Junior Robinson admitted he still cannot believe he can call himself a professional footballer after signing his first pro deal with West Ham United.
The full-back was one of seven Academy prospects to put pen to paper on professional terms last week, and Robinson is still struggling to find the words to sum up his emotions.
One thing is for sure for Robinson, however. The professional deal is not the culmination of hard work. It’s the start of it.
“It’s crazy really,” Robinson told West Ham TV. “I’ve been here since I was six years old. I didn’t think this day would come when I first walked through the door. But now it’s here, it’s indescribable.
“This is the biggest moment in my career so far. I don’t feel like I’ve done a lot as of yet. I’ve still got a long way to go. This is the biggest moment so far, but it’s also the start for me.”
Opening up on the moment he found out about his professional contract, Robinson continued: “When Ricky [Martin, Academy Manager] phoned me and told me, I was so delighted. I think it is every kid’s dream. There aren’t many kids who don’t want to be a professional footballer. It’s just crazy.
“All of my friends and family were just so excited too. Even more than me! I don’t think it’s really hit yet. I think, once I go on pre-season and I’m around the players, that’s when it’s going to hit me. Everyone around me is buzzing for me.”
The 18-year-old has been with West Ham since he was just a kid. Despite having the opportunity to play his football elsewhere from a young age, it was always Claret and Blue for Robinson.
“I was five or six years old when I joined the Club. I used to play for a Sunday League club and then I came into West Ham. I trained here for a couple of weeks and then they said they wanted to sign me here. We had trained with other clubs but my dad asked me where I felt the most comfortable, and I said West Ham.
“I’ve played up a couple of times, so I’ve missed one or two age groups, but I’ve been here since I was six and this is the only club I’ve played for. That’s rare in football, even at a young age. I’m really enjoying it.”
The pacey full-back had been a pivotal part of Kevin Keen’s U18s in the 2020/21 season, making the right wing-back role his own in a 3-5-2 formation, playing 28 times in all competitions and scoring twice.
Robinson and his teammates secured second in the U18s Premier League South, narrowly missing out to Southampton at the top of the division.
“It’s been a phenomenal season. A few of us in the squad were with the U18s last year as well and we knew what the season would be about. We knew it would be difficult and we wanted to help the younger players too.
“It worked well. I think most people were a bit upset we didn’t come first in the league. That’s the type of group that we are.”
As Robinson prepares to progress again for the 2022/23 campaign, the defender knows he now needs to give more than ever before in order to keep impressing and take his career to the next level.
“Even though I’ve signed a professional contract, I don’t really feel any different. I’m the same person.
“A few people have tried to tell me I’ve made it but the people really around me are trying to keep me grounded. This is a proud day but it’s just the start.”
