorse league. Many of the players are fast and furious but if we get one or two good seasons out of him maybe it will be worth it for the Vancouver's new( and previously very successful) manager who has been hard at work upgrading the Whitecaps.

Looking for big things this next season from them.

O.K. Back to the couch, the pipe and slippers. Not long now for you IHE ! It's coming round the corner . Just phone Uncle Scar when in happens--a friend in need is a friend indeed. ..especially when he is good for a fiver.....

[BornCaley]

good luck to him!