Robbie Blake

Lore & Background

Blake began his professional career with Darlington in 1994 and went on to make more than 500 appearances in the Football League and Premier League playing for Bradford City, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Birmingham City, Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers and Doncaster Rovers. He was the subject of many transfers throughout his career, with career total transfer fees reaching £3.6 million.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with a nervous energy as the clock wound down in overtime. Robbie Blake skated slowly, his breath visible in the cold air of Honda Center. He didn't need to be told what was at stake; the weight of the city rested on his shoulders. As the puck dropped, he fought for position along the boards, delivering a hard check that sent an opponent sprawling. With a quick pass and a burst of speed, he found himself in front of the net. The shot wasn't pretty, but it was effective—a testament to years of grinding through the minor leagues just to be here.

Reader's Guide

Blake started at Darlington, making 68 league appearances and scoring 21 goals before a £300,000 move to Bradford City in March 1997. He scored 16 goals as City won promotion to the Premiership in 1998–99. After a loan at Nottingham Forest, he was sold to Burnley for £1 million in January 2002. He was Burnley's top scorer with 22 goals in his second season, then moved to Birmingham City for £1.25 million in January 2005. After 11 games for Birmingham, he signed for Leeds United for £800,000. He returned to Burnley for £250,000 in July 2007, with clauses that could raise the fee to £350,000.

Did You Know?

• Blake scored what is possibly the best goal of his Burnley career, a stunning 35-yard free kick in a local derby against Preston North End.
• Blake was the subject of multiple bids by Wigan Athletic in January 2005, all rejected before he joined Birmingham City.