PROUDLY SPONSORED BY TONY & INGA ALLEN

CHRIS Robertson learned his trade as a young defender in the academy at Sheffield United, signing professional terms in the summer of 2005.

The towering defender took early steps in his football education with a loan spell at Leigh RMI before a brief stint at Chester City.

Robbo then endured a frustrating year on the fringes at Bramall Lane, prompting a switch to Plainmoor and he scored on his debut as a Gull in a 3-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers.

His first full season with United was in the Blue Square Premier but, despite emerging as a defender of genuine promise, Robbo was placed on the transfer list by manager Paul Buckle.

The Scot fought back from that potential disappointment and became an integral figure in our promotion back to the Football League in 2009.

The last two seasons have seen Robbo develop even further as a defender and he has also shown his versatility with regular stints at right-back.

Despite being only 24 at the start of the current season, Robbo has already been identified as a senior pro by manager Martin Ling.

A positive start to the season fully justified that tag, although a recent hip injury has slightly curtailed the Scot's progress.

Information correct from November 7, 2011