The time is right for Chris Robson to step up at Barton Rovers.
Having been part of the coaching staff at the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central club for the past two and-a-half years, the highly-rated coach, who recently won the Bedfordshire FA Coach of the Year (Male Pathway) award, is relishing the challenge that stands before him.
A fourth-place finish last term saw the club make the play-offs where they fell at the semi-finals.
“The challenge ahead of me here is exciting,” he told us. “I am incredibly proud to be leading the club during the campaign ahead.
“The past two and-a-half years working alongside Jermaine Hall [previous manager] have been a fantastic journey and I’ve grown to truly appreciate what this club is all about.
“It’s a special place, full of passion and good people. I know that there are some really solid foundations already in place here and that’s why the decision to take over at the helm was a pretty straightforward one to make.
“I’m ready to build on what we’ve started and take things to the next level.
“I believe that successful coaching/leadership starts with strong relationships. I take pride in getting to know players as people first — because when trust is built, real progress can follow.
“My style is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, but always with purpose. We work hard, we push standards, and we do it together.
“I want the team to be relentless — a group of players who can look each other in the eye after every game and know they gave everything. That work ethic is non-negotiable.
“On the pitch, I want us to be brave and positive — to play fast, exciting, front-foot football. While I won’t give too much away tactically, the aim is always to play with energy, purpose, and a collective identity.
“Above all, I want every player to feel proud to play for Barton Rovers. Representing this football club should mean something, and it’s my job to create an environment where that pride is earned and shared.”
It’s a philosophy that has marked the 41 year-old out as a coach with an extremely bright future ahead of him and earned him the Bedfordshire FA Coach of the Year (Male Pathway) accolade at the end of last season as Barton Rovers took the Club of the Year crown.
"I'm extremely proud to have received the award,” he continued. “Coaching demands a huge amount of time, energy, and sacrifice, so to have that recognised is incredibly meaningful. But this isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a reflection of the club, the players, and the entire management team from last season.
“The club has given me the platform to do what I love, and the players deserve huge credit — they’re the ones who bring our ideas to life on the pitch. Without them, there’s no coaching.”
Three players who were involved with the club during the course of 2024/25 have since gone on to sign professional contracts at EFL clubs with Christian Swaby joining Wycombe Wanderers, John Shamola linking up with Barrow and young goalkeeper, Charlie