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General Category => Altrincham FC First Team => Topic started by: bumble on November 21, 2011, 08:56:11 PM
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"An Altrincham era has come to an end, with the announcement that long-serving skipper Robbie Lawton has left Moss Lane and is looking for another club.
Robbie, signed by former manager Graham Heathcote from Vauxhall Motors in June, 2006, reluctantly brought the curtain down on his illustrious Alty career after a frank discussion with current boss Lee Sinnott in the aftermath of Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Gloucester.
It was a decision that was not taken lightly, and, before leaving, Robbie asked for the chance to put his thoughts into words in one final Captain’s Log, the hugely-popular Robins' Review column that gives supporters an insight into the thinking, and banter, in the home dressing room at Moss Lane.
Here it is, supplied, on this final occasion, for the club’s official website, rather than the pages of the matchday programme".
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Well worth reading the article by Robbie on the site
I'm sorry to see him go.... Got a lot of respect for Robbie and I won't forget that apology at Eastbourne
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As always, a very well thought out, articulate and well presented article in his final Captain's Log.
I for one am sad to see him leaving, but fully understand his reasoning behind the decision. As he says, he is not getting any younger and he wants to be playing football before taking up management.
I personally won't forget the goal and celebration against the green and white sh*te, or the one against Cambridge. And I hope to see you back at the club in the near future either as an opposing player or as a spectator. All the very best for the future Robbie.
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Goodbye and thankyou for all your effort, heart and service robbie, a great club man, you'll always be welcome and moss lane.
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Interesting that he considered applying for the job
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a great article as always, and a player who's presence both on the pitch and in the dressing room will be missed.
good luck for the rest of your career robbie
....now where is that Northwich DVD i need to see that celebration again
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Very sad to see Robbie go, thank you and good luck for the future.
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I would have prefered to have seen six other players to leave before robbie always gave 100%, I am gutted, sinnout
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Good luck Robbie wherever you end up... You wore Alty's shirt with pride and passion and will always be welcomed back with open arms..
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mwSsCUGEZE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
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All the best for the future Robbie,always gave 100per cent.
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All the best Robbie,if we had all 11 starters playing with your passion we would still be in BSP.The right move for player and club,but sad to see it happen.
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When the chips were down last season, it was Robbie Lawton who rolled up his sleeves and rallied the troops into a mini revival. Top man and the type of character I’d love to see manage Alty one day. Cheers Robbie.
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A true legend and a real team leader. As sad as it is to see him go, I guess if he wants regular first team football he has to move to another club whether it be this level or below. I'm sure he'll be welcome at the club anytime as well! And I'd love it if he could be our next manager, he has a real passion for the club and I love to see that in players and managers. Good Luck Robbie! :)
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All the best for the future Robbie, always gave us 100%. A very honest player and a decent fella, I'm sure he'll be back in the bar soon and will be welcomed by all.
Good to see the manager not afraid to stand on ceremony and be honest with him.
I think if people are honest they know that his input wasn't what it was even if the effort was there.
There are a few more who should follow him as well, its horrible to say but I hope he isn't the last departure this week.
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Will never forget him dancing in the net on Boxing Day v vics
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Smashing log Robbie. Good luck, and no doubt you'll be back at ML one day whether for or against us, you'll be welcomed.
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A true alty player through and through good luck and all the very best for the future
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Will never forget him dancing in the net on Boxing Day v vics
Just watched that on my DVD of that game. Absolutely brilliant.
This photo sums him up completely...
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii189/bighairedmike/Passion.jpg)
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Gutted >:(
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Good luck for the future Robbie, a player who always gives 100% and has the heart of a lion.
I hope the coming days and weeks will see us replace some of the dead wood at this club with players who have even half the heart and desire to succeed that Robbie has shown during his time at Alty. Good luck in your future career as a player and manager!
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Robbie is what we need right now - passions and pride and plays 100%.
I would have one Robbie for half the team we have at present.
Most of our team are bunch of f***ing girls, Robbie played hard and always wore the Alty shirt with pride.
