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Robbie Earle
Robbie Earle
Robbie Earle
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Robert Fitzgerald Earle MBE (born 27 January 1965) is a former football player and current television commentator. Born in England, he represented Jamaica in international football. An attacking midfielder, he played 578 league games in senior club football, scoring 136 goals.

Key Information

Initially a youth player with Stoke City, Earle broke into the professional game with Port Vale in 1982. He spent nine years at the Burslem-based club, helping "The Vale" to promotion out of the Fourth Division in 1982–83 and 1985–86, and out of the Third Division via the play-offs in 1989; he was later voted the club's PFA Fans' Favourite. He moved on to Wimbledon in 1991, where he also spent nine years. He played nearly 300 league games for each club, scoring 77 and 59 goals respectively. He represented Jamaica eight times between 1997 and 1998, scoring one international goal. He appeared in the 1998 World Cup, scoring the nation's first-ever goal in the finals.

Following his retirement in 2000, Earle established himself in football journalism. He was dismissed from his punditry role with ITV in 2010 after he passed ITV World Cup tickets to a third party.[3] After spending time as television broadcast analyst for the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer, he is now a commentator for the Premier League on NBC Sports.

Club career

[edit]

Port Vale

[edit]

An attacking midfielder, Earle was a junior player at Stoke City whilst he attended Longton High School. However, after suffering from a broken leg, he was released from the Victoria Ground. He was snapped up by Stoke's local rivals Port Vale, where he turned professional in 1982.[1][4] He had been scouted by Ray Williams.[5]

Earle made his Port Vale debut under John McGrath in a 1–0 defeat by Swindon Town at the County Ground on 28 August 1982.[6] He scored his first goal in his next appearance, in a 4–1 win over Aldershot at the Recreation Ground.[7] He finished the 1982–83 campaign with one goal in nine appearances, as the "Valiants" won promotion out of the Fourth Division. He made 13 appearances in 1983–84; John Rudge replaced McGrath as manager in December, but could not stop the club from sliding straight back out of the Third Division.

Earle won a regular first-team place in August 1984. He hit 19 goals in 56 games in 1984–85, including a hat-trick against Hereford United at Vale Park on 2 February; Earle and Alistair Brown's partnership got the club a combined total of 40 goals. An ever-present in the 1985–86 Fourth Division promotion squad, he scored 17 goals in 58 games; he and strike partner Andy Jones bagged a total of 35 goals for the club. Earle made 142 consecutive appearances between September 1984 and January 1987, the run coming to an end due to a groin strain. The strain led to a hernia operation in the autumn of 1987, but he returned to first-team action in January 1988. He scored seven goals in 35 games in 1986–87 and scored four goals in 11 games in 1987–88. That season, he played in the FA Cup upset when Vale knocked out Tottenham Hotspur.[8] A regular in the 1988–89 season, Rudge claimed that Earle and Ray Walker was one of the best-ever midfield partnerships at the Vale.[9] He scored both goals past Bristol Rovers in the two-legged 1989 play-off final that took Vale through to the Second Division.[1] After the match Earle wept in the tunnel, such was his emotions to have taken his local team to victory in the play-off final. Throughout the 1988–89 campaign, he scored 19 goals in 57 appearances.

He scored 12 goals in 52 games in 1989–90, including one in a 1–1 draw with Stoke City at the Victoria Ground on 23 September. He remained a vital player in 1990–91, hitting the net 11 times in 37 appearances. As he was affectionately known, 'The Black Pearl' played 357 times for the "Valiants" and scored 90 goals. A cult hero,[10] he is considered one of the best midfielders ever to play for the club.[11] In July 1991 he was transferred to Wimbledon for a fee of £775,000 (and 30% of any future transfer fee above that figure).[1] It was later reported that Wimbledon chairman Sam Hammam had locked Earle in a room during transfer negotiations and only let him out when he agreed to sign for Wimbledon.

