Robbie never wanted anything else other than to be a professional footballer and as a youngster was always kicking a ball about, writes contributor Morag Clarke.
He managed to get into the year four team at primary school even though he was only a year two pupil. Playing for Llay United, at the age of 11, he scored 74 goals in 28 games in one season, breaking the Wrexham & District goal scoring record. Not bad for a midfielder but in those days, Robbie played as a striker.
When Robbie was 13 and playing for Bradley Youth, managed incidentally by his dad, Colin, he was asked to join Crewe Alexandra's Centre of Excellence and, needless to say, he jumped at the chance.
In June 1988 Robbie's dream was about to come true. While still at the School of Excellence, he was spotted by a scout from Manchester United.
He gained a grade A at the school but on June 10 when the letter came from Old Trafford to attend trials, Robbies parents were on their way to talk to Manchester United. Robbie was left at home with his report from the School of Excellence saying, "should be okay - eventually". How right they were!
Robbie trained every school holiday with Manchester United and with Nobby Stiles and Brian Kidd as the coaches he had a great start to his career.
It is well documented that he played alongside a certain David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt in the youth team and they went on to win the FA Youth Cup in 1992.
Wales also spotted Robbie and he won Welsh under-15 and under-16 caps while still attending Bryn Alyn School in Gwersyllt. Robbie officially signed for Manchester United on October 12 1988, six days before his 14th birthday.
Unfortunately for Robbie it was not to last and he had a huge setback when Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson called him in and said he was sorry but he had strikers who were better than Robbie and he would have to let him go.
Robbie, on leaving the ground, found himself in hospital after a very bad car crash.
While recovering in hospital, Dario Gradi, the Crewe manager, telephoned him which resulted in Robbie signing for them in July 1994.
Whilst Robbie appreciated the chance the Crewe manager gave him, in August 1997 Martin O'Neill made an offer and brought him to Leicester City where he played him in midfield which proved to be the turning point in Robbie's footballing career.
The referees seem to have Robbies name permanently in their book but dirty is not a word you could use to describe his style of play - he is just enthusiastic!
Two days before his wedding to Sarah, Robbie signed for Birmingham City on May 30 2002.
He loved his time at Leicester and, more to the point, the Leicester fans loved him and I think that will be the case whoever he plays for.
But his life took a contentious turn when he quit Birmingham for Blackburn, causing upset among the fans, and he has not played for Wales under manager John Toshack since criticising the regime in the 2004-5 season. He moved on in January 2008 signing for Derby for £1.5m and said he took a pay cut, said BBC Sport.
Robbie still travels home to Wrexham regularly to catch up with his family and old friends.
Footballer Robbie is no stranger to controversy.
