Not many people involved with Vale can claim to have played in a World Cup, but co-manager Robbie Clark can!
Edinburgh born, but brought up in New Zealand, the classy midfielder represented the Kiwi's at youth level and appeared at the Under-16 World Cup. He and his teammates also had the distinction of having beaten Australia - considered then, as now, the dominant football force in the region - to get there.
After having also represented New Zealand at Under-20 level, Robbie moved back to the land of his birth. Surrounded by sheep and with sporting interest dominated by Rugby, Peebles must've seemed like a home-from-home and Robbie signed for Vale in 1998.
Having turned in some impressive displays as Vale gained promotion in his first season at the club, he attracted the attention of Craig Levein, then boss of Scottish League side Cowdenbeath, who snapped him up for the 'Blue Brazil'. Cowden earned that nickname from their stylish brand of football during the 90's and it seemed Robbie's skill and passing ability would fit in well. However, his spell at Central Park was short-lived and Vale gladly welcomed him back in 2000.
For several years after rejoining, Robbie was the one constant in the side, while a long list of players came and went.
He was named the President's Player of the Year in 2000-01 by then-President Eddie Sanderson and was an important part of the team which finished 5th in the East of Scotland Premier Division the following season, along the way registering his highest goal total for a season. Another highlight came when he memorably ran riot in 2003's Scottish Qualifying Cup destruction of Tarff Rovers, creating a whole host of chances and scoring four goals himself, in an 11-0 rout. Vale went on to qualify for the Scottish Cup that season, but there was disappointment for Robbie as injury meant he remained an unused substitute in December's game against Greenock Morton.
With other East of Scotland sides taking note of his passing ability and eye for goal, Robbie cemented his place in the hearts of Victoria Park regulars by resisting overtures from other sides to remain at Vale. He was voted both Players Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year in 2004-05, which following his President's Player of the Year four years earlier meant that he is to date the only player to have won all three awards.
Having been appointed club captain at the start of season 2005-06, he made the majority of his appearances that term at sweeper and it was here that his vision and ability to organise his team mates really came to the fore. He also retained his Supporters Player of the Year award at the end of the campaign with a huge percentage of the vote.
In May 2007, Robbie became assistant to manager Stuart Robertson. When Vale parted company with Robertson in September 2007, Robbie took over as caretaker manager for a couple of games, including a Scottish Cup First Round win over Gala Fairydean, before being named as co-manager along with Lindsay Rathie.
Having moved from Peebles to stay locally in Innerleithen, Joiner Robbie lives with partner Gail and enjoys music, playing golf, walking his dog, placing the odd bet and having a pint.