The story behind Robbie Talbot’s football career: How Helen Flanagan’s new boyfriend became ‘non-league’s top striker’
FORMER footballer Robbie Talbot has been in the headlines after actress Helen Flanagan revealed their relationship on Celebs Go Dating.
The couple have been seen together since filming ended. Here’s what we know about his footballing career.
Who is Robbie Talbot and which teams has he played for?
Robbie Talbot is an English former professional footballer and coach, originally from Liverpool, Merseyside.
His name cropped up after Coronation Street alumni Helen Flanagan revealed she was dating the former player.
Between the years of 1999 to 2005, Robbie was regarded as one of the top strikers in non league football.
The 44-year-old has had a long career in a number of different clubs starting in the Rochdale youth team in 1997.
Marine
Talbot first started his senior career with Marine in 1998.
During 1998 to 1999, he made around 20 appearances and scored 4 goals.
However, it was not long before he was signed to a new club.
Burscough
In Burscough, Robbie had a winning streak, scoring 28 goals between 1999 and 2001.
He took part in 34 matches, having begun at the Burscough youth team.
The striker then went on to the senior team when he turned 19.
Morecambe
By 2001, Robbie had one of his most successful spells for Morecambe.
For the first time, he was purchased for £9,000.
The centre forward appeared in 55 matches, scoring 29 goals in two years.
Robbie played his first FA Cup during this time.
As a prolific Conference striker whose birthday was also on Halloween, Morecambe fans often referred to Talbot as the Halloween Hitman.
Burton Albion
In 2003, Nigel Clough signed Robbie for Burton Albion for a fee of £7,000 from Morecambe.
He went on to score 28 times in 52 appearances.
During this spell, he also included a career milestone by scoring a double hat-trick in the 8-0 thrashing of Midland Alliance team Alvechurch in the second round of the Birmingham Senior Cup.
Unfortunately, he was reportedly involved in a serious car accident in the summer of 2004 which almost ended his life.
Robbie eventually recovered from the injuries he sustained over time and made only a few limited appearances for the Staffordshire team.
Droylsden
In 2005, he decided to join Manchester-based team Droylsden.
However, he had far less appearances, only playing 18 matches.
He is a top talent, and can certainly help our cause.
Alvin McDonald
Despite this, Robbie was able to score 19 goals between 2005 and 2008.
Marine (loan, second spell)
Robbie then rejoined Marine, eight years after being released by the Crosby club.
The then 28-year-old signed for the Mariners on an initial month’s loan from Blue Square Premier newcomers Droylsden.
At the time, Marine boss Alvin McDonald said: “It will be an excellent signing for us.
“He is a top talent, and can certainly help our cause.”
Bangor City
In 2008, he joined Bangor City, where he spent only a month before making his final transfer as a player.
Despite his very short time at the club, he was able to score once in four games.
Ashton
He was transferred to Ashton between 2008 and 2010, but had a short-lived time at the club.
Robbie retired as a player towards the end of the 2009–2010 season with Ashton, due to the persistent injuries that plagued him from the car accident.
Instead, he became assistant manager to Danny Johnson at Ashton during the summer of 2010.
He was brought to Hurst Cross during the Christmas period following the exit of Ashton United’s long-time number two Danny Jones.
Johnson said Robbie was a “bubbly character”.
“He knows the lads, he knows his football and he’s played under some top managers like Nigel Clough and Jim Harvey.
“He’s played at the top end of non-league football and he’s settled in really well.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Robbie; I wouldn’t have asked him to come on board otherwise.”
However, In 2011, he finally retired from his role as assistant manager due to family and work commitments.
The former player has two daughters from a previous relationship.