Leeds chairman regrets Robinson quit decision

LEEDS chairman Professor John McKenzie has revealed he was very disappointed

McKenzie yesterday accepted a bid of around £3m from Aston Villa for the England goalkeeper, but he claimed that was only agreed after it became clear Robinson had set his heart on quitting Leeds.

McKenzie also revealed he was unhappy with the £3m fee agreed for Robinson, but felt the situation needed to be resolved as quickly as possible to avoid hampering manager Peter Reid’s preparations for the new season.

Reid has no plans to replace Robinson, and like his chairman he is comfortable with Nigel Martyn and young goalkeepers Danny Milosevic and Scott Carson.

Robinson came through the ranks at Leeds and learned his trade under current Villa boss David O’Leary when he was in charge at Elland Road, which he believes will be a key factor in completing the deal.

“Paul wants to join me. I think what it says to Aston Villa fans is that we’re trying to build a new team here to put the club back where it belongs in the top six,” O’Leary said.

O’Leary says Robinson is just one of many young players he hopes to attract to Villa Park.

“We need young players who are going to be Villa people for a long time.”