Wimbledon

[edit]

Earle played an important part in the South London club's success during the nineties, and in particular, the club's 'Crazy Gang' mentality, which fostered team spirit and intimidated opposing players. He played alongside cult figures such as Aidan Newhouse, John Fashanu, Vinnie Jones, Lawrie Sanchez, Jason Euell, Dean Holdsworth, Marcus Gayle, Andy Clarke and Efan Ekoku. Earle was known for his late runs into the box, his ability to finish, and his agility at heading the ball.

His first season at the club was turbulent, as manager Ray Harford was replaced by Peter Withe, who in turn was replaced by Joe Kinnear; nevertheless, Earle scored 14 league goals to help the "Dons" to maintain to their top-flight status. He scored seven goals in the newly formed Premier League in the 1992–93 season, including two in a 3–2 win over Liverpool at Anfield,[12] and nine goals in 1993–94 – when Wimbledon finished a club best sixth in the final table.

After injury limited him to nine goalless appearances in 1994–95 (when Wimbledon still finished ninth), he regained his fitness for the following season. He was appointed club captain. His 11 goals in 1995–96 went some way towards securing Wimbledon's survival in 15th place; he scored against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers. Under his captaincy in 1996–97, the Selhurst Park side reached the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup, where they were beaten by eventual winners Chelsea and Leicester City respectively. In February 1997, he was handed the Premier League Player of the Month award.[13]

The club survived again in 1997–98, though dropped from fourth in December to 15th by the season's end. He scored seven goals in all competitions in 1998–99 as Wimbledon again reached the semi-finals of the League Cup; however, they finished just two places and six points above the Premier League relegation zone. The "Dons" then struggled under new manager Egil Olsen, and were relegated on the final day of the 1999–2000 season after losing 2–0 to Southampton at The Dell.[14]

During a reserve team game for Wimbledon in 2000, Earle sustained a heavy blow to the stomach and became seriously ill with a ruptured pancreas.[15] At the age of 35 he was forced to give up playing in November 2000.[16] His retirement coincided with the end of the 'Crazy Gang'. In nine years as a Wimbledon player, he made 244 league appearances for the South London club, scoring 59 goals.[17] Towards his end of his time at the club he began coaching the reserve team.[18]

"One afternoon in hospital I was told that I had picked up an infection again. By this time I had lost 4 stone (56 lb; 25 kg). My breathing was irregular, I was in agony. If somebody had told me that death was the best choice, I'd have accepted it – anything to take away the pain."

— The stomach injury that ended his career was intensely painful.[19]

International career

[edit]

Though English-born, Earle was eligible to play for Jamaica at international level because of his Jamaican parents. He hoped to be called up to the England squad, before he accepted the call-up from Jamaica at the age of 32.[20] Earle was the scorer of Jamaica's first ever World Cup goal, in a 3–1 defeat by Croatia at the Stade Félix-Bollaert, at the 1998 World Cup in France.[21] He played in all three of the Group H games, as Jamaica lost 5–0 to Argentina at Parc des Princes and beat Japan 2–1 at Stade de Gerland.[22][23]

Media work

[edit]

Since his retirement, Earle has moved into sports journalism. He has worked for Capital Radio, Radio 5 Live, BBC, ESPN, ITV, Sky Sports and OnDigital. Earle was a regular pundit on ITV's football coverage, as well as World Football Daily, and occasionally joins the team on ESPN PressPass.[24] He has also written columns for the London Evening Standard and for the Stoke-on-Trent Evening Sentinel.

In 2005, he took part in BBC's Strictly African Dancing as part of Africa Lives season; he scored 33 and won the competition. He also appeared in the 2007 edition of MasterChef.

In June 2010, he had his £150,000 a year contract with ITV cancelled for giving away World Cup tickets for the Netherlands v Denmark match. Meant for family and friends, he passed them on to a friend who then sold them to Bavaria Brewery. The Brewery company orchestrated an ambush marketing event in breach of FIFA rules.[25] The incident also led to him losing his role as an ambassador for England's 2018 World Cup bid.[26] Earle described his actions as "naive" and insisted that he had "not profited in any way".[27] It later emerged that ITV had given Earle 400 free tickets for the tournament, including 40 for the final itself. This allocation had a RRP of around £70,000. Not permitted to sell the tickets, Earle had freely given them out to friends and family, unaware that a 'close friend' would then sell a significant number on to the Dutch company.[28]

In March 2011, he became a broadcasting analyst at US Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers.[29] In 2004, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Show Racism the Red Card.[30] He has also appeared in television commercials promoting blood donation.

