It is not often that you hear a player has picked Airdrie FC over a transfer to Newcastle United. Quite possibly, Thomas Robert might be the only player to have done so!
Yesterday, Airdrie FC announced the signing of Robert. He is the 19-year-old son of Laurent Robert. As fans of Newcastle United will tell you, Laurent is a hero in the North East. Between 2001 and 2005, he scored 32 goals in 181 appearances for The Magpies.
Thomas Robert Signs for Airdrie
Plotting His Own Path
Laurent’s son Thomas is set to embark on his own career in the UK. After spending four years at Montpellier, he has opted to leave on a free transfer. It was reported that Newcastle United, along with several other clubs were monitoring him. At the time, Robert’s agent, Mark McKay, confirmed a number of clubs were interested, although he did not mention them by name.
McKay said: “We have several offers from clubs in France, Germany and the UK, but Thomas wants to be playing regular first-team football wherever he ends up going.”
It seems that the lure of first-team football was the key for Robert to sign for Airdrie. In doing so, he will now play football in Scotland’s third tier. This could prove a gamble for Robert. However, a talented player should be able to adapt to any league.
Speaking to the official Airdrie FC website, Robert said: “I’m very happy to sign for Airdrie, it’s a club with a good structure and a good stadium.”
Good Advice
It appears that Robert has received career advice from McKay. This was echoed by Airdrie FC’s Director of Football Stuart Millar, who was also speaking to the Official Airdrie FC website.
“Thomas could have joined any club in Europe but showed a desire to continue his football education at Airdrieonians as part of his longer-term plan of joining a top club in the UK – a decision we are naturally thrilled about,” said Millar.
Huge credit should be given to Robert for wanting to play first-team football at Airdrie. Quite often, many players opt for the bigger club. The temptation of higher wages also proves too much. Thereby sacrificing their chance to gain valuable experience from playing regularly.
So, whether you are an Airdrie FC fan or a supporter of the other nine Scottish League One clubs, Robert is a name to watch out for next season. In years to come, you might just have a story about how you saw the now legendary Thomas Robert play on a cold, wet Tuesday evening at Montrose or East Fife.
After all, these are the footballing stories that last the longest. These are stories that make supporting a lower league club far more interesting.
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