Rovers football player-coach clocks up 100
One would expect nothing else from Napier City Rovers football team player-coach Bill Robertson.
In fact it's another indication of why his team holds the Chatham Cup, the most sought after trophy in New Zealand football. Robertson is no stranger to making the needs of his players and team as a whole a priority before making a big deal of any individual accolades which he has achieved.
When centre back Robertson, 35, took the field as a replacement for injured striker James Mack III in the Ultra Football Central League 1-all draw with Wairarapa United on July 26 it was his 100th Central League outing for the Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers team.
Robertson has yet to mention the feat. Rovers secretary Teri Doran informed Hawke Bay App in the countdown to Sunday's 10th round clash against Wellington Olympic at Napier's Bluewater Stadium.
"Bill didn't plan on taking the field that day but James got injured. The boys have had two away games since then so we will make a fuss of Bill this week," Doran explained.
"I wasn't sure about the 100. If you count Chatham Cup matches I've probably had 150 for the Blues over the years," Robertson replied when quizzed on the milestone.
"While I've missed a few winters because of National League and Oceania Championships with Team Wellington I've only played for Rovers at Central League level," Robertson said.
He made his debut for the club in 2011 and pointed out there could be another season or two left in him as a player.
"I'll see how the body holds up. I've also got the coaching hat and sometimes it is difficult to do both. It comes down to a case of what is best for the team. We have a younger squad with not as much depth as previously so there are occasions when it is important to be playing," Robertson explained.
Wellington Olympic are third on the points table, four points ahead of Rovers.
"Olympic recruited very heavily during the off season and it was a great result when we beat them 2-1 away in round one. They have a team full of National League players and this is a great opportunity for our youngsters to test themselves," Robertson said.
He is confident his troops can beat Olympic again as long as they are accurate in and out of possession.
"At the same time we have to aim for a consistent 90 minute performance. Far too often this season we have been dominant and then sloppy in the same match," Robertson added.
The full Napier City Rovers squad is:
Richard Gillespie (GK), James Hoyle (captain), Liam Schofield, Kaeden Atkins, Nicholas Yorke, Ethan Ladd, Karan Mandair, Samuel Wall, James Mack III, Gavin Hoy, Kenny Willox, Josh Stevenson, Ethan Clarke, Bill Robertson, Fergus Neil, Zac Madsen, Heath Caldwell (GK).
