Robinson Reflects On Title Triumph At Worthing
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Luke Robinson is eager to remain at Worthing FC next season after helping the club win the Isthmian League Premier Division title.
The Bermuda winger admits there is uncertainty over his future but hopes to feature in the remaining three games to convince manager Adam Hinshelwood to award him a new contract.
Robinson, who joined Worthing in December last year, said he has enjoyed his short time at the West Sussex outfit and wants to help the club challenge for promotion in the Vanarama National League South next term.
“It was a no-brainer to come here,” Robinson told Bernews. “At this level, step three [of the English game], it’s probably the best club in the country.
“If you saw how we train and the work behind the scenes, you’d understand why we won the league.
“It’s a great club, and I believe we will be challenging next season.”
Robinson believes he has displayed only glimmers of his potential due to a lack of opportunities but is keen to show what he can offer after a full pre-season.
“I’ve done well when I’ve played,” said Robinson, an unused substitute when Worthing clinched the title with a 2-0 win over Bowers and Pitsea last weekend.
“We were nine points clear when I joined to bolster the squad.
“There’s so much competition for places. It’s a good problem for the manager to have. He has so much talent on the bench, including ex-pros struggling to get a game.
“It’s not an easy place to play regularly, and you have to take your chances when they come.
“I haven’t hit the ground running in the way I wanted. But when you don’t get the consistent game time, it’s hard to build that momentum and reach your top game.
“Nothing is guaranteed for next season. I’ve got the next three games to make a claim for myself. Hopefully, I can secure my spot in the starting line-up once I’ve got a pre-season under my belt.”
The 23-year-old said several sides in the Isthmian League Premier Division and the National League South have expressed an interest in signing him but said his preferred option is to fight for his place at Worthing.
“I’ve had some interest from other clubs,” said the former Horsham and Staines Town player, “but my goal is to stay with Worthing and hopefully kick on next season.
“Playing your part in winning a league, at any level really, can be a once in a lifetime thing. I’ve loved my time here so far.”
Robinson, who made his debut for Bermuda against the Cayman Islands in a World Cup qualifier last summer, will likely be part of coach Kyle Lightbourne’s squad for the Concacaf Nations League matches in June.
Bermuda are in League B and will face Haiti, Guyana and Montserrat in Group B.
“One of my biggest achievements is representing Bermuda,” said Robinson, born in Bermuda but moved to England aged six.
“Making my debut was a massive achievement – although the team didn’t get the results we wanted.
“Hopefully, I can get some more appearances in June. It looks like I’ll be part of the squad, and it’s just about doing well in training and showing the coaches what I can do.”
