Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the acquisition of Scottish international midfielder Barry Robson as the club’s newest Designated Player. Robson will join Whitecaps FC in July pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and Visa. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

MIDDLESBROUGH MEDIA RELEASE: http://bit.ly/ys6fN1



Whitecaps FC midfielder Barry Robson

- Made 16 international appearances for Scotland since first cap in August 2007

- Has scored 18 goals and added 16 assists for Middlesbrough FC since joining the English club in January 2010

- Won Scottish Premier League and Scottish League Cup titles with Celtic FC

- Scored 98 goals in 492 career club matches



"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 August 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 they continue their 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, and added four assists in all competitions for the North East English outfit. Robson’s six league goals this term ranks him tops on the team in goals from a midfielder, while he is among the highest scoring midfielders in the English League Championship. Since joining Middlesbrough FC in January 2010, Robson has made a total of 77 appearances, scoring 18 goals, and registering 16 assists.



Prior to his move to England, Robson enjoyed a successful career in his native Scotland, where he last played for Old Firm giants 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. Before joining Celtic, Robson scored 36 goals in 165 total appearances during four-and-a-half seasons with SPL outfit Dundee United FC. The 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons with The Terrors saw Robson play alongside current Whitecaps FC assistant coach Paul Ritchie.



A former youth trainee with Old Firm giants Rangers FC, Robson started his professional career in the Scottish lower divisions with Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, where he helped the Highlands outfit earn promotion to the Scottish First Division (second tier) during the 1998-99 campaign. As a Caley Thistle player, the midfielder spent most of the 1999-2000 season on loan with Scottish Third Division side Forfar Athletic FC.



Name: Barry Robson

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-11

Weight: 165

Born: November 7, 1978, in Inverurie, Scotland

Hometown: Inverurie, Scotland

Citizenship: Scotland

Last Club: Middlesbrough FC (English League Championship)

How Acquired: free agent pre-signing acquisition on February 16, 2012



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