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There are a few more who should follow him as well, its horrible to say but I hope he isn't the last departure this week.
Fully Agree
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so this isn't on the main site? where can i read captains log?
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so this isn't on the main site? where can i read captains log?
CAPTAIN’S LOG by Robbie Lawton
It doesn’t seem so long ago I was considering putting my name forward for the vacant manager’s position at the club that I am so passionate about. I never thought that 7 starts later, I would be walking away from it all.
I began to sense some sort of clarification might be needed about my future when three central midfielders were picked ahead of me against Gloucester, and our right-back picked up an injury and I still didn’t get on.
That wasn’t a good sign, so I resolved to see the manager afterwards to try and find out where I stood. I wanted to remind him of how desperate I was to get back in the side and try and have an impact on the current position we are in. It was clear he was as disappointed as anyone with the defeat, and, after telling him what was on my mind, I honestly expected the reply to be along the lines of: ‘I’m going to have to make changes, and you might well find yourself back in the starting line-up next week.’
But that’s not how it went. He told me that, in the normal course of events, I wouldn’t be featuring in the team and that, while he recognised there were problems that needed addressing, he believed the answers lay outside the club, not from within. He informed me that I’m not part of his starting eleven but welcomed me as part his current squad.
He made it very clear he wasn’t pushing me out, and that I could stay if I wished. But he stated that if I wanted to play, it might be best if I moved on.
I was brought to the club by a man who had faith in me, but, as I left the manager’s office and mulled over the conversation that had just taken place, it was clear that faith was no longer there, and my time was up.
Let me make it clear that, gutted though I am to have walked out of Moss Lane as an Altrincham player for the last time, there was no personality clash between us. There is no lack of respect on my part. If anything, I respect him all the more for being honest, open and transparent and telling it how it is. That’s how I am as a person, and I appreciate that. The manager is very experienced and will go on to do a terrific job, I'm sure. He could easily have spun me a line about being patient and waiting for my chance, but that clearly isn’t his style. There was no messing me about, no flannel, and the moment the words left his mouth about maybe I should look elsewhere, I knew what the outcome was going to be.
I didn’t want it to happen. No player wants to hear that from his manager. I am truly gutted to be leaving, but my hand has been forced slightly. I’ve worked hard to get back from the tendinitis injury that ruled me out earlier this season, and I just can’t envisage training all week in the knowledge there’s going to be nothing for me, come Saturday, that I’m not going to be playing football.
If I had sensed a chance of playing, I would have stuck at it, but it was made plain those chances were going to be few and far between. I wasn’t looking for any guarantees. Managers can’t give those, and when I’m a manager, I certainly won't be giving any. That would have been unrealistic.
I’d like to think I’ve got a few years left in me yet, but I’m not getting any younger. My playing career hasn’t got that long to go, and I have no intention of simply letting what has been my most memorable years of football fizzle out. That’s why I had to take this step and look round for a club where I would have a reasonable chance of starting football matches.
I’m not arrogant enough to think that, because I’m club captain and have an identity here, that my name has to be on the team sheet every week. I’m OK with what the manager told me, and I accept that, just as a subjective point of view has seen many a good friend and team-mate come and go over the years, it’s now my turn to take it on the chin.
Right: Robbie celebrates in the game against Vauxhall Motors. Photo courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.
I won’t quibble with that, but I do believe I can still make a contribution and have an impact on a group of players and a team. That’s why I was clear in my own mind on Saturday night that I would drop down the football pyramid as much as need be to be playing again.
As I prepare for a fresh start, I can’t help wondering whether being a non-contract player all my days at Moss Lane might have worked against me. That was my status when I arrived, and as the club began moving towards putting players on contracts, it just never happened for me. I just never saw myself going anywhere else, but if I had signed one, maybe I’d be going out on loan somewhere now, instead of having to cut my ties
There’s no point dwelling on that too much, though. If I’m going to look back, I’d rather reflect on all the good times, and the great people I’ve shared them with. Victories away at Oxford and police escorts away from the ground, ecstatic scenes when turning over Grimsby and Darlington, my dance in the goal after smashing Northwich on Boxing Day, just a snippet of the unbelievable memories.
