Vancouver Whitecaps sign Barry Robson as Designated Player

Posted Friday, February 17, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

The Vancouver Whitecaps announced the signing of Scottish international midfielder Barry Robson as the club’s newest Designated Player on Thursday. Robson will join the Whitecaps in July pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and Visa.

"Barry has been a proven playmaker at the highest levels of the game for both club and country," said Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie. "He is a versatile box-to-box midfielder that can play in several positions, with the ability to create and score goals. Barry will be a great addition to our squad."

A native of Inverurie, Scotland, Robson has appeared 16 times for his country, with the midfielder’s debut coming in a 1-0 friendly win at home to South Africa on Aug. 22, 2007. His appearances for Scotland include the qualifying campaigns for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and this year’s UEFA European Football Championship.

"I am very excited to be joining Whitecaps FC and to continue my career in Major League Soccer," said Robson. "I am impressed by the quality of MLS and Vancouver as a club. They have a passionate fan base and a fantastic stadium in BC Place. My family and I are also looking forward to our move to Canada and the beautiful city of Vancouver this summer.”

Robson will complete the 2011-12 season with English League Championship side Middlesbrough FC, as the club continues its push towards promotion to the English Premier League. Robson will be eligible to play for Whitecaps FC near the start of the secondary North American transfer window, which opens on June 27.

In 26 appearances for Boro this season, the midfielder has scored eight goals, including the club’s lone goal in a 1-1 FA Cup draw with Premier League side Sunderland last month. He has added four assists in all competitions for the North East English outfit.

Prior to his move to England, Robson enjoyed a successful career in his native Scotland, where he last played for Old Firm giant Celtic FC. During his two years with The Bhoys, the midfielder made 55 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals, and helping Celtic capture the 2007-08 Scottish Premier League (SPL) title and the 2008-09 Scottish League Cup.