Just before the Carling Cup final I happened across a rather interesting video. Taken by a fan during an away trip to Prague, the clip showed Spurs fans at the Stadion Eden being conducted through a series of raucous chants by a gloved man on the running track below.
Called over by an expectant crowd, the man called for quiet by placing his finger to his mouth, and then started singing 'Spurs are on their way to Wembley' before generously kicking a ball into the stands to appreciative applause.
That man was, of course, Paul Robinson and this demonstration of his love for the club came when he found himself at his lowest. Languishing on the bench for club and country, the former England number one had hit a low ebb. After a disastrous start to the league campaign during which he was culpable for at least half a dozen important goals, the former Leeds stopper's career was at crisis point.
Yet despite his troubles, Paul still managed to acknowledge the fans who had travelled hundreds of miles to support the club he loved. It was a small gesture but a telling one none the less.
Now that same player appears to have played his last game for Tottenham Hotspur. Having fallen out with Juande Ramos - who expects to complete the signing of PSV's Heurelho Gomes within the next week - Robinson has been left in no doubt that he is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane. Resigned to his fate for months, Paul's exit from the club gathered pace today with the news that Aston Villa are willing to match his £5m asking price.
Despite his poor form, there is still a place in fans affections for a player who dazzled in his first two seasons at the club and many will be sad to see him leave. During the 2005/06 campaign Robinson was imperious and played a massive part in securing fifth spot for a side who genuinely looked Champions League qualification contenders.
The affection felt towards him has always been reciprocated. A story has it that Paul once stayed up into the early hours of the morning inflating dozens of footballs which he duly passed out among the crowds at White Hart Lane as a thank you for all the support they had given him. In return a birthday card was passed between thousands of appreciative supporters wanting to wish him many a happy return.
It was a connection born from the nature of his transfer to the club. Initially a target in January 2004 , Robinson saw his move from Leeds blocked by the FA who refused to sanction him being loaned back to help his former side stave off the threat of relegation. Much to his delight the club returned for him in May - a show of commitment and loyalty that had a lasting impact on the burly goalkeeper.
Since the fantastic start to his Tottenham career, Robinson's fortunes for both his club and his country have sharply declined. A shaky World Cup in Germany culminated in that error against Croatia and, vilified in the press, he has never been the same player.
Most fans will be happy that, given his obvious affection for the club, he managed to at least reclaim his spot for the Carling Cup victory against Chelsea. Given the professional manner in which he has conducted himself, especially considering some of the ridicule he has been subject to, he deserved a taste of success as much as anyone at the club.
If he, as expected, joins Martin O'Neil at Villa Park then fans of the Midlands side need not fear. He still has the qualities that established him in the affections of the White Hart Lane faithful but in order to restore him to his former glory Robinson requires a manager who can restore his shattered confidenc because there is no doubt there is a top glass goalkeeper behind that fragile veneer. When that ball snuck under his foot against Croatia, England may have lost the game but Robinson lost something far more damaging - his self belief.
Several years ago if someone asked me who my favourite Tottenham player was, my immediate answer would have been: "Paul Robinson". To me he could do no wrong and I doubt I was alone. If I do have to say goodbye, it will be with a heavy heart.
Cheers Paul. The best of luck to you.
What the fans are saying
Tottenham
"He was the crowds favourite player, a cult hero, if Paul Robinson does move to Aston Villa I personally wish him all the best, it would be a great move for Robbo, as Aston Villa are a great club, with lot's of tradition and a club with a bright future ahead." - LoughtonYid.
"Robinson has lost his confidence for the past two seasons so we are desperate for a new keeper. He has cost us so many points and left us in mid table. Joe Hart and Coupet would be great or that goalkeeper they call the octopus. I'd be well happy with those. I don't care where Robinson goes as long as he leaves Spurs..sorry Paul" Sascha on squarefootball.com
Aston Villa
"If Martin can take Robinson and make him into a good keeper it will astonish even me. If anyone can, Martin can" - VillaDave.
" I'd have Robinson, I know at times he seems the most hated of all keepers but so is Carson at times, and Robinson as a lot more experience. Plus if anyone can help his confidence and get him back in England its Mon!" - SaitanMar
"Robinson is a class keeper.... brilliant possible signing " -VillaVilla
Quotes from Spurs-mad or Aston Villa-mad unless otherwise attributed.