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Club History
His father taught him to love the game. More than a decade in English football schooled him in the trade. Now Carl Robinson brings that passion and steel to Toronto FC, controlling BMO like a general stalks the battlefield. Take a look back at Carl's career to get an idea of the shellshocked opponents and victorious fans he leaves in his wake.
Career Highlights
Promotion with Pompey
Carl earned promotion to the Premier League when Portsmouth finished top of the Championship table at the end of the 2002-2003 season.
Promotion with Sunderland
In the 2004-2005 season, Carl completed a brace of Premiership promotions by helping Sunderland conquer the Championship and reach the top flight.
Two-time Toronto FC MVP
Two years and two MVP awards - that's not a bad way to kick off an MLS career. Carl's impact on Toronto FC is enormous, and the plaudits reflect that fact.
Toronto Football Club
Robinson quickly established himself as the engine at the heart of the Toronto FC machine. His central role in the TFC midfield allows him to dictate play across the pitch, carving out chances up front and stifling opponents' attacks at the back.
After setting up one goal with a pinpoint free kick, Carl netted his first for the club on June 17, 2007. He scored the third in a 4-0 rout of FC Dallas at BMO Field with an unstoppable header off the bottom of the crossbar.
Carl's on-field leadership earned him the vice-captaincy, and his consistent performances brought back-to-back MVP honours in the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He played a vital part in winning the club's first silverware, the 2009 Canadian Championship, and he continues to be the midfield linchpin for TFC.
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Norwich City Football Club
Carl moved to Norfolk in late 2005 for a loan spell with Norwich City. After again impressing, he signed a permanent 2.5-year deal with The Canaries in January 2006. In 18 months with the club, Carl made over 50 appearances while playing under manager Nigel Worthy. Robinson bagged a couple of goals and helped push for promotion, but City ultimately missed out on a chance at the Premiership.
In January 2007, Carl decided to take his career in a new direction. He made the move to the MLS, signing with Toronto FC.
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Sunderland Association Football Club
Following an impressive loan spell, Carl signed a 3-year contract with Sunderland in June 2004. Playing under the dynamic Mick McCarthy, Robinson displayed the world-class form that had made him a Wolves favourite. He quickly earned a place in the starting 11.
The Black Cats nearly gained promotion to the Premier League in Carl's first season with the club. The playoff semifinal against Crystal Palace stayed deadlocked through extra time, forcing penalties to decide a winner. And although Carl scored, Sunderland walked away defeated.
Sunderland came back the following year with a vengeance. The Black Cats dominated the league and finished as champions by a solid 10-point margin. Carl featured in 42 of the 46 matches that season and netted the winner at the last home game. He lifted the trophy in front of 42,000 Mackems in one of the proudest moments of his career. Carl remains close friends with McCarthy and speaks with his former manager often.
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Sheffield United FC
In 2004, Carl spent another 1-month loan in Sheffield - but at Wednesday's rivals United. Players' manager Neil Warnock ensured a lively loan spell for Robinson, but the midfielder chose not to remain with The Blades.
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Rotherham United Football Club
In 2003, Carl moved to Rotherham on a 3-month loan. He enjoyed his time with The Millers under manager Ronnie Moore. Thanks in part to Robinson's influential midfield presence, the Championship club successfully avoided the drop. Rotherham wanted to make Carl a permanent fixture, but he declined to sign.
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Walsall United Football Club
Carl was a welcome sight to forlorn Walsall F.C. supporters in 2003. The relegation-threatened Midlands club secured Robinson for a brief loan spell at the end of the season. Carl reunited with manager Colin Lee, formerly of Wolves and still one of his favourite coaches. With Carl's help, The Saddlers escaped relegation, winning 5 of their final 8 matches.
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Sheffield Wednesday Football Club
During a 1-month loan at Sheffield Wednesday, Carl featured in 4 matches for The Owls. He scored once but decided against extending his stay at Hillsborough Stadium.
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Portsmouth Football Club
Carl's Pompey career started brightly. He featured in the first 16 matches of the 2002-2003 season. But after manager Harry Redknapp signed midfielder Tim Sherwood in early 2003, Carl received word that he could leave the club.
Successful loan spells at Rotherham, Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United brought permanent contract offers. Carl turned them down - he wanted to stay at Pompey and fight for his place in the side.
In 2004, Robinson spent several matches on loan at Sunderland under manager Mick McCarthy. Carl felt right at home with the Mackems and signed a permanent deal with the Wearside club.
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Shrewsbury Town Football Club
Carl spent a brief loan spell at Shrewsbury Town F.C. in 1996. He made 4 appearances for The Shrews before returning to Wolves.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers
Following trials with Manchester United and Aston Villa, Carl signed with Wolves at the age of 15. He marked his first-team debut during the 1996-1997 season in memorable fashion against Portsmouth. His tenacity in the middle of park earned his side a point, and he went home as man of the match.
Wanderers supporters had a glimpse of things to come in Robinson's first match. Carl grew into his role as the anchor at the centre of midfield at Molineux, dictating play and snuffing out danger.
More than 180 appearances for the First Division club saw dizzying highs and desperate lows for Carl. Despite being 11 points clear in an automatic promotion spot to the Premier League with just 10 matches to go in the 2001-2002 season, the club suffered a poor run of form that left Wolves out and archrivals West Brom in.
Carl chose to leave the Midlands soon after, signing for Portsmouth in July 2002. He took with him a wealth of experience and friendships. Coach Rob Kelly instilled in Carl a pass-first philosophy. Veteran midfielder Simon Osborn mentored him on and off the pitch. And Nathan Blake and George Ndah became Carl's good mates.
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