7th tier club Stratford Town appoint ex-Watford, West Brom, Bolton, Leeds, Birmingham player Paul Robinson to help them out.
In a recent interview, Robinson described his role as a short-term consultant to aid the struggling squad, drawing on his extensive coaching experience and passion for football at all levels.
He aims to boost player confidence, tighten defensive play, and improve communication ahead of their home match against top-of-the-table Bishop’s Stortford.
After retiring as a player in 2018, Paul Robinson stayed on as Birmingham’s assistant U23 coach, then lead development coach (including U18s) from June 2019 until leaving in August 2020.
He joined Millwall as first-team coach in July 2021, departing in November 2023.
In March 2024, he returned to Birmingham as first-team technical coach under interim manager Gary Rowett.
In October 2024, he became assistant coach at Watford, shifting to opposition analysis in January 2025.
Stratford currently sit bottom of the Southern League – Premier Central with 0 points form their opening three games.
They’ve lost 3-0 to Banbury, 1-0 to Redditch, and 5-2 to Quorn.
Stratford Town FC are delighted to have secured the services of Paul Robinson, the former Birmingham City and West Brom defender, as part of the 1st Team management. Welcome to the Bards Paul. Full details on the club website. #COYB pic.twitter.com/PucAiJhGv8
— Stratford Town FC (@StratfordTownFC) August 22, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Stratford Town Football Club can confirm that they have secured the services of Paul Robinson, the former Birmingham City and West Brom defender, as part of the management team. With 175 appearances for Birmingham and extensive coaching experience — including spells at Millwall, Birmingham (as technical coach), and Watford— Paul’s expertise will be vital in turning around our early-season fortunes.
Paul said in his own style, ”It’s either this or I’ll have to dust off my boots—and trust me, nobody wants that!! Though my turn of pace might surprise a few to the bar!!!”
Paul Davis commented, “We’re delighted to welcome Paul Robinson, a vastly experienced and highly respected figure in the game who joins our first-team management. His knowledge, professionalism, and winning pedigree are already making a massive impact behind the scenes. He brings a wealth of experience and a fresh, positive energy that is electrifying the entire squad.”
Captain Josh Hawker said, “ I was lucky enough to be part of a first team squad at the Blues with him. A proper character! He’s a winner, and if we can take anything from him, that will be one of the biggest things I’d want to get. Because he’ll want to win five a sides, he’ll want to win a race with you in the park, he’ll want to win rock, paper, scissors, if it may be. He’s a brilliant bloke.”
Paul will be part of the 1st Team Management team for Saturday’s game against Bishops Stortford.
Paul Robinson’s playing career:
Senior career
1996–2003 – Watford – 252 games (9 goals)
2003–2010 – West Bromwich Albion – 238 games (5 goals)
2009–2012 → Bolton Wanderers (loan) – 87 games (0 goals)
2012 → Leeds United (loan) – 10 games (0 goals)
2012–2018 – Birmingham City – 175 games (4 goals)
Total – 762 games (18 goals)
International career
1999 – England U21 – 3 games (0 goals)
Earlier this week, Stratford Town chairman Jed McCrory had apologised to supporters after the club’s poor start to the campaign.
“No one is more gutted and upset than me for this start, and therefore, I would like to issue a heartfelt apology for the disappointing start we have made,” he said, per Stratford Herald.
“We vow to fight back. It’s a long season, we’ve made changes, and the goal remains the same of promotion. Never say never. Get behind the Bards.”
Dans’ favourite Paul McCone has also been added to the backroom staff.
“We have to dust ourselves down and go again and do ourselves at the town proud, no time for feeling sorry for ourselves.
“This tie will be an early test for the new management duo, but with the fans behind us, in what will be 1500 plus in an intimidating atmosphere, we may surprise.”
Here’s how fans reacted as the 7th tier club Stratford Town appoint ex-Watford, West Brom, Bolton, Leeds, Birmingham player Paul Robinson as their new manager…
@WBATDM: Love it, well done Robbo
@Neil1875Neil: What a legend #bcfc
@tomrichman94: Robbo! Robbo!
@oftenpartizan: Good luck Paul 👏👏👏👏👏👏
@nicka____: Unreal this is, good luck @Robbo04pr 👏🏻
@AdamParker1997: All the best mate. Top bloke
@st4lky: Welcome to town. 🧡⚽️
@OscarW0806: This is a great bit of business by Stratford Town, especially given where he has been in the past of championship sides, hopefully he can help turn the bad start of the season around. #COYB
@b16blue: Good luck Robbo
@el_shez: Gwan robbo lad 🐝
@ValCollins68: Good luck Robbo they are lucky to get you KRO
@BcfcBenidorm: Ill follow you boys from benidorm
@InTheMixDJ1: Top bloke well done Robbo
@ScottCooksey1: Good luck Robbo
@ArmyBardy1984: Welcome to Bardy Army 💙🧡
@jimboconnolly77: Welcome to Stratford Paul
@IMUSHTAQSKYCOM1: Good luck Robbo KRO
@BcfcBenidorm: Brilliant 👏 👏
Peter Workman: Good addition, add some bite into the dressing room well done Bards and Jed McCrory
Robert Macvie: Good luck Robbo ! Fond memories of you at the Albion
Kevin Hand: Exciting times!
Dave Ball: Congratulations mad dog well deserved 👏
Ian Dance: Always 100% commitment 👏👏
Derek Robinson: Robbo will do a good job wears his heart on his sleeve just hope he’s been watching teams around step 3/4 to get to know players
Scott Smith: Good luck Paul!
Tony Sewell: Oh wow, that’s brilliant, what an appointment.
Martin Griffin: Good luck Robbo 👍
Fatima Patel: Welcome to Stratford Town FC Paul.
Pat Austin: Fabulous
Rafał Machała: Welcome to Town Paul💙🧡
Dean Giblin: Robbo is a Blue
Jim Connolly: Welcome to Stratford Paul
David Matthews: Good luck Paul go smash it
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