There have been low points – not least the relegations that never actually materialised and the one that did finally bring us down out of the Conference – but they are outweighed by happy memories of mixing with top people whose dedication to the club does them proud.
I would like to thank wholeheartedly everyone associated with the club for all their support over the last five-and-a-half years. Graham Heathcote took a chance on me, when he signed me from Vauxhall Motors, and some 200-plus games later, it’s clear I have a lot to thank him for.
The role of captain is something I always took very seriously, on and off the pitch, and I want to thank the board for the way they have supported me, as a player and skipper. To be leading a team of players who are representing probably the biggest part time club is something I’m very, very proud of.
A big thank you, too, to our supporters, particularly the hard core of fans who turn up every week, home and away, and really get behind me and the team. There have maybe been times when I have struggled with injury or lost form a bit, but you have always been supportive, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that. You’re a special bunch of people with exemplary morals and values.
I always remember, when Graham approached me about joining Alty, he described it as a people’s club that was run on proper lines. He said the fans will take to you, as long as they can see you are totally committed to the club on and off the pitch. That was all I needed to hear, and I hope I have shown that in the intervening years.
In a way, it’s a measure of my commitment to Altrincham that I have taken this decision. I just felt it was important I walked before I was pushed and that I went on my terms. It has been such a special time, I didn’t want it to end with someone telling me I had to go and pointing me towards the door.
Others have had to move on, after playing a significant part in the club’s fortunes, and there are a few names that spring readily to mind. I was really disappointed when Gary Scott left, Gary Talbot was another massive presence and, of course, Colin Little will remain an Alty legend for his phenomenal goalscoring prowess.
Maybe not everyone will be sad to see me go - you never win everyone over - but I hope I will be remembered for my less-than-glamorous style of play, my determination and desire to succeed on the pitch and pride at being an ambassador for the club off it.
I have got to know Altrincham FC well enough to realise it runs through the blood of the people who surround it. I have developed such an attachment, I’d like to think that applies to me, as well.
Certainly, I will always consider everyone at the club a personal friend, and I hope I might be welcomed back again before long, as an opponent, a spectator or opposing manager or coach. I really enjoyed helping Neil Tolson with things like the pre-match warm-up at Worcester, and I can’t see myself ever leaving football.
The management side is next on the agenda, after I finish playing, and who knows where that might take me? Back here to Alty one day? There’s a thought, but in the meantime, thanks again to every single one of you and all the very best until the next time. Go and get promoted!!!
Robbie".
Footnote: Robbie made 217 starts, plus 14 appearances from the bench, and scored 9 times for Altrincham.
As the website editor, I have always found Robbie a very friendly and approachable man who always gave his all for the club, whilst his "Captain's Log" articles were a model of articulate and entertaining commentary on the Club's ups and downs. I wish him all the best in his future career in football and thank him for his dedicated service to the club.
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astonishing captains log, thanks for all the hard work and good times robbie. Nice to see strength from the management, perhaps they should have levelled with robbie earlier
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so this isn't on the main site? where can i read captains log?
It is on the main site, refresh the page.
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Robbie is what we need right now - passions and pride and plays 100%.
I disagree. I don't think the current players don't try, I just think they aren't good enough.
What we need are people that can pass the ball to their own team mates and defenders who can stay in position and read the game with a little bit of pace.
Robbie has got all the spirit in the world...but its sometimes not enough.
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I really worry that we don't have someone like Robbie as an automatic choice, some of the squad have great skills, but as I have said many times recently our problem is lack of LEADERSHIP on the pitch when things don't go to plan.. i.e. when we go behind!
The manager has to address this very quickly or we'll be on a downward spiral for the rest of this season. If by losing Robbie he has someone lined up to that job that's good, if not.. oh dear
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There are players and people at our club who are simply going through the motions, and here is a man who eats, sleeps and drinks Altrincham FC.
