Gregor Robertson (footballer)

Gregor Aedan Robertson (born 19 January 1984) is a Scottish sports journalist and former professional footballer who played as a left back from 2002 to 2016.

Gregor Robertson
Robertson playing for Northampton Town in 2014
Personal information
Full name Gregor Aedan Robertson[1]
Date of birth (1984-01-19) 19 January 1984[1]
Place of birth Edinburgh, Scotland
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[1]
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
2000–2001 Heart of Midlothian
2001–2002 Nottingham Forest
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2005 Nottingham Forest 36 (0)
2005–2007 Rotherham United 52 (1)
2007–2012 Chesterfield 116 (3)
2012–2014 Crewe Alexandra 32 (0)
2014–2015 Northampton Town 36 (0)
2015–2016 Grimsby Town 38 (0)
Total 310 (4)
International career
2004–2005 Scotland U21 15 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

During his career, Robertson played for Nottingham Forest, Rotherham United, Chesterfield, Crewe Alexandra and Northampton Town and Grimsby Town. He has also represented Scotland at U21 level.

Club career

Nottingham Forest

Born in Edinburgh,[1] Robertson started his career as a junior in Heart of Midlothian's youth system but moved south of the border to join Nottingham Forest when he was 17 in February 2001.[2]

After progressing through the Reds' academy, Robertson made his debut in September 2003 against Tranmere Rovers in the League Cup, which Forest won on penalties after a goalless draw.[3]

He made his Championship league debut against local rivals Derby County four days later as a late substitute in a 1–1 draw at the City Ground.[4] His full league debut came the following week against Preston North End in a 1–0 home defeat. On 28 May 2004, boss Joe Kinnear offered Robertson a new one-year deal.[5] On 10 May 2005, he was released by manager Gary Megson.[6]

Robertson went on to make a total of 44 appearances for Nottingham Forest.

Rotherham United

In June 2005 Robertson signed for League One Rotherham United on a free transfer.[7] He made his debut in a 2–1 home defeat to Walsall in the opening fixture that season.[8]

Robertson spent two years at the club making a total of 56 appearances and scoring one goal in a 2–0 victory away to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.[9]

"Gregor can operate at left-back or on the left of midfield and will add much-needed steel to the Millers squad, he is strong, athletic and is the kind of young, mobile player I am looking for."

— His former boss at Rotherham, Mick Harford, speaking in May 2005.[7]

Chesterfield

Robertson joined League Two side Chesterfield on a two-year contract in June 2007.[10] He made his debut in the Spireites opening league fixture of the season, a 0–0 draw away to Chester City.[11] He netted his first goal for the club in a 3–1 win away at local rivals Mansfield Town that season, scoring direct from a corner kick.[12]

On 2 July 2009, he signed a new one-year deal, which kept him at the club until July 2011.[13] On 4 October 2009 he scored an equaliser in the 15th minute in the 2–2 stalemate against Morecambe, latching on to Darren Currie's cross and volleying home from close range.[14]

In November 2009, Robertson suffered a double leg break in an innocuous tackle in a Football League Trophy tie at home to Carlisle.[2][15] After a year on the sidelines he returned to action in November 2010 in a 2–0 FA Cup first round victory away to Harrow.[16]

On 8 June 2010, he signed a new one-year deal.[17] Robertson went on to make a total of 23 appearances that season in Chesterfield's 2010/11 League Two winning campaign, enjoying a successful spell at centre half for much of it. However, he suffered an Achilles tendon rupture away to Hereford United in April, ruling him out for the last few games of the season and much of the next.[18]

Robertson returned to action in League One the next season in a 1–0 Boxing Day defeat away to Huddersfield Town[19] and was part of the Football League Trophy winning squad that season.

Robertson made a total of 133 appearances for Chesterfield, scoring three goals.

