Carl played for us between 1995 and 2002, making over 150 appearances. Since leaving us for Portsmouth, he has since played for Sunderland (winning the Championship with Mick McCarthy), Norwich, Toronto FC and he now lines up alongside Thierry Henry after signing for New York Red Bulls last year.
First of all, how is your football going in America?
Football is going very well at the moment and we have just started pre-season training for the upcoming year. As always pre-season is tough but very much needed to get to the levels of fitness needed to play throughout the year.
How did you come about to playing in the States?
I moved to New York last year after asking to leave. Moving to North America was a massive decision for me but one I have never regretted. The way of life there is fantastic and very relaxed.
The MLS is not considered by many as a high-quality league, but you see it (and play it) first hand. Is it improving all the time, or is it simply underrated?
It's a tough league and you have to be able to adapt to the way they play. Lots of players from the UK have come over and failed to adjust. One a one off day, MLS players can compete with Premiership teams but it is the consistency that maybe is the difference.
Do you have any plans to go into coaching or any other area of football?
I am set to complete my UEFA 'A' License while still playing football.I aim to go onto be a manager when I finish playing football.
How do you remember your time at Wolves, are you still in contact with anyone from your Wolves days? And who were you best mates at the time?
I remember my Wolves time fondly, I had some excellent times as well as some hard times.I don't really speak to many there now but I still keep a close eye on their results. I had a great group of friends there including George Ndah, Robbie Keane and Dougie Freedman.
You played under Mick McCarthy at Sunderland (winning the Championship). I've never heard any of his players badmouth hi, after being dropped or sold. Why is this?
Mick is without doubt the best manager I have ever worked with. He has so much respect from players due to his honesty. That's all you want from anyone and Mick is spot on with that.He is a players manager band knows how to get the best out of them! Train the way you play is a key thing for him.
Who is the best player you have have played with? And anyone you have come up against that sticks out?
The best player I have played with is Ryan Giggs, natural ability and so much skill. He's also a top guy. A player who I hated playing against was Bastien Shweinsteiger, different class.
Finally, what is the best prank you have ever seen by a player or even yourself?!
Some of the pranks are too crude to print, but the old ones of stripping the boys on their birthdays and making them run back at training was always a classic. That was in the olden days though!
Carl has his own website at robbo33.com and you can follow him on twitter.
Thanks Carl.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see him still playing, and alongside a player of Thierry Henry's calibre!
The fact that he thought Mick McCarthy was the best manager he has worked with showed what a good manager we have. You can never question his motivational skills, and his honesty must have something to do with the great spirit this current wolves side has.
'Train the way you play'!!! Now I understand. That's why they always look like they're taking part in a training session. Seriously though, whatever else you say about Robinson, he always gave his all. McCarthy definitely gets maximum effort from his squad but is that good enough in the premier league. I don't think so
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