The absence of Barry Robson at the Vancouver Whitecaps training camp Monday was enough to spark speculation on his future with the team. Then, not long after the media dispersed following practice at the foggy Burnaby Lake West field, the club confirmed the rumours.

Having just began preparations for their third Major League Soccer season, the 'Caps announced they have parted ways with the Scottish midfielder, saying the two sides "mutually agreed" to terminate his contract.

Team president Bob Lenarduzzi said while the news was made official Monday, there had been dialogue between the two sides for some time.

"It really is down to personal reasons," Lenarduzzi said of the 34-year-old. "He made us aware of the fact that he and his family had a difficult time settling in Vancouver and as a result he's returning to the United Kingdom … to pursue his soccer career."

He claimed there was nothing else that factored into the team's decision, although many supporters had voiced their disappointment in the designated player last season. After joining the team in June, Robson scored three goals in 18 appearances. Despite providing a commanding presence in the middle for the Whitecaps, he was regularly criticized by fans and media for both his lack of production and his brash on-field demeanour.

"He never meant to step on any toes," captain Jay DeMerit said prior to the announcement. "He was visibly bothered by the fact that he was getting criticized and I had some good conversations with him about these types of things and how you integrate into maybe a different culture."

Fellow Scotsman Kenny Miller said he hadn't spoken with Robson about his playing situation.

"Barry is a winner, that's as simple as that," the striker said. "He wants things, he wants to do well, he wants to perform, he wants to work hard and for a teammate, that's all you can ask for."

The departure leaves a hole in the Whitecaps midfield, something coach Martin Rennie wants to see filled with a creative player.

"We need a player or two who can play in those little spaces and create chances and hopefully be a goals threat," said the Scotsman, who added he's not worried about Robson's departure. "At the end of the day, there's a lot of players ready to step in and play — it's part of the game — continue to get the right players in the group."

With a DP now off the roster, the team will take their time in filling the limited high-salaried spot.

"We've got flexibility on that and we can take our time on it," he added. "If we find the right person and it makes sense for everyone involved then we'll go for it."

As for rumours about Davide Chiumiento returning to the club, Lenarduzzi denied it.

"A lot of people bring him up," he said of the former 'Caps midfielder. "He's under contract with FC Zurich. There's no dialogue that can be allowed to take place."

Robson aside, the team was also missing defender Martin Bonjour, another player rumoured to be leaving the Whitecaps, and goalkeeper Joe Cannon, who got married last week and is expected to be back with the team soon. Forward Omar Salgado and midfielder Bryce Alderson were also not on the pitch, instead receiving medical treatment.

The club will train for a week in Vancouver before heading out to Casa Grande, Ariz., next Monday. They will be gone for about a month, including pre-season matches in Carolina, before returning for the season opener March 2 at BC Place against Toronto FC.

"The first thing that strikes me about the group is that it's a little bit more dynamic, a little bit more athletic than we've had in the past, which is something we want to improve upon," Rennie said. "(On Monday), everybody looked really sharp and people have taken care of themselves in the off-season. It was exciting to see."

New defender

One of the newer faces among the Whitecaps at camp Monday was centre back Brad Rusin, who signed with the team 10 days ago. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound defender spent last season with HB Køge of the Danish First Division, and had also played two years under Rennie with the Carolina RailHawks.

The Whitecaps coach said the 26-year-old's size definitely left a good first impression.

"He's not the kind of guy you want to stand next to in the team picture but he's a good player," Rennie said. "He's had two years now in Europe where he's developed even more and he'll be an excellent player for the Whitecaps."

Rusin said he's ready to battle for a starting spot.

"I'm one of the younger guys at this position but I'm here to compete," the Indiana native said. "I'm definitely willing to learn and take in as much as I can."

Poll

What do you think about Barry Robson leaving the Whitecaps?

Sunday, May 19, 2013

0% 0 votes	Hope the door hits him on his way out.
0% 0 votes	Sad to see him go.
0% 0 votes	I think it's for the best.
0% 0 votes	Not sure.