If you go back to the end of the 2021-22 season, Zach Robinson appeared to be the next youngster from AFC Wimbledon’s academy to break through and establish himself in the first team, joining other graduates Ayoub Assal and Jack Rudoni.
Mark Bowen had given the then-19-year-old striker the opportunity to lead the line for Wimbledon, who was winless in 18 League One games and swiftly sinking into the relegation zone.
Robinson returned in his first two appearances under the former Reading manager, assisting at Sheffield Wednesday away and scoring his first senior goal against Charlton at Plough Lane, before suffering an injury in the Dons’ 1-1 draw with Milton Keynes that sidelined him for the rest of the season as the club was relegated to League Two.
“I look back on some of the times very fondly,” Robinson told the South London Press after being released by the Dons.
“It was the first time I felt really involved in the first team.
“It was cut short due to a hamstring injury.” It was a young team, but I believe there were opportunities to remain up.
“We haven’t won a game in a long time and we should have. There were some unforgettable experiences, like as scoring at Plough Lane and playing at Hillsborough.
“For the first time in my career, I truly felt the presence of my surroundings. When I scored my first goal, it was incredible.
“It was late in the game, so I remember picking up the ball after it went in and yelling with jubilation.
“I felt full of confidence. I still remember that day with pride.”
The striker signed a new contract after Johnnie Jackson was appointed, although he has been away from Wimbledon for the entirety of the two-year term, continuing his development with Dundee in Scotland.
Robinson joined the Dark Blues at the start of the 2022-23 season, under former Blackpool manager Gary Bowyer, and scored 18 goals in all competitions as they won the Scottish Championship and promotion to the top flight.
“It was one where the manager helped me a lot,” said Lewisham native Robinson.
“He helped me progress as a player and recognise that it was a level at which I had not regularly performed.
“He was really interested in developing me. We’d spend a lot of time away from the pitch, and he’d show me where I could improve my chances of scoring.
“Moving away from home was not easy. I had no idea that some accents could be so diverse.
“However, having teammates from England to assist me settle it made things easier.
“It was good to be able to do that, adapt, and have a good season.”
Robinson returned to Dens Park last summer, this time under new manager Tony Docherty, with the intention of taking his form into the Premiership.
Injuries have prevented him from having a steady run in the side, but Robinson has six goals in 25 appearances, including at Ibrox and Celtic Park, and has helped Dundee finish in the top half.
“It’s not been an ideal season for me,” said the former Woking loanee.
“I’ve had a decent number of ailments this season. However, being a part of the squad and being able to compete at a higher level against strong opponents has been beneficial.
“Up in Scotland, it seems like everyone supports Celtic or Rangers. It has been an honour to perform in stadiums like that, and I do not take it lightly.”
Wimbledon fans have always been curious about Robinson’s chances of returning to the club and being given the opportunity to lead the club back to League One.
However, Wimbledon formally released him last week.
“It’s how football goes,” Robinson remarked.
“The last few years haven’t gone precisely as I had anticipated or expected, but that’s part of the game.
“I was not given the best opportunity, but that is how things work. People may want to say whatever they want about why, but football is an opinion-based game.
“I believe I have progressed significantly as a player during my time away from Wimbledon. Living alone has helped me better understand myself and become more accountable.
“I’ve made significant improvements in a variety of areas.
“I have no hard emotions about that; I understand that aspect of the game. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out as I had hoped, but it hasn’t tarnished my perception of Wimbledon in the least.”
The 21-year-old, who has nearly 100 senior outings to his name across his various
Following various loan periods and time with the Dons, he is now a free agent for the first time in his professional career.
“I’m excited,” he stated.
“I’m not sure where I’m headed right now, but I’m excited to move forward in my profession.
“As a young player, you’re always striving to advance each year, even if it’s only a little bit.
“I always keep track of Wimbledon. I’ve become a fan myself.”
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