Andy Robinson relishing his Swansea City reunion

5th February

Andy Robinson is relishing his reunion with his Swansea City "family" on Saturday.
The ex-Swans midfielder is back at the Liberty tomorrow as his former club take on Crystal Palace.
Robinson will meet up with some familiar faces in SA1 as he fulfills his role as special hospitality guest speaker.
A hugely popular player among the Jack Army, Robinson scored 54 goals in 226 games during a five-year spell that included two promotions and a Football League Trophy triumph.
His bubbly, cheeky character also made him a massive hit within the squad.
And for Robinson, it's safe to say returning to his former stomping ground is something he's particularly looking forward to.



"I really miss my time at Swansea," said the former winger. "Obviously, as I've been playing, it's been really difficult to watch the lads play but I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.
"I've still got a house in Swansea, so I make fleeting visits from time to time. So you never know, the Robinsons may be back in Swansea full-time in the future!
"I can't wait to meet up with some familiar faces. I loved the camaraderie and banter as much as I did training and playing the game. There was a great atmosphere around the club.
"I had so many good memories from my time at Swansea.
"Making my debut (in a 4-3 win over Cheltenham) was definitely up there, while scoring in my first game at the Vetch stands out.
"I came on for Roberto (Martinez) in the first half as he had a nasty injury, and I actually scored from a one-two with Trunds. That fact he passed the ball to me is a collector's item, as I rarely got the ball back from him!
"But winning the League One title is the best memory. The way we played under Roberto that season really laid the path for the future.
"We succeeded playing great football at a level where people said we couldn't do it.
"Swansea have played superb football ever since - it's been a pleasure to watch. And it's great to see the likes of Leon (Britton), Angel (Rangel) and Ash (Williams) remaining key figures in the team - they are crucial to this team because of their quality and the fact they know what Swansea is all about."



From former player to fan, Robinson has not fallen out of touch with the Swans since leaving the Liberty to join Leeds United in July, 2008.
Robinson went on to play for his hometown club Tranmere, while he also spent spells at Shrewsbury Town and most recently Stockport County.
During that time he has watched on as the Swans have continued to build on their success - winning promotion to the Premier League along with lifting the Capital One Cup and enjoying a Europa League adventure.
And his connection with the Swans - and everyone connected to the club - remains as strong as ever.
"It's a special club. As a lad I obviously supported my local club Tranmere, but now Swansea is number one for me and they are the result I look for first," he said.
"It's not just the memories of playing, but the people too.
"When I arrived there were quite a few lads from outside of the area that had joined too and we were in the same situation of being in a new place we were unfamiliar with.
"But we grew friends, and our families did too. The club itself is like a close family, and I missed that a lot when I left."
But, he admits, there was one particular group that he missed perhaps the most.



"The fans were amazing to me," beams Robinson, who is now working towards obtaining his relevant coaching badges while pondering official retirement from the playing side of the game.
"Hearing them sing my name over and over was an incredible feeling. It made me want to do even better.
"I can't do it justice when I explain the feeling. Knowing they appreciated everything I did for the club - giving 100% each game - meant everything.
"To be honest, I would love to bring my boots tomorrow and play in front of the fans!"
The Jack Army, it would be fair to say, would enjoy seeing Robinson grace the Liberty turf just one more time.



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