In 2013, he became one of the lead studio analysts for NBC Sports' coverage of the Premier League and a co-commentator on their Match of the Day and Premier League Download programmes.

Personal life

[edit]

Earle attended Longton High School in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.[31] UK magazine The Vegetarian Society stated that Earle is a vegetarian.[32]

He got married in the summer of 1989.[33] His son, Otis, is also a footballer and was drafted by FC Dallas at the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.[34]

Awards

[edit]

Earle was appointed an MBE in 1999 for his services to football.[35] In 2007, he was voted as Port Vale's PFA Fans' Favourites. In 2009, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame as 'Football Foundation Community Champion'. He was inducted into the Stoke-on-Trent Sporting Hall of Fame in May 2018.[36] In May 2019, he was voted into the "Ultimate Port Vale XI" by members of the OneValeFan supporter website.[37]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[38]
Club Season League FA Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Port Vale 1982–83 Fourth Division 8 1 0 0 1 0 9 1
1983–84 Third Division 12 0 0 0 2 0 14 0
1984–85 Fourth Division 46 15 3 1 7 3 56 19
1985–86 Fourth Division 46 15 4 1 8 1 58 17
1986–87 Third Division 35 6 2 1 7 0 44 7
1987–88 Third Division 25 4 4 0 1 0 30 4
1988–89 Third Division 44 13 3 1 10 5 57 19
1989–90 Second Division 43 12 3 0 6 0 49 12
1990–91 Second Division 35 11 2 0 0 0 37 11
Total 294 77 21 4 42 9 357 90
Wimbledon 1991–92 First Division 40 14 2 0 3 1 45 15
1992–93 Premier League 42 7 5 1 4 0 51 8
1993–94 Premier League 42 9 3 0 6 3 51 12
1994–95 Premier League 9 0 4 1 0 0 13 1
1995–96 Premier League 37 11 7 1 2 2 46 14
1996–97 Premier League 32 7 7 4 6 0 45 11
1997–98 Premier League 22 3 3 0 1 0 26 3
1998–99 Premier League 35 5 3 1 5 1 43 7
1999–00 Premier League 25 3 1 0 4 2 30 5
Total 284 59 35 8 31 9 350 76
Career total 578 136 56 12 73 18 707 166

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[39]
National team Year Apps Goals
Jamaica 1997 4 0
1998 4 1
Total 8 1
Scores and results list Jamaica's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Earle goal.
List of international goals scored by Robbie Earle[39]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 14 June 1998 Stade Félix-Bollaert, Lens, France  Croatia 1–1 1–3 1998 FIFA World Cup

Honours

[edit]

Port Vale

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Robbie Earle

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from Grokipedia
Robert Fitzgerald Earle MBE (born 27 January 1965) is an English-born Jamaican former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder, most notably for Port Vale and Wimbledon in the and , where he made over 600 league appearances and scored approximately 150 goals across his career. Earle began his professional career with Port Vale in 1982, spending nine years at the club and contributing significantly to two promotions from the Fourth Division in 1983 and 1986, as well as promotion from the Third Division in 1989, during which he scored 90 goals in all competitions and was a regular starter, playing every league game in two consecutive seasons. In 1991, he transferred to Wimbledon, becoming a key member of the club's renowned "" squad, captaining the team for five years, leading them to semi-finals in both the League Cup and , and scoring 76 goals in 350 appearances for the club while earning the title of Wimbledon Player of the Decade in 2000. His career was cut short in 2000 following a ruptured injury sustained in pre-season training, prompting his retirement at age 35. Eligible to represent through his heritage despite being born in , , Earle debuted for the Boyz in 1997 and earned 33 caps, scoring 8 goals, including captaining the side for two years and netting Jamaica's historic first goal in a finals match—a 1–3 defeat to at the 1998 tournament in , where he featured in all three group games. Post-retirement, Earle transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a respected television pundit and analyst, though his career faced a setback in 2010 when he was dismissed from ITV's coverage for breaching ticket allocation rules. He was awarded the in 1999 for services to football and inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame in 2009 as a Football Foundation Community Champion for his extensive charity work promoting grassroots football, literacy programs, and coaching development in the UK, , and . As of 2025, he serves as a studio analyst for ' coverage in the United States, co-hosting the popular The 2 Robbies podcast alongside , and has previously worked with , ITV, , and .