We have lost a massive character in Robbie. For his determination and passion alone, I'd have him as manager over Sinnott any day. At least we'd go down with a fight rather than rolling over and producing spineless performances like saturday.
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Just want to say thank you Robbie you are a star
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All the best Robbie. Your commitment has been exemplary and your final Captain's log showed a real touch of class.
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Sorry you're leaving Robbie. Echo the sentiments of all those who wish you well. Thanks for all the memories mate.
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Sorry to see him go , he had Altrincham f.c in his blood , we will miss his leadership on the pitch ,all the best Robbie .
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Good luck Robbie where ever you go. All ways said hello and had some good banter with the stewards and time for everyone
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Always heard you from the half way line, a great captain, not many outfield players will stay here as long as you did
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Gutted.
one of only three people in that dressing room who seem to give a sh*t about this club at the moment.
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What a brilliant captains log!
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What a brilliant captains log!
Sums up the man really, a very articulate bloke who says it how it is.
It does make it clear thought that the manager hasn't released him but simply been honest with him and said he is part of the squad. Not sure you can use that to beat him over the head with.
Robbie himself says he will drop down the pyramid in order to play each week which to me means he knows that maybe he doesnt reach the levels of performance he used to.
I reckon though he'll end up back at Vauxhall and will be an asset in a relegation scrap in this league.
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The question is................is Robbie currently better than our existing startnig X1?
In my eyes he would do a better job than half of them.
I would have told others before Robbie that they are not in my plans.
To be honest I am quite angry that we continue to play the current shower of crap and Robbie is released essentially.
If it is the start of a whole change around I will eat my words, but lets face it are we going to release another 6 or 7 players? I cant see it, but we should be doing that and at least 6 or 7.
Granted Robbie has never been an Eddie Hussain or a Val Owen, but he is more than certain players at the club are at the moment.
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A true alty legend, have many positive memories of Robbie. Good luck with your future career!
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A good honest 100% pro, a loyal clubman, and a damn fine captain. Best of luck whatever the future holds Robbie, and don't be a stranger.
And if anyone out there doesn't think he could have done a better job at right back on Saturday than Chris Lynch, then they don't understand what prompted his initial discussion with the manager !
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The question is................is Robbie currently better than our existing startnig X1?
In my eyes he would do a better job than half of them.
I would have told others before Robbie that they are not in my plans.
To be honest I am quite angry that we continue to play the current shower of crap and Robbie is released essentially.
If it is the start of a whole change around I will eat my words, but lets face it are we going to release another 6 or 7 players? I cant see it, but we should be doing that and at least 6 or 7.
Granted Robbie has never been an Eddie Hussain or a Val Owen, but he is more than certain players at the club are at the moment.
No club has ever released 6 or 7 first team players...so it isn't going to happen. Nor is releasing Robbie going to start a charge up the league.
It is however going to free up some funds to hopefully get 1/2 replacements in to allow us to at least drop some of players we have now.
From the captains log it seems clear that Robbie thought he would come in next week, the manager has said he is going to have to bring people in from outside the club to change things.
Whether that's right or wrong its what managers are paid to do.
It's all about opinions but for me Robbie this season would be an excellent squad player who would motivate the lads and never let us down. He wants to be more than that which is his right and I wish him well.
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Personally I am astonished and saddened that Robbie is leaving the club - I think just lately he has more than deserved a place in the team when you see some of the fkn dross that has been served up - I am not going to start naming names on here of players who havent been up to the mark, but I think the majority of level headed forumites on here will know who they are - I fully agree with the sentiments about Robs Character, leadership qualities (which are sadly lacking on the pitch at the moment) and his 100% effort whenever he plays. OK he was probably not the most naturally gifted player in the club but he gave total committment & effort every time he crossed the whitewash.
I will miss you Robbie - you always had time for a chat with the fans whenever and wherever we were - good luck with whatever route you choose from now and and you have the best wishes from the Shrewsbury 2 .
