VANCOUVER, BC -
Basking in the aura of an inspirational victory over the weekend, Vancouver Whitecaps FC unveiled their latest addition to
Martin Rennie
’s squad, as Designated Player
Barry Robson
was introduced to the media on Monday morning.
The Scotland international started the latest chapter in his career by taking part in Monday’s training session on Bell Pitch at BC Place, as the Blue and White prepare to host Eastern Conference side New York Red Bulls on Wednesday evening. Prior to lacing up his boots, the former Dundee United, Celtic, and Middlesbrough man spoke about his decision to move to North America after a distinguished playing career in Scotland and England.
The 33-year-old revealed his excitement at joining Whitecaps FC and being part of an emerging league in Major League Soccer. The midfielder also revealed how big of a decision it was to leave Britain for a new professional challenge and new life on Canada’s west coast. “It’s not been easy to think about, as I’ve got three young children, which is the most important thing for me and my wife,” Robson said to reporters on Monday morning. “That’s the biggest thing for me and how they’re going to settle here, but I’m sure they’ll be fine, as they’ve travelled in Britain a lot. I’ve heard the school that they’re going too is second to none, and we’ve met some of the school teachers already, so that’s made me feel better.”
Voted Middlesbrough’s Player of the Year for the 2011-12 season, Robson is not available for selection until the opening of the North American transfer window on Wednesday, June 27. That means his first available match will be Vancouver’s lone regular season trip to Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, July 4. ‘Caps fans will have to wait until at least Wednesday, July 18, for the midfielder’s possible home debut when LA Galaxy visit BC Place.
However, Whitecaps FC supporters will have a chance to meet Robson this Wednesday night at 7 p.m. PT, as the midfielder will be signing autographs at the Bell Box - located at Terry Fox Plaza beside BC Place - before the ‘Caps match versus New York at 8 p.m. PT.
Having only arrived in Vancouver on Sunday evening, Robson is still getting used to his new surroundings. “I know the main street is called Robson Street,” he said when asked of his knowledge of Vancouver as a city. “My wife came over for a week with my eldest daughter. They picked out a house and a school, so they got everything sorted. For me, as long as my wife and my children are happy, I’m happy.”
Having met his new teammates for the first time on Monday, Robson knows he will need to get acclimatized with his new club, but is ready to contribute to Whitecaps FC’s current campaign. “By all accounts, I know it’s a positive dressing room, and everyone gets on great,” he said. “They‘re all striving to do well and I think you can see that on the pitch. I’ve just got to come in and try and help the players, and be as good as I can be, by giving everything I’ve got.”