Early life

Family background and heritage

Robert Fitzgerald Earle was born on 27 January 1965 in , , . Earle grew up in a working-class family in the area, where his parents had migrated from seeking better opportunities. This Jamaican heritage, stemming directly from his parents' origins, granted him eligibility for Jamaican citizenship despite his English birth. The family's roots in played a pivotal role in Earle's later international career, allowing him to represent the Reggae Boyz and honor his parents' sacrifices through his achievements on the global stage.

Youth career and education

Earle was born and raised in , , where he attended Longton High School during his formative years. Growing up in the Potteries area, he developed an early passion for football, influenced by the region's strong footballing tradition centered around clubs like Stoke City and Port Vale. His youth career began in 1981 when he joined the youth setup at local club Stoke City at the age of 16. However, his progress was halted by a serious broken leg injury, which led to his release from the club without a professional contract. Following this setback, Earle was invited for a at Stoke's local rivals, Port Vale, where he impressed enough to sign professional terms in 1982 at age 17. At Port Vale, Earle quickly progressed through the youth ranks, establishing himself as a promising attacking known for his vision on the ball and natural goal-scoring instinct. His early development focused on honing these attributes, transitioning from an initial forward role to a creative capable of dictating play and contributing offensively, which laid the foundation for his senior breakthrough.

Club career

Port Vale

Earle signed his first professional contract with Port Vale in 1982 at the age of 17, having progressed through the club's youth academy. He made an immediate impact as an , contributing to the team's promotion from the Fourth Division as champions in the 1982–83 season. Over the next several years, Earle established himself as a key player, helping Port Vale secure promotion from the Third Division in 1985–86 by finishing third. His consistent goal-scoring form was evident across multiple seasons, including double figures in five campaigns, with a total of 90 goals in over 350 appearances for the club. In league matches alone, he recorded 77 goals in 281 outings, showcasing his reliability in the lower tiers. The 1988–89 season marked Earle's professional breakthrough, as Port Vale earned promotion to the First Division via the play-offs, where he scored both goals in the 2–1 final victory over Bristol Rovers on 27 May 1989. Earlier highlights included a against United in February 1985, underlining his clinical finishing. He occasionally served as , leading by example with his work rate and earning a reputation as a fan favorite for his commitment and local roots. In 2014, supporters voted him Port Vale's greatest-ever player in a Football League poll. In July 1991, after nine years at the club, Earle transferred to Wimbledon for a fee of £775,000, with Port Vale retaining 30% of any future sale above that amount.

Wimbledon

Earle joined Wimbledon from Port Vale in July 1991 for a transfer fee of £775,000, bringing his experience from lower divisions to the First Division side. He quickly adapted to top-flight football, becoming a key figure in midfield as Wimbledon transitioned into the inaugural season in 1992–93, where the club finished sixth and established themselves among the elite. Over his nine-year tenure at Wimbledon from 1991 to 2000, Earle made 284 league appearances and scored 59 goals, contributing significantly to the team's consistent mid-table finishes and survival in the top flight. One of Earle's standout seasons came in 1996–97, during which he earned the Premier League Player of the Month award for February after scoring crucial goals in victories over Leeds United and , helping Wimbledon secure vital points in their battle against relegation. The following campaign, in 1997–98, saw him play a pivotal role in another successful relegation scrap, with Wimbledon finishing 15th despite a challenging run-in. A highlight of his later years was the 1998–99 season, where Earle contributed seven goals across all competitions as Wimbledon advanced to the League Cup semi-finals, defeating strong sides like Rovers before falling to Tottenham Hotspur. Earle embodied the spirit of Wimbledon's infamous "," a for the club's tight-knit, prank-loving squad known for their unorthodox training sessions and unbreakable camaraderie that fostered resilience on the pitch. As and later , he provided leadership through example, guiding younger players and maintaining team morale during tough periods, including multiple narrow escapes from relegation. In October 1999, seeking more playing time amid injury concerns, Earle returned to Port Vale on a three-month loan, where he made 16 league appearances and scored three goals before returning to Wimbledon. His career ended in November 2000, when he retired at age 35 after suffering a ruptured in a reserve match against in early 2000, having made 331 total appearances and scored 72 goals for Wimbledon.