I hope now that Mr Sinnott employs a replacement pretty damm quick, and as others have said on here, ships out the dead wood - I DO NOT want to be trapsing around the Northern half of this country any longer forking out hundreds of pounds watching players not giving a toss and showing no fight or committment. This needs sorting before Sunday or else the season will be virtually bolloxed before Christmas. Today (in my opinion) is a sad day for Altrincham football club & we have lost a committed player of this football club.
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Robbie is what we need right now - passions and pride and plays 100%.
I disagree. I don't think the current players don't try, I just think they aren't good enough.
What we need are people that can pass the ball to their own team mates and defenders who can stay in position and read the game with a little bit of pace.
Robbie has got all the spirit in the world...but its sometimes not enough.
Spot on, Ecky.
If the team was selected purely on the basis of demonstrating passion for your club, then our defence last Saturday would have comprised Hughesy; Ecky; George Heslop and Derek Wilshaw.
Mind you, come to think of it, that line-up would almost certainly have been more effective than the back four that we fielded against Gloucester City....
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Who the f**k is going to be Captain - Somebody who will urge the lads on through good times and bad - I cant think of anybody that could do that just now
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First of all, thanks and good luck Robbie. A top man and a proper 'Alty' footballer, always enjoyed our chats with him and Laney. Good luck wherever you go and I think there's a lot of management potential there.
I'll look back on Robbie's Alty carer and remember the good times like his Boxing Day performance and goal v Vics and a barnstorming display when we drew away at Oxford.
I think now is probaly a good time for him to leave though while he can still get a decent club to go to, it was clear he wasn't a first choice here. I think perhaps his run of injuries which all started with a poor challenge by an R&D player (Noubassie) in a 0-4 defeat here at Moss Lane has hampered him somewhat and meant he was not the physical presence he was when he arrived, as such it's hard to base our play around him at the moment.
Hopefully this will free up funds for one or two fresh players (although I suspect Robbie was not a high earner or certainly not overpaid) which are clearly essential.
All in all a sad day as another Alty player and link to times when pour teams had heart and spirit leaves, and leaves us at an uncertain juncture, an important few weeks coming up I think. I know it won't arse the players but we are proud of our fa trophy record and would love to improve it, we also badly need the £5k or so to bring in reinforcement...which is a bit liek asking turkeys to vote for christmas.
Anyway, like I said, best of luck Robbie.
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Robbie is what we need right now - passions and pride and plays 100%.
I disagree. I don't think the current players don't try, I just think they aren't good enough.
What we need are people that can pass the ball to their own team mates and defenders who can stay in position and read the game with a little bit of pace.
Robbie has got all the spirit in the world...but its sometimes not enough.
Spot on, Ecky.
If the team was selected purely on the basis of demonstrating passion for your club, then our defence last Saturday would have comprised Hughesy; Ecky; George Heslop and Derek Wilshaw.
Mind you, come to think of it, that line-up would almost certainly have been more effective than the back four that we fielded against Gloucester City....
There might not have been a lot of difference pace wise!
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Who the f**k is going to be Captain
Presumably, the player who can actually string a few sentences together in order to be able to contribute a page to the Robins Review...?!
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Two other Robbie Lawton goals that I recall fondly:
(i) 9th February 2008: Droylsden...0 Altrincham...2
Drilled a shot into the net early in the second half to put us 1-0 up......and right in front of the sizeable contingent of Alty supporters, too!
(ii) 22nd November 2008: Altrincham...1 Cambridge United...0
Of the nine goals that Robbie Lawton scored for the Robins, three of them were against Cambridge United.
This one was surely the best of the bunch (and arguably his finest goal for the club).
On the stroke of half-time, he drove home a fierce low shot from outside the penalty area at the Chequers End.
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As has been expressed in other posts, his commitment to the Alty cause could never be questioned.
However, I do think that the time is right for a parting of the ways and wish him all the best in his future career.
He could always edit the Robins Review whilst he's getting himself sorted out with another club!
