Robbo expects a thorny return

The full-back caused a stir in the Midlands two summers ago by publicly announcing he was quitting the Baggies after six years, shortly after their relegation to the Championship.

When Wanderers offered him a chance to stay in the top flight he left his club in no doubt that he intended to take up their offer, slapping in a transfer request on Di Matteo’s first day in the job after taking over from Tony Mowbray as manager.

Water has passed under the bridge since then, and Robinson expects to greet the former Italy international with a hearty handshake when he returns to his former club for the first time tomorrow afternoon.

But he admits that if Wanderers take three points back up the M6, that the conversation might not be so civil when the pair drop their children off for school a couple of days later.

“I didn’t even know his boy went to my son’s school until my lad came home and asked me a question: ‘Daddy, who is better – Di Matteo or you?’ the Whites defender told The Bolton News.

“I thought ‘where had this question come from?’ And I said: ‘Obviously me now because I am still playing and Robbie is the manager of West Brom.

“We had a little giggle and my wife told me the day after: ‘Do you know it was Robbie Di Matteo's son who asked Luke the question?

“So, cheers, Luke, thanks for that mate.”

Robinson had experienced just about every emotion possible in his time at the Hawthorns, with two promotions, two relegations, an FA Cup semi-final and the memorable Great Escape under Bryan Robson in 2005.

But having twice already been close to leaving for Watford and Wigan in previous seasons, some Baggies fans took exception to the timing of his move to Wanderers, with wounds still fresh over relegation.

His exit was seized upon by the media, particularly in the light of the already fractious relationship between West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace and the then-Wanderers boss, Gary Megson.

But Robinson insists he did not engineer a move until the Whites’ interest was confirmed.

“I am hoping I left on good terms,” Robinson said. “I always had a fantastic relationship with the fans.

“What was written in the press about me wanting to leave was pretty much rubbish. I hadn't really said it.

“But because of what had happened previously, it seemed to circulate again I was going to do that. That looked bad on my part.

“It wasn't the case. As long as there was no offer on the table then I was just professional and got my head down and carried on until Bolton came in.

“It was a very difficult decision for me because my wife and kids were settled in the area. They still do live in the area.

“West Brom were renowned for keep going up and down. When you get used to it after six years, you want a fresh challenge.

“I was of the age when I wanted to test myself in the top league for as long as I could.

“I spoke to Robbie, we had the conversation that he wasn't going to stand in my way.

“He understood my views on Premier League football. And he accepted that he needed to find a replacement.

“I can't thank him enough for being so graceful in giving me the opportunity. Not a lot of people do that.”

Robinson had become accustomed to the yo-yo existence at West Brom, who have never established themselves properly as a top flight force since their first promotion under Megson in 2002.

But he is rooting for the current crop of Baggies stars to lay down some Premier League roots, even if he will be out to upset their fine start to the season on Saturday.

“I am hoping they will stay up but not after the weekend,” he said. “There is stability there and they have a great bunch of players; young and experienced players who have played in the Premier League.

“The manager understands the Premier League and he has that calm and collected charisma about him. He seems to settle the team down.

“It is great to see. You don't want to see teams coming up automatically, going straight back down. You want to see them stay in the league.”