International career

Selection for Jamaica

Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, England, Robbie Earle was eligible to represent internationally due to his parents' Jamaican heritage, despite never having lived there. This ancestry allowed him to switch allegiance from , where he had hoped for a senior call-up that never materialized, to the Reggae Boyz at the age of 32. His consistent performances as a for Wimbledon in the during the mid-1990s, including regular starts and contributions to the team's survival in the top flight, caught the attention of Jamaican officials seeking experienced players from the . In the summer of 1997, Earle received and accepted an approach from the Jamaican Football Federation to join their squad for the qualifiers, marking a pivotal moment in his career. He made his debut on September 7, 1997, in a 1-0 over in the final round of qualifying, coming off the bench as part of a strategy to integrate British-based players of Jamaican descent. Earle featured in key matches, including the crucial 0-0 draw against on November 16, 1997, which secured Jamaica's historic qualification for their first-ever appearance. Over his international tenure from 1997 to 1998, Earle earned 8 caps for , scoring 1 goal, and played a vital role in elevating the team's competitiveness on the global stage. Teaming up with other England-based talents such as and Fitzroy Simpson, he helped form a core of experienced professionals who brought tactical discipline and pedigree to the squad. This selection process highlighted the cultural significance of tapping into the in the UK, fostering national pride and inspiring a new generation of players while bridging communities across the Atlantic.

1998 FIFA World Cup

Jamaica made history by qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup in 1998, finishing third in the CONCACAF final round behind Mexico and the United States after a remarkable campaign that saw them secure key results against teams like Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago. Robbie Earle, a key midfielder for the Reggae Boyz, started in all three group stage matches in Group H, which also featured Argentina, Croatia, and Japan. In their opening on 14 June 1998 at Stade Félix-Bollaert in Lens, faced , with taking the lead through in the 27th minute. Earle equalized with a header in the 45th minute from a corner, marking the nation's first-ever . then added two more goals after the break through (53') and (84'), securing a 3-1 . Earle's , celebrated wildly by the Jamaican supporters, symbolized the team's determination against a strong European side. Jamaica's campaign continued with a challenging 5-0 defeat to on 21 June at in , where scored twice and added a brace. Earle played the full 90 minutes, contributing defensively amid the onslaught. The Boyz ended on a high note, defeating 2-1 on 26 June at in , with both goals scored by , though Earle did not score in this fixture. He again featured throughout, helping secure Jamaica's first and only win to date. Earle's participation across all three games, totaling 270 minutes, underscored his leadership and importance to the squad, elevating 's profile on the global stage and instilling national pride despite finishing third in the group with three points. Reflecting on the tournament years later, Earle described scoring against as the pinnacle of his , noting the overwhelming support from Jamaican fans in and the lasting legacy of the debut as a source of inspiration for future generations. The experience, he said, transformed football in Jamaica, boosting participation and infrastructure development back home. Earle's international consisted of these 8 caps and 1 goal between 1997 and 1998.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from professional football in 2000, Earle pursued UEFA coaching qualifications, obtaining his UEFA A Licence by 2007 and preparing for the Pro Licence thereafter. In the mid-2000s, Earle served as head coach for the Premier League's Premier Skills initiative, a joint program with the British Council aimed at grassroots football development in emerging markets. He led coaching workshops and camps in Asia, including launches in New Delhi and Kolkata in 2008, where he trained local coaches and engaged over 500 young players in skill-building sessions. Earle extended this work to , participating in Premier Skills events in in 2009, collaborating with academy coaches to enhance technical training and youth development standards across the region. His efforts contributed to broader exchanges, fostering long-term improvements in coaching quality and access to the sport in developing areas. Earle's post-retirement work also included extensive charity efforts promoting grassroots football, literacy programs, and coaching development in the UK, Africa, and . In recognition of these contributions, he was inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame in 2009 as a Football Foundation Community Champion. In 2023, leveraging his A Licence, Earle joined the of Steel Sports, a U.S.-based youth soccer organization, to help develop coaching systems and mentor programs focused on player growth and enjoyment.

