Interview By Glenn Kelly
Fit-again Josh Robinson feared he may never return before beating the odds, and a few demons.
9.45pm- Friday 16th September 2022. Josh Robinson is lying prone on the Seaview pitch drifting in and out of consciousness. worried about the future, his career, his brain; and most of all his family. A sickening head collision in the 90th minute of a Belfast derby against Linfield left the 29-year-old Crusaders centre-back facing the prospect of a life-changing and career-ending injury.
The Dundonald-born Crusaders veteran of 211 appearances and 15 goals (over two periods) at Seaview recalls the moments following the impact;
“I remember the impact and then coming-to on the surface, the pain was excruciating on my face, the footballer in me was worried I might never play again before thoughts moved to my family, my dad in the ground and my daughter at home, I didn’t want them to worry”
Worrying is not usually in his make up. Robinson is a larger than life character, often jovial and undoubtedly positive in his outlook on life, one gathers that within minutes of meeting him. He is also a commanding presence on the field, demanding respect from team-mates and opponents alike not least because of what he has achieved in the game. A multiple league winner with both Crusaders and Linfield; and a goalscorer in the Crues’ 2-1 Irish Cup Final win over Ballymena United in May ensures his place in history. He is also a winner at heart and works hard for his successes.
Growing up in Dundonald and playing in the under-age ranks at Linfield before signing for Rangers and representing Northern Ireland at under-age level, Robinson was used to success and was fortunate to avoid any serious injuries.
However, this season was to change all that good fortune. Before his head injury, Robinson had missed the majority of pre-season. “After a fantastic year last year, I went into pre-season training with high hopes of pushing on, however a training ground injury damaged my ankle ligaments and that put me out for six weeks, the Linfield game was only my second game back” he says.
Following the horrific injury, Robinson spent some time in hospital. Fortunately, there was no damage to his brain but significant re-constructive surgery was required. He recalls his time in hospital: “I can’t thank the surgeons enough, I had a shattered eye socket, cheekbone and lost teeth, but they did an amazing job inserting plates in my face and making a comeback to football possible”. The surgeons indeed did a professional job, with few scars evident. Robinson will however, wear a face mask on his comeback for protection.
The Dundonald native not only points to the physical recovery process which involved, amongst other things, regaining the feeling in his face and struggling to speak but is also keen to point out the mental struggles that are associated with sports people spending time out through injury.
“I don’t mind speaking out on some of the lower points of the last three months which I found mentally challenging. From the negative thinking, to the loneliness when spending time by myself in the gym, to struggling with thoughts of not making a return. It made me appreciate how quickly the highs of last years cup final could turn to real lows in only a few short months”
The Crusader’s man sees himself in a much better space now and credits this to opening up to loved ones on his struggles. This combined with breathing techniques and exercise helped put the distinctive grin back on his face. Robinson says “If me talking about mental health and saying “look, it’s ok not be ok sometimes” can help anyone out there, then I feel like it's worth it.”
Having made his long awaited comeback against Coleraine, Robinson is now looking forwards not back. His aims to get game-time, keep some clean sheets and help the side chase the coveted league trophy.
His memories of the September evening may be patchy however he saves some special praise for the medical staff from both Crusaders and Linfield , “I owe everything to the medical teams that night, they helped me make it through and offered me emotional comfort, that is my leading memory and I’ll never forget that”.
Sporting careers are fickle, they come and they go on a moment’s notice. Robinson is getting a second chance and has regained the sparkle in his eyes of last season. One thing is for sure, this masked-Crusader is not thinking of leaving the stage anytime soon