Even when we were meant to be in talks with Robert last week, I thought that it was just a smokescreen by his agent. An attempt to get his name out and about in the papers and a chance to lure a bigger club into the picture, thus securing more money for Robert and more money, of course, for the agent. Especially since his representative is one Mr. Willie McKay, hardly the most trustworthy of all those in the game (allegedly).
Then earlier this week Bolton Wanderers came in for him and it all seemed to be going to script. Whisper of a £40,000 a week contract seemed to seal the deal, along with the fact that he'd be getting European football and playing at a nice new ground with good facilities. His agent even said that the move was all but done, so it was time to wave goodbye to any chance of getting his signature.
But, in an unbelievable turn of events, it's Fratton Park he's headed to despite - by his own admission - turning down the chance of higher wages elsewhere. Perhaps what it's most heartening to hear is that one of the main reasons he came here was Alain Perrin, who he'd heard had some fun and interesting training sessions at Portsmouth (thanks for putting a good word in, Griff or Lua) and who, he believed, is intent on building a revolution at Portsmouth. Now after last season's soap opera, are you as pleased as me to hear players saying that?
Robert brings something that, Lua aside, we don't really have at the club at the moment - flair. We've got a lot of workmanlike players and a lot of steady players, but no-one who can really create that moment of inspiration, or try that long shot that no-one else would ever think of. Robert IS inconsistent and he brings very little defensively, but it's worth remembering at Newcastle he was a frequent bench warmer and playing under a manager he often disagreed with. Who knows what a spell at a club where he'll be an essential first team member, and under a manager he obviously likes, will bring out of him?
All I can say is that this is a great signing for us, a real statement of intent. Stealing him away from a club who could offer him more money and European football is a massive shot in the arm for the staff (including the frequently and unfairly criticised Velimir, who played a massive part in both this and the O'Brien deal) and, just as importantly the fans, who were on a bit of a downer only three or four days ago.