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For the Millwall defender, see Paul Robinson (footballer born 1982). For other people named Paul Robinson, see Paul Robinson.

Paul Robinson (born December 14, 1978 in Watford) is an English football player. He currently plays for West Bromwich Albion. He is a left-sided defender who can also play at centre back.

Robinson, a product of Watford's youth system, made his debut as a second minute substitute in a 1–1 draw against Watford's arch-rivals Luton Town on 29 October 1996, aged just 17.^[1] He went on to make 12 more appearances that season. 1997-98, Watford's Division Two Championship winning season, saw Robinson in and out of the side. He often played when the side reverted back to 4-4-2 (as opposed to their usual 3-5-2). In 1998–99, with the club playing 4-4-2, Robinson became a regular half-way through the season and featured in the club's run to the play-offs.

Robinson warms up prior to a West Bromwich Albion game

In a match against Port Vale on the 29 April 1999, Robinson made a horrific tackle on Vale player, Stewart Talbot, breaking Talbot's leg. The injury kept Talbot out of the game for 10 months and resulted in legal action from the player. It was perhaps typical of the Watford player, who by this time had become known for his ill-discipline and overly aggressive playing style. Out of 252 Watford appearances he was booked 63 times and sent off three times. One of these sendings off came in the 1998-99 play-off semi-final against Birmingham City, which saw him miss the second leg. He did feature, however, in the club's 2-0 play-off victory against Bolton.

Robinson made 32 appearances for Watford in their Premiership season, and stayed with the club when they returned to Division One. By this time he was firmly established as a terrace hero, noted for punched salute to the crowd whenever Watford won. In 2001-02, under new manager Gianluca Vialli, Robinson adopted a more disciplined attitude, which continued under the reign of Ray Lewington.

In October 2003 Robinson was sold to West Bromwich Albion for an initial £250,000 fee, which later rose to £375,000 due to Robinson making the requisite number of appearances as well as Albion being promoted to the Premiership.^[2]

'Robbo' became a cult figure at the Hawthorns for his "never say die attitude" and was touted as a potential England left back by Bryan Robson and others. His first goal for West Brom was a dramatic injury-time headed equaliser at Villa Park in April 2005.^[3] The draw was one of several key results that enabled Albion's "Great Escape" from relegation.

In June 2006 Watford attempted to re-sign the player from West Brom for £1.4m. However this was rejected by manager Bryan Robson and chairman Jeremy Peace, with Robinson considered vital if the team is to realise its ambition of a quick return to the Premier League. Robinson ultimately committed his future to Albion by signing a new three-year contract in July 2006.^[4]

On October 28, 2006, Robinson fractured Birmingham City captain Damien Johnson's jaw in two places in a collision during a local derby. The incident drew criticism from Birmingham manager Steve Bruce, who believed Robinson's use of the elbow to be a deliberate act.^[5] Robinson was shown a straight red card by referee Nigel Miller.

Paul was the subject of a £1.5 Million bid from Premiership team Wigan Athletic in August 2007 as a replacement for Leighton Baines who had been sold to Everton. Paul's move fell through however when he failed a medical at the JJB Stadium.^[6] In early November he was named in the Championship Team of the Week following Albion's 3–0 win at his former club Watford.^[7]

• Paul Robinson career stats at Soccerbase