Crewe Alexandra

In July 2012, Robertson joined League One side Crewe Alexandra, signing a two-year deal.[2][20]

On 16 January 2014, Gregor had his contract mutually terminated by the club after making 40 appearances in all competitions for The Alex.[21]

Northampton Town

On 4 February 2014, Robertson agreed to join League Two side Northampton Town on a deal until the end of the season.[22] He played 15 League games in the club's successful battle against relegation, with the Cobblers guaranteeing their League Two status with a 3–1 victory over Oxford United on the final day of the season.[23] Robertson signed a new one-year contract on 23 May 2014.[24] Gregor was released by Northampton Town on 20 January 2015.[25]

Grimsby Town

On 26 January 2015, Robertson signed for Conference Premier side Grimsby until the end of the season.[26][27]

On 11 April 2015, he injured himself in the first half and had to be substituted at half time, in the 1–0 defeat against Wrexham.[28] Scans revealed he had damage to his medial ligament meaning his campaign was likely to be over.[29] Surprisingly, he made a comeback to the starting lineup, due to a hamstring injury sustained to Josh Gowling, Toto Nsiala reverted to his favored centre-back position having previously played at right-back while Robertson was injured, but during the 2015 Conference Premier play-off final against Bristol Rovers at Wembley on 17 May 2015, he had to be substituted in the 72nd minute, being replaced by Daniel Parslow; following a 1–1 draw after extra time, Grimsby lost 5–3 in a penalty shoot-out.[30]

On 29 May 2015, Robertson agreed a new one-year deal with the club.[31] He played in Grimsby's 3–1 victory over Forest Green Rovers in the 2016 National League play-off final at Wembley, seeing Grimsby promoted to League Two after a six-year absence from the Football League.[32][33] Robertson was released when his contract expired at the end of the season.[34]

International career

Robertson won a total of 15 caps, scoring two goals for Scotland U21s, including one match against Spain's U21 side featuring FIFA World Cup: 2010 winners Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Ramos and Cesc Fàbregas, which the Scots lost 3–1.[2]

On 16 August 2005, a Shaun Maloney corner was flicked on by club-mate Craig Beattie for Robertson to head the opener in the 3-1 comfortable win against Austria U21s.[35] On 7 October 2005, he scored a header to put Scotland U21s into a 2–0 lead on 44 minutes, eventually losing 3–2 against Belarus U21s.[36]

Media career

Following his release from Grimsby, Robertson announced his retirement on Twitter. Since hanging up his boots, Robertson had moved into sports journalism and writes for The Times.[37]

Personal life

Robertson studied a three-year degree in professional sports writing and broadcasting, journalism at Staffordshire University,[38] and worked at the Nottingham Post as part of a work placement, writing articles.[39] He now works as a football writer, his work including a regular column in The Times newspaper.[40]

On 21 January 2022, Robertson pleaded guilty to headbutting an Uber driver in London on 10 May 2019. The driver had swerved a drunken Robertson who had staggered into the road and had kicked out at the car. Following a further altercation in a nearby petrol station Robertson had headbutted the man and punched his friend when he tried to intervene.[41] Robertson received an 18-month suspended prison sentence and was also fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation to the victim.[42]

Career statistics
Club Season Division League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Nottingham Forest2003–04[43]First Division1602020—200
2004–05[44]Championship2002020—240
Total 3604040—440
Rotherham United2005–06[45]League One3410020—361
2006–07[46]League One1800020—200
Total 5210040—561
Chesterfield2007–08[47]League Two35110101[lower-alpha 1]0381
2008–09[48]League Two38240101[lower-alpha 1]0442
2009–10[49]League Two10010003[lower-alpha 1]0140
2010–11[50]League Two2102000—230
2011–12[51]League One12000002[lower-alpha 1]0140
Total 11638020701333
Crewe Alexandra2012–13[52]League One29020203[lower-alpha 1]0360
2013–14[53]League One3000001[lower-alpha 1]040
Total 320202040400
Northampton Town2013–14[53]League Two150———150
2014–15[54]League Two2101020—240
Total 3601020—390
Grimsby Town2014–15[54]Conference Premier140——1[lower-alpha 2]0150
2015–16[55]National League24010—8[lower-alpha 3]0330
Total 380100090480
Career total 31041601402003604
  1. Appearance in Football League Trophy
  2. One appearance in the Play-Offs
  3. Two appearances in the Play-Offs, six appearances in the FA Trophy