Media and broadcasting

Following his retirement from professional football in 2000, Robbie Earle transitioned into , beginning as a on , where he provided analysis on domestic and international matches. He soon expanded into television, contributing to ' Goals on Sunday program and serving as an analyst for and ITV's football coverage. His tenure with ITV ended abruptly in 2010 after an investigation into unauthorized ticket distribution during the , leading to his dismissal from the network. In 2013, Earle joined NBC Sports as a studio analyst for their coverage, a role he has held continuously, offering pre- and post-match insights on Premier League Live alongside hosts like . He also co-hosts the The 2 Robbies with former player , launched in 2015, which delivers weekly breakdowns of matches, tactical discussions, and guest interviews, amassing millions of downloads and establishing a dedicated following among global audiences. Earle's prior experience as a for Major League Soccer's from 2011 further diversified his portfolio, including analysis of MLS games before shifting focus to NBC's emphasis. Earle's commentary often draws on his 1998 FIFA World Cup participation with to provide context for international tournaments. His work with has extended to broader soccer topics, including MLS and global events, with contributions highlighting 's qualification prospects for the 2026 World Cup, where he emphasized the Reggae Boyz's potential amid competition. Through authentic, player-informed perspectives, Earle has played a key role in 's efforts to expand soccer's popularity in the United States.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Robbie Earle is married to Sandra Earle, with whom he has two children. Their son, Otis Earle (born January 17, 1992), followed in his father's footsteps as a professional footballer, who played as a defender/left-back in lower divisions and affiliates, including with , and held a U.S. that qualified him as a domestic player. The family has resided in since Earle's transition to broadcasting with , where he covers matches from a base.

Residence and citizenship

Earle holds dual citizenship in the and , qualifying for the latter through his ancestral heritage despite being born in . In 2010, following the termination of his contract with ITV amid a ticket scandal, Earle relocated from the to the to pursue broadcasting opportunities, eventually joining as a lead analyst for coverage starting in 2013. He is based in , California, from where he frequently travels to NBC's studios in , for live broadcasts, often flying in two out of every three weekends during the season. Since settling in the , Earle has integrated deeply into the American sports media landscape, becoming a prominent voice in soccer analysis and contributing to NBC's efforts to popularize the among audiences through insightful commentary on tactics, player performances, and cultural aspects of the sport. His family accompanied him on , supporting his transition to life in . While specific community involvements in the are limited in , Earle has used his platform to address issues like in football, drawing from his experiences as a broadcaster in America. Earle was appointed Member of the (MBE) in the 1999 Queen's for services to football.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Robbie Earle amassed 578 league appearances and 136 goals in his senior club career, spanning Port Vale and Wimbledon across various English football divisions. His contributions included 294 league appearances with 77 goals for Port Vale between 1982 and 1991, and 284 league appearances with 59 goals for Wimbledon from 1991 to 2000.

Port Vale (1982–1991)

Earle featured prominently in all competitions for Port Vale, totaling 353 appearances and 90 goals. This breakdown encompasses league matches in the Third and Second Divisions, as well as ties. Specific seasonal details highlight his consistency, with notable output in the late 1980s, including 19 goals in 57 appearances during the 1988–89 season and 12 goals in 52 appearances in 1989–90.
CompetitionAppearances (Subs)Goals
League294 (10)77
20 (1)4
21 (2)4
Other18 (1)5
Total353 (14)90

Wimbledon (1991–2000)

