Fabien Robert signs permanently for Gloucester City

Fabien Robert is presented with his Goal of the Season award at The Non-League Paper’s National Game Awards by National League president Brian Lee

Fabien Robert wants to be a part of Gloucester City’s exciting future having signed a two-year deal with the club.
While on loan from Forest Green Rovers last season, the 30-year-old midfielder helped the Tigers avoid relegation from the National League South.
His goal against Truro City which earned the Goal of the Season award at The Non-League Paper‘s National Game Awards played a vital part in their survival along with his performances throughout the campaign.
With an option for a third year at the club, the talented Robert wants to help Gloucester’s cause further.
He said “I am very happy to be officially a player of Gloucester City, the entire club has been magnificent since I have joined them last season.
“The club wants to grow and be more ambitious in the future, which is great, with some exciting days coming with the new stadium.
“We are building something special that I want to be part of. The fans showed me so much love from day one that I feel like I am coming back home.”
“I am delighted to welcome Fabian back to the club,” said manager Mike Cook. “I look forward to again working with this very special person and talented individual.
“We know there was keen interest from Football League, National League and other National League North teams. To get Fabs signature is a credit to the club and Alex Petheram. Without Alex to drive this deal through, it would not have happened.
“Already I believe the squad to be in a better place than when I took over in January. We will keep looking to improve the squad in training and scouting players.”
Co-chairman Alex Petheram added: “Fabian is a special player. I’ve been speaking with Fabs ever since we heard he was leaving Forest Green. But in truth my 7-year-old needs to take all the credit!
“Freddie was in the garden playing football with his brother, I heard him shouting and celebrating, pretending to be Fabs in the game, scoring all the goals.
“That night my boys asked me if we were signing Fabs. I said, ‘boys, I’m doing everything I can, I promise I’ll keep pushing’. Following that Fred went to his piggy bank and brought me his £2.50 pocket money, saying ‘Dad take it’, I was completely taken back. From that moment, I knew we had to find a way!
“The rollercoaster then continued with some big clubs coming in through-out, but we’ve done it and we’ve done it as a solid board and management team, thank you all… and we’re not done yet!”