Darren Robinson joined League One side Doncaster Rovers earlier this month, ready to carve out a new chapter in his career after limited first-team opportunities at Derby County.
The move gives the young midfielder the chance to play regular senior football, and he has already begun making his presence felt under Grant McCann.
Since arriving in South Yorkshire, Robinson has featured four times for Doncaster and made his first start in a 3-1 win over Fleetwood Town, playing the full 90 minutes.
Robinson’s pathway to senior football was shaped at Derby, where he came through the academy and made his Championship debut as a first-year scholar in a 3-1 defeat to Bristol City.
While opportunities at Pride Park were limited, he credits his time under former Derby managers Wayne Rooney and Liam Rosenior for giving him the confidence and understanding needed to succeed.
“Wayne and Liam gave me my Championship debut when I was a first-year scholar, and it was brilliant at Derby,” Robinson told the Doncaster Free Press.
“They always had the young lads up at training, and a few boys made their debuts that year. You learned so much off them too.“
“Working with them was a great experience. They helped me understand the game at a higher level, taught me discipline, and gave me the confidence to express myself on the pitch.”
Rosenior has since become head coach at Chelsea, while Rooney enjoyed a glittering playing career with Manchester United and England before moving into management.
For Robinson, learning under two figures with such experience laid a strong foundation for his professional career, one he is now applying at Doncaster.
At Doncaster, Robinson is determined to take his development to the next level. “I’m really excited about this next step,” he said.
“Doncaster is a great club, and I want to contribute as much as I can. I’m taking everything I learned at Derby with me and looking forward to applying it here.”
The midfielder’s early performances suggest he is adapting quickly to the style and pace of League One, and McCann will be hoping Robinson can continue to grow into a key figure in the team.
Stepping down a level has given him the opportunity for regular minutes, something crucial for young players looking to establish themselves in the professional game.
Robinson’s journey highlights the importance of taking opportunities when they come and building on past experiences.
His time at Derby, learning under Rooney and Rosenior has clearly influenced his approach, but it is at Doncaster where he now has the chance to put that education into practice week in, week out.
With determination and guidance from McCann, Robinson looks set to become an important part of Rovers’ midfield as they aim to make an impact in League One this season.