Earle played 349 appearances and scored 76 goals for Wimbledon in all competitions, primarily in the following their relegation survival and subsequent top-flight tenure. His league record includes 59 goals from 284 appearances, with additional contributions in domestic cups. Assists are recorded at 23 in matches. Detailed statistics by season demonstrate his sustained involvement until injury curtailed his career in 2000.
CompetitionAppearances (Subs)Goals
League284 (4)59
35 (0)8
29 (1)8
Other1 (0)1
Total349 (5)76
SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
1992–934275
1993–944295
1994–95903
1995–9637114
1996–973273
1997–982231
1998–993552
1999–002530
Total2444523

International statistics

Robbie Earle represented Jamaica internationally from 1997 to 1998, accumulating 8 caps and scoring 1 goal during this period. His appearances were primarily focused on the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign and the tournament itself, with additional participation in a pre-tournament friendly. Earle did not earn any further caps after the 1998 World Cup, effectively retiring from international duty thereafter. The breakdown of his international record includes 4 matches in World Cup qualifiers, 1 friendly, and 3 appearances at the finals. Earle scored his only international during the , heading in a late equalizer against in a 1–3 group stage defeat.
DateOpponentCompetitionResultGoals
1997-09-071998 FIFA World Cup qualifying1–00
1997-09-141998 FIFA World Cup qualifying1–00
1997-11-091998 FIFA World Cup qualifying2–20
1997-11-161998 FIFA World Cup qualifying0–00
1998-03-25Friendly0–00
1998-06-141–31
1998-06-210–50
1998-06-262–10
All data sourced from national football teams database.

Awards and honours

Individual awards

During his playing career, Robbie Earle was appointed Member of the (MBE) in the 1999 for his services to football. In recognition of his contributions to community initiatives and anti-racism efforts in the sport, Earle was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 as a Football Foundation Community Champion. Earle was voted Wimbledon Player of the Decade in 2000. Earle received further local recognition with his induction into the Stoke-on-Trent Sporting Hall of Fame in May 2018, honouring his impact as a player from the region and his ongoing involvement in football.

Team honours

During his time at Port Vale from 1982 to 1991, Robbie Earle contributed to three successful promotion campaigns. The team secured promotion from the Fourth Division to the Third Division in the 1982–83 season under manager John McGrath. In the 1985–86 season, Port Vale earned promotion from the Third Division to the Second Division by finishing second in the league. Earle played a pivotal role in the 1988–89 season, scoring the winning goal in the Third Division play-off final against Rovers on 3 June 1989, which secured promotion to the Second Division for the first time in over 30 years. At Wimbledon, where Earle played from 1991 to 2000, the club did not win any major trophies during his tenure but achieved notable consistency in the . The team maintained top-flight status for all nine seasons Earle was there, with a highest league finish of sixth place in the 1993–94 season; they finished 12th in the inaugural 1992–93 season. Wimbledon reached the quarter-finals of the in the 1992–93 season and the semi-finals in the 1997–98 season, though they did not advance further in major competitions. Internationally, Earle earned 33 caps for between 1997 and 1998, scoring 8 goals, including in their historic qualification for the —the nation's in the tournament. finished third in the final round of qualifiers to earn their spot in .