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I am sad and surprised to see Robbie go, especially at a time when we seem to lack leadership.
Good luck Robbie!
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just read about Robbie,i am in shock,he was the only true captain at the club,ok not the best of players,but he always gave 110%.So Robbie was not in the managers plans,sounds to me as though the manager has dropped a clanger here,especially the gutless defence we have and midfield.Robbie would have been one of the few players this season i would have kept.Good luck the rest of the season Lee,you will need it now.
Thanks Robbie and sorry to see you leave.
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Does anybody actually believe that any of Robbies' replacements are better than him. I was of the understanding that we were waiting for him to get fit before he regained his rightful place on the pitch.
He mentions he could come back as manager one day, how about today.....
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What a fantastic player and great ambassador for the club. Thanks a million Robbie. In my eyes - an Alty legend.
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A great guy to have around the club, totally committed. That boxing day goal v Northwich will stick in the mind. Quite right for him to go though, we need to move on. I reckon there'll be more comings and goings in the next few weeks.
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Robbie himself says he will drop down the pyramid in order to play each week which to me means he knows that maybe he doesnt reach the levels of performance he used to.
I reckon though he'll end up back at Vauxhall and will be an asset in a relegation scrap in this league.
Was thinking the same thing. That said it's not a drop down the pyramid. I hope he doesn't go to northwich an soil his good name!
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Robbie you have been a sterling captain for the club during some difficult seasons and it is a shame that on too often an occasion your leadership and commitment were not matched by enough talent in the players we have around you.
The sentence that stood out for me was the one about the fans taking to you if you give your all and the captains logs have shown an insight in the pride you had at being captain at Alty.
I wish you all the best for the rest of your playing career and the start of your management career and it goes without saying you will always be a welcome face at Moss Lane.
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Sad to see him go. Not the most natural player but determination, heart and presence of a lion. Someone we could do with at the moment to be honest. Great captain's log, felt rather sad. I said at the start of the season that it felt like the pride and energy of the club wasn't there the season. Robbie's presence will be missed. Its happened now so he must bring in some players, who can not only play but play with passion because there's a severe lack of it!
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God help us if Sinnott thinks Richman should get the nod ahead of Robbie.He was truly awful last Saturday. >:( >:(
However, all the very best for the future,Robbie and thank you.
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Shocked by this, after reading the headline on the main site I expected it to be Williams. Robbie Lawton, a truly solid character and all round nice guy, will be missed, all the best pal,
baz
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Many thanks Robbie. All the best for the rest of your playing career and perhaps we'll see you on the management team at Moss Lane some time in the future.
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While I am sorry to see someone who has served the club so well depart, I think the time is right. Robbie Lawton's passion, honesty and commitment cannot be questioned - but on the evidence of his last appearance, ten days ago at Worcester, his limitations as a player are all too apparent. I wish him well for the future and am grateful for what he has brought to the club.
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Very sorry indeed to see Robbie Lawton leave. As others have said, he wasn't Cesc Fabregas - but he didn't pretend to be.
When he was in a team with more 'class' (however you want to define that) a couple of years ago his shortcomings in skill were not as important as his total commitment to the cause because other teammates were able to cover his deficiencies with strengths of their own.
What he CAN do, he has always done to the best of his ability - if only some other members of the current squad were able to say the same about themselves!
I like to think that I'm not just being sentimental when I say that there would always be some place at the club for him in my eyes and although the manager is to be congratulated for 'being his own man' and 'telling it like it is', I would have had a lot more time for him if he would have offered Robbie a job as covering squad player coupled with a someone to coach the playing staff how to care about the club they play for, respect the club and supporters, and most crucially, show some decent-sized balls! This latter part of the job is something that needs to be addressed PRONTO.
PS: As for the rubbish about us now freeing up funds for new blood ... words fail me! I'd be surprised indeed if Robbie's pay was as much as we're paying any of the new signings made in the summer.
