Bolton snap up Robinson in loan deal

Bolton's long pursuit of Paul Robinson is finally at an end after the club completed the loan signing of the West Brom defender. The two clubs had been at odds for weeks over the valuation of the 30-year-old left-back. West Brom were believed to be holding out for £1 million (Dh5.9m) while Bolton were only prepared to offer half that amount but the player has now joined Wanderers on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent transfer. Just 12 months ago Robinson signed a new two-year deal with the Baggies but after their relegation from the English Premier League he feels now is the time to make a move to remain in the top flight. And the decision to join Bolton was made easy by the fact he had worked under manager Gary Megson previously at The Hawthorns. "I am delighted that we've managed to get him in. He's got a great deal of Premier League experience and is the type of player Wanderers supporters will like," said the Bolton boss. "He has a wholehearted approach to the game, is desperate to win and will be good in the dressing room. "I signed Robbo for West Brom from Watford a good few years ago and I know him really well. He'll bring some competition down the left." Robinson, whose Football League debut came in 1996, has since gone on to make 490 first-class appearances with Watford and West Brom and he played 35 league matches in the Baggies' unsuccessful fight against relegation last season. He will now link up with his new teammates in Austria this afternoon. Robinson is Megson's second signing of the summer after Sean Davis completed his free transfer from Portsmouth on July 1. However, more arrivals are expected as the Bolton boss looks to strengthen a squad which was the smallest in the Premier League last season. *PA Sport