Whitecaps and Barry Robson part ways
Posted January 21, 2013 3:04 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Vancouver Whitecaps held their first training session of the year today in Burnaby but without one of their big name players. Scottish midfielder Barry Robson, signed as the club’s latest designated player last year was not on the field. The team and Robson have mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
“He and his family had a difficult time settling in Vancouver and he made us aware of that. As a result, we have decided to part company,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzz, who added that Robson struggled with several parts of the MLS lifestyle, including the amount of travel involved and even playing in altitude like places in Colorado. Lenarduzzi adds that your own family obviously has to enjoy where they’re living, another factor in Robson wanting to pursue his career back home.
Robson joined Whitecaps FC last June after two-and-a-half seasons with English side Middlesbrough FC. The native of Inverurie, Scotland, scored three goals in 18 appearances for Vancouver.
Keeper Joe Cannon was among the players who did not report to opening day of camp, but Cannon was married recently and off for personal reasons, according to coach Martin Rennie.
Rennie was pleased overall with the group out today, saying it was a little more dynamic and athletic than the team has had in the past. He was also impressed with forwards Kekuta Menneh and Erik Hurtado, Vancouver’s selections in last week’s MLS Superdraft, saying that both are goal threats and looked sharp. Rennie also liked the early play of former UCLA defender Brad Rusin, a 6-foot-4 central defender expected to challenge for a starting spot on Vancouver’s back line.
The Whitecaps will continue on-field preseason camp in Burnaby until Friday then head to Casa Grande, Arizona for nine days. While in Arizona, the ‘Caps will play a pair preseason matches against the New England Revolution and Houston Dynamo.