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Thanks Robbie for all the effort you have put in over the years, as fans we can't ask for more than that. I fully understand your reasons for going and hope you can have a few more good seasons elsewhere.
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Is it me or did we just let the club captain walk out of the door when are heads are down?
Good luck Robbie!
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Very sorry indeed to see Robbie Lawton leave. As others have said, he wasn't Cesc Fabregas - but he didn't pretend to be.
When he was in a team with more 'class' (however you want to define that) a couple of years ago his shortcomings in skill were not as important as his total commitment to the cause because other teammates were able to cover his deficiencies with strengths of their own.
What he CAN do, he has always done to the best of his ability - if only some other members of the current squad were able to say the same about themselves!
I like to think that I'm not just being sentimental when I say that there would always be some place at the club for him in my eyes and although the manager is to be congratulated for 'being his own man' and 'telling it like it is', I would have had a lot more time for him if he would have offered Robbie a job as covering squad player coupled with a someone to coach the playing staff how to care about the club they play for, respect the club and supporters, and most crucially, show some decent-sized balls! This latter part of the job is something that needs to be addressed PRONTO.
PS: As for the rubbish about us now freeing up funds for new blood ... words fail me! I'd be surprised indeed if Robbie's pay was as much as we're paying any of the new signings made in the summer.
To be fair to the manager, Robbies captains log says that Lee Sinnot wanted him to continue to be a part of the squad. He didnt sack him.
It was Robbie that didn't want that and that was his choice and fair play to him for wanting to play.
When changes need to be made on a fixed budget then people have to go, and that starts with people who can go and thats the non contract players. Robbie may not be on huge money but l having been here five years I'd expect him to have a had a few pay rises in that time although maybe a cut this season when we went down. I don't really see whats rubbish about that?
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Very sorry indeed to see Robbie Lawton leave. As others have said, he wasn't Cesc Fabregas - but he didn't pretend to be.
When he was in a team with more 'class' (however you want to define that) a couple of years ago his shortcomings in skill were not as important as his total commitment to the cause because other teammates were able to cover his deficiencies with strengths of their own.
What he CAN do, he has always done to the best of his ability - if only some other members of the current squad were able to say the same about themselves!
I like to think that I'm not just being sentimental when I say that there would always be some place at the club for him in my eyes and although the manager is to be congratulated for 'being his own man' and 'telling it like it is', I would have had a lot more time for him if he would have offered Robbie a job as covering squad player coupled with a someone to coach the playing staff how to care about the club they play for, respect the club and supporters, and most crucially, show some decent-sized balls! This latter part of the job is something that needs to be addressed PRONTO.
PS: As for the rubbish about us now freeing up funds for new blood ... words fail me! I'd be surprised indeed if Robbie's pay was as much as we're paying any of the new signings made in the summer.
To be fair to the manager, Robbies captains log says that Lee Sinnot wanted him to continue to be a part of the squad. He didnt sack him.
It was Robbie that didn't want that and that was his choice and fair play to him for wanting to play.
When changes need to be made on a fixed budget then people have to go, and that starts with people who can go and thats the non contract players. Robbie may not be on huge money but l having been here five years I'd expect him to have a had a few pay rises in that time although maybe a cut this season when we went down. I don't really see whats rubbish about that?
What I meant is that I hardly think the amount of funds freed up by his departure is likely to have made a significant difference to whether or not we would be able to sign replacements (i.e. plural). Others on here have said '1 stroke 2' replacements. My opinion is that someone who would be significantly better than him would clearly cost us a lot more in wages than he was on.
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Any funds freed up helps.it's always difficult when big personalities leave.But robbie quite rightly wants to play football and the manager cannot guarantee him first team football here.The best part of the whole scenario is the quote that the manager believes the answer to our current problems lie outside the club, thank f**k for that, let's hope four or five more can find themselves new clubs and we can sign a defence befitting our aspirations. A centre back and a decent defensive/central midfielder are urgent requirements hopefully before sunday
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Best of luck for the rest of your career Robbie
Personally I think Sinnot has made the wrong choice in leaving him out of the team- it's no coincidence that there is no leader or pride on the pitch when Robbie isn't around- a genuine man who gave 100% every week for the club
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You're right, not the most glamorous style, but I thought you were great to watch, and as far as I'm concerned this is Alty's loss.
