EXCLUSIVE: James Robinson is on a mission to ensure he isn’t simply the English bloke who scored ‘that goal’ for Melbourne Victory.
It’s not that the 25-year-old isn’t proud of a memorable piece of A-League history, he’s just eager to earn himself a longer-term reputation Down Under.
If that means turning from hero to villain in the eyes of the Telstra Dome faithful this weekend then it is a price he is willing to pay.
He will always cherish the injury-time header that propelled Victory into last season’s grand final and he knows it will always be a moment that will forever be associated with him.
But it’s not the be all and end all for him.
Released by Melbourne Victory after the grand final, Robinson headed west to join Ron Smith’s Glory outfit.
Having had to overcome an injury setback and wait for his chance, he seized it when it came and netted his first goal for the club in Friday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Sydney FC.
This weekend he returns to Melbourne with his new side. He is hoping for a good reception before kick-off but isn’t necessarily expecting a standing ovation at the end of the game.
His job is to score goals for Perth Glory, whoever the opposition, and that’s what he is aiming to do.
The forward, who spent more than a decade as a youngster with English third tier club Crewe Alexandra before trying his luck in Australia, feels there is more to come this year, from himself and his teammates.
“I’m looking forward to going back to Melbourne and playing there," he said.
"I obviously have fond memories and some good friends there. But I’m coming back as a Perth Glory player and we want the points.”
Robinson’s first goal in Perth colours wasn’t enough to secure three points but he feels the players can go to Melbourne with belief.
“Maybe we should have shut up shop at 3-1 up against Sydney," he admitted. "I prefer to look at the positives.
"We really should have had six points from our last two games and we’re battling hard. We are a tight-knit unit and we will come through this.
"You don’t listen to the people who are having a go and knocking you."
He added: “As for me, that first goal was great because when you join a new club, the first goal is always the hardest one to get.
"Hopefully there’ll be a few more now. People at the club have shown faith in me and you want to repay that faith.”
If that means turning from hero to villain in the eyes of the Telstra Dome faithful this weekend then it is a price he is willing to pay.
He will always cherish the injury-time header that propelled Victory into last season’s grand final and he knows it will always be a moment that will forever be associated with him.
But it’s not the be all and end all for him.
Released by Melbourne Victory after the grand final, Robinson headed west to join Ron Smith’s Glory outfit.
Having had to overcome an injury setback and wait for his chance, he seized it when it came and netted his first goal for the club in Friday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Sydney FC.
This weekend he returns to Melbourne with his new side. He is hoping for a good reception before kick-off but isn’t necessarily expecting a standing ovation at the end of the game.
His job is to score goals for Perth Glory, whoever the opposition, and that’s what he is aiming to do.
The forward, who spent more than a decade as a youngster with English third tier club Crewe Alexandra before trying his luck in Australia, feels there is more to come this year, from himself and his teammates.
“I’m looking forward to going back to Melbourne and playing there," he said.
"I obviously have fond memories and some good friends there. But I’m coming back as a Perth Glory player and we want the points.”
Robinson’s first goal in Perth colours wasn’t enough to secure three points but he feels the players can go to Melbourne with belief.
“Maybe we should have shut up shop at 3-1 up against Sydney," he admitted. "I prefer to look at the positives.
"We really should have had six points from our last two games and we’re battling hard. We are a tight-knit unit and we will come through this.
"You don’t listen to the people who are having a go and knocking you."
He added: “As for me, that first goal was great because when you join a new club, the first goal is always the hardest one to get.
"Hopefully there’ll be a few more now. People at the club have shown faith in me and you want to repay that faith.”
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