Honours

Club
Chesterfield
Crewe Alexandra
Grimsby Town

References
  1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 356. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. "Robertson determined to be up and running for new campaign". The Sentinel. 7 July 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  3. "Tranmere 0–0 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. 23 September 2003. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  4. "Nottingham Forest 1–1 Derby County". Derby County F.C. 27 September 2003. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  5. "Forest offer Robertson deal". BBC Sport. 28 May 2004. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  6. "Megson begins rebuilding process". BBC Sport. 10 May 2005. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  7. "Millers make move for Robertson". BBC Sport. 27 May 2005. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  8. "Rotherham 1–2 Walsall". BBC Sport. 6 August 2005. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  9. "Swansea 0–2 Rotherham". BBC Sport. 17 April 2006. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  10. "Chesterfield bring in Robertson". BBC Sport. 13 June 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  11. "Chester 0–0 Chesterfield". BBC Sport. 11 August 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  12. "Mansfield 1–3 Chesterfield". BBC Sport. 15 September 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  13. "Robertson earns Chesterfield deal". BBC Sport. 2 July 2009. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  14. "Morecambe 2–2 Chesterfield". Sky Sports. 4 October 2008. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  15. "Spireite facing lengthy lay-off". BBC Sport. 11 November 2009. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  16. "Harrow 0–2 Chesterfield". BBC Sport. 6 November 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  17. "Defender Gregor Robertson pens new Chesterfield deal". BBC Sport. 8 June 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  18. "Surgery ends Robertson's season". Sky Sports. 11 April 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  19. "Huddersfield 1–0 Chesterfield". BBC Sport. 26 December 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  20. "Crewe snap up ex-Chesterfield defender Gregor Robertson". BBC Sport. 3 July 2013.
  21. "Robertson Leaves Club". Crewe Alexandra FC. 16 January 2014.
  22. "Gregor Robertson joins Northampton Town". Northampton Town F.C. 4 February 2014.
  23. "Northampton 3–1 Oxford". BBC Sport. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  24. "Gregor Robertson extends contract". BBC Sport. 23 May 2014.
  25. "Gregor Robertson released by Cobblers". BBC Sport. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  26. "Grimsby Town snap up Christian Jolley and Gregor Robertson". Grimsby Telegraph. 26 January 2015. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  27. "Christian Jolley and Gregor Robertson join Grimsby Town". BBC Sport. 26 January 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  28. "Grimsby 0–1 Wrexham". BBC Sport. 11 April 2015. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  29. "Massive blow for Grimsby Town as Gregor Robertson's season is over". Grimsby Telegraph. 17 April 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  30. "Bristol Rovers 1–1 Grimsby". BBC Sport. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  31. "Grimsby Town have re-signed defender Gregor Robertson". Grimsby Telegraph. 29 May 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  32. "Forest Green 1–3 Grimsby". BBC Sport. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  33. "Grimsby secure promotion back to Football League at Wembley". Sky Sports. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  34. "Grimsby Town Retained List". Grimsby Telegraph. 24 May 2016. Archived from the original on 25 May 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  35. "Austria U21 1–3 Scotland U21". BBC Sport. 16 August 2005. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  36. "Scotland U21 2–3 Belarus U21". BBC Sport. 7 October 2005. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  37. "Gregor Robertson | the Times & the Sunday Times". The Times.
  38. "Gregor Robertson's profile". LinkedIn.
  39. "Former Nottingham Forest defender Gregor Robertson on the trials of being a professional footballer". Nottingham Post. 14 November 2012. Archived from the original on 29 January 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  40. "Gregor Robertson | The Times & The Sunday Times". www.thetimes.co.uk.
  41. "Gregor Robertson pleads guilty to unprovoked drunken attack". 21 January 2022.
  42. "Gregor Robertson pleads guilty to unprovoked drunken attack". 21 January 2022.
  43. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  44. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  45. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  46. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  47. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  48. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  49. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  50. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  51. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  52. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  53. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  54. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  55. "Games played by Gregor Robertson in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  56. Alan Smith (22 May 2016). "Scott McManus strikes for Halifax to beat Grimsby in FA Trophy final". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
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