All the best Robbie.
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Best of luck for the rest of your career Robbie
Personally I think Sinnot has made the wrong choice in leaving him out of the team- it's no coincidence that there is no leader or pride on the pitch when Robbie isn't around- a genuine man who gave 100% every week for the club
Erm....6-1 away win at Colwyn Bay; 6-1 home win over Boston United...?!
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Fantastic Captain's Log, fantastic attitude and a decent bloke to boot. Who knows when he'll be back at Moss Lane or in what capacity, but I'm damn sure he will be made to feel very welcome.
All the very best for whatever lies ahead.
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Fantastic Captain's Log, fantastic attitude and a decent bloke to boot. Who knows when he'll be back at Moss Lane or in what capacity, but I'm damn sure he will be made to feel very welcome.
All the very best for whatever lies ahead.
Couldn't have thought of a better comment
SECONDED!
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I am very sad to see Robbie go. He has been an excellent club captain, a great motivator, great ambassador and a lovely fella who has been a big part of the Alty family for the last 5 years or more. I would be very happy if he came back one day in some capacity.
Best wishes Robbie, you will always be welcome at Alty :(
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Robbie
Just to add my thanks to the others, I wish you well for your future and fully understand your reasons for leaving, and you have to put yourself first on this occasion.
I have enjoyed watching you and in particular reading your programme page, and also understand what a difficult decision it was for you. But thanks for your dedication to the club, commitment and being a fine captain. It helps us understand what the players go through and how they feel and I will miss that, not seeing your notes any more.
Take care of yourself and keep in touch with us all.
Steve from Sale and Alex from Sale, and Chris from Newcastle!!!
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Thanks Robbie for your dedication to the club over the years. Your undoubted devotion and commitment to Altrincham FC do you proud and should serve as a template for others to follow.
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Any funds freed up helps.it's always difficult when big personalities leave.But robbie quite rightly wants to play football and the manager cannot guarantee him first team football here.The best part of the whole scenario is the quote that the manager believes the answer to our current problems lie outside the club, thank f**k for that, let's hope four or five more can find themselves new clubs and we can sign a defence befitting our aspirations. A centre back and a decent defensive/central midfielder are urgent requirements hopefully before sunday
The Alty boss stressed he had no intention of allowing his side’s recent difficulties to drift on unchecked and revealed he hopes to bring in at least one new signing.
‘We are looking,’ he said. ‘Things are going on behind the scenes, and maybe something will happen before the weekend or maybe it will be after. Trying to improve the squad and the team is an ongoing process. Nothing stays still for long, and we are exploring ways to try and bring in more quality.
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Absolutely gutted.
There are other players in defence that need looking, one was here last year, he left and Lee brought him back on loan. WHY OH WHY?
We improved last year when Young came in and that disguised his lack of skill, his own team don't want him, hence his loan.
We use our hard earned money to pay him
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Any funds freed up helps.it's always difficult when big personalities leave.But robbie quite rightly wants to play football and the manager cannot guarantee him first team football here.The best part of the whole scenario is the quote that the manager believes the answer to our current problems lie outside the club, thank f**k for that, let's hope four or five more can find themselves new clubs and we can sign a defence befitting our aspirations. A centre back and a decent defensive/central midfielder are urgent requirements hopefully before sunday
The Alty boss stressed he had no intention of allowing his side’s recent difficulties to drift on unchecked and revealed he hopes to bring in at least one new signing.
‘We are looking,’ he said. ‘Things are going on behind the scenes, and maybe something will happen before the weekend or maybe it will be after. Trying to improve the squad and the team is an ongoing process. Nothing stays still for long, and we are exploring ways to try and bring in more quality.
tell lee that the online shop has opened,maybe thats where he is planning on getting some replacements from.