References

  1. https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/bios/robbie-earle
  2. https://www.transfermarkt.us/robbie-earle/profil/spieler/109504
  3. https://www.skysports.com/football/player/77819/robbie-earle
  4. https://nationalfootballmuseum.com/halloffame/robbie-earle/
  5. https://www.bbc.com/news/10322048
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1078538/bio/
  7. https://www.sportsdunia.com/football-entertainment/robbie-earle-biography-net-worth-playing-style-family-lifestyle-and-career-stats
  8. https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/reggae-boyz-legend-robbie-earle-on-why-jamaicas-future-is-brighter-for-embracing-dual-nationals-like-himself/
  9. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9393093/Ex-Wimbledon-star-Robbie-Earle-Crazy-Gang-days-playing-Jamaica-World-Cup-racism.html
  10. https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/robbie-earle
  11. https://premierleague25years.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/premier-league-files-robbie-earle/
  12. https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2015/04/robbie-earle-player-profile/
  13. https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2014/april/vales-greatest
  14. https://www.facebook.com/sotcitycouncil/posts/international-footballer-and-tv-pundit-robbie-earle-is-one-of-north-staffordshir/1146370387679235/
  15. https://www.transfermarkt.us/robbie-earle/transfers/spieler/109504/transfer_id/290380
  16. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/wimbledon-fc/robbie-earle-9982/league-appearances-port-vale-wimbledon_a14259/
  17. https://www.myfootballfacts.com/premier-league/all-time-premier-league/football-awards/premier-league-footballer-of-the-month-awards/
  18. https://www.transfermarkt.us/robbie-earle/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/109504
  19. https://www.transfermarkt.us/robbie-earle/leistungsdaten/spieler/109504
  20. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/16637/Robbie_Earle.html
  21. https://www.fifa.com/en/articles/robbie-earle-jamaica-interview
  22. https://www.transfermarkt.us/robbie-earle/nationalmannschaft/spieler/109504
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/mar/25/jamaica-turn-to-england-raised-talent-in-glory-hunt-world-cup
  24. https://fbref.com/en/players/3a757429/matchlogs/1998/c1/summary/Robbie-Earle-Match-Logs
  25. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/198135/croatia-jamaica
  26. https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20131021/sports/sports1.html
  27. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/198138/jamaica-japan
  28. https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/1385046.earle-of-the-real-dons/
  29. https://m.rediff.com/sports/2008/feb/04skills.htm
  30. https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/soccer-camp-begins-at-sai/cid/560617
  31. https://www.sundaystandard.info/english-premier-league-british-council-launch-coaching-project-in-botswana/
  32. https://www.sundaystandard.info/phase-3-of-premier-skills-project-underway/
  33. https://www.prweb.com/releases/Steel_Sports_Welcomes_Robbie_Earle_MBE_to_Advisory_Board/prweb19432636.htm
  34. https://thesetpieces.com/latest-posts/robbie-earle-nbc-made-america-fall-love-premier-league/
  35. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/jun/15/robbie-earle-itv-orange-dresses
  36. https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/nbc-sports-announces-its-on-air-talent-for-premier-league
  37. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-2-robbies/id983059644
  38. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/nbc-sports-english-premiere-league-broadcast-team-commentators
  39. https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/robbie-earle-jamaica-interview
  40. https://www.diomedia.com/stock-photo-robbie-earle-mbe-wimbledon-fc-footballer-wth-his-wife-sandra-and-their-son-otis-pictured-at-buckingham-palace-after-receiving-his-mbe-compulsory-credit-uppaphotoshot-photo-ua-016695d--image17382154.html
  41. https://www.facebook.com/NBCSportsSoccer/videos/robbie-earle-thanksgiving/1641533842592972/
  42. https://www.fcdallas.com/players/otis-earle/
  43. https://www.transfermarkt.us/otis-earle/profil/spieler/354791
  44. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/nov/13/smalltalk-robbie-earle
  45. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/thegoalkeeper/QA-with-NBC-Sports-Premier-League-studio-analyst-Robbie-Earle.html
  46. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/dec/14/british-soccer-commentators-nbc-american-audience
  47. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1899259/2020/06/29/robbie-earles-moving-tv-moment-i-wanted-them-to-understand-what-it-felt-like/
  48. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1999/06/99/queens_birthday_honours/366801.stm
  49. https://www.doingthe92.com/display_player.asp?step=61&ID=96&pid=20508&ptag=Robbie_Earle
  50. https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=2254
  51. https://en.onul.works/w/Robbie_Earle
  52. https://fbref.com/en/players/3a757429/Robbie-Earle
  53. https://www.transfermarkt.us/robbie-earle/nationalmannschaft/spieler/109504/verein_id/3671
  54. https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPVFC/posts/1253328656823095
  55. https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2025/05/looking-back-at-port-vales-eleven-promotions/
  56. https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-promotion-bristol-rovers-2930046
  57. https://fbref.com/en/squads/3679c494/1992-1993/Wimbledon-Stats
  58. https://fbref.com/en/squads/3679c494/1993-1994/Wimbledon-Stats
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