Robertson bids farewell to NWS Spirit FC

Ambitious National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men’s club NWS Spirit FC have commenced its drive for the 2022 season following last week’s cancellation of the leagues but will be doing it without one of its influential stars, club legend Andrew Robertson. 

Robertson will be leaving the club to pursue a career in medicine south of the border in the new year.

“I’ve been completing my medical degree for the last 3 years at the University of Notre Dame,” Robertson told Football NSW.

“Next year I’ll be moving to Melbourne to complete my final year of study, which will mean saying a fond farewell to playing at Spirit FC.

“I plan on having a year off football and perhaps I’ll play again after that, depending on how much time my work as a doctor allows.”

With the exception of a year at the Blacktown Spartans in the 20’s age group, Robbo as his known to those at the club has been at the Spirit since 2007.

“In 2007 I joined Spirit FC in the U14s and have been playing at the club since, with the exception of one year at Blacktown Spartans in the U20s – something many of my teammates have never let me forget.

“I feel so lucky to have been able to play at Spirit FC for 14 years.

“I made my first-grade debut as an 18-year-old in 2011, which seemed very surreal at the time.

“Although it’s difficult to pick out particular highlights from my time at the club, winning the NPL 2 NSW Men’s Premiership in 2015 under John McClafferty was a special moment and something I’ll always look back on fondly.”

As well as that career on the field, the highly rated defender also played a role in developing the club’s future via coaching.

“I was also fortunate enough to coach the U11s and U12s at the club several years ago. Although, I think I learnt more from the kids than they did from me to be honest.

“Playing alongside some of the players that I coached such as Corey Kavanagh and Ahmed Sweden has been surreal and very humbling. Guys like them are the future of the club and their ability and maturity for their age is fantastic to see.”

A long-term servant at the club, Robertson can see bright times ahead at Christie Park especially with coach David Perkovic.

“Working with Perko over the last 5 years has been a great experience for me personally and professionally. His attention to detail, passion and technical nous has seen the club reach a new level. Christie Park is a far cry from the poorly lit paddock that it used to be when I was a junior, and Perko deserves a lot of credit for that.”

The club’s Head of Football Tim Thorne paid tribute to the left-back’s influence he had as an aspiring young coach as well.

“Andy started as a coach apprentice at a very young age and soon showed how mature beyond he was beyond his years. He quickly developed into on of our Metro League (SAL/SAP) coaches, coaching some of our best every players.

“He then took our U12 Youth League team winning the competition in his first year as a Youth Coach. “His traits of outstanding leadership, attention to detail, great football knowledge and high integrity made him not only a great coach but an invaluable member of our club leadership group over his many years at the club. We cannot thank him enough for all he has brought to our club.”

The thing he’ll miss the most though is the culture at the club, even giving a mention to the non-playing staff.

“Most importantly though is the club culture that exists on and off the pitch at Spirit FC.

“Over the years I have always looked forward to training and playing, knowing that I would be able to have a laugh with the lads.

“I also want to make special mention to the unsung heroes of the club who perhaps don’t receive the credit they deserve but have allowed the club to run in the way that it does.

“In particular Bruce Macfadyen (manager extraordinaire) and the board members like Frank, Jo and Helen.

“I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Spirit FC and I’ll be cheering the lads on from Melbourne next season as they push for promotion to NPL1, something which I believe is inevitable.”

Christie Park will miss you Robbo.

-By Justin Smith

2020 FNSW NPL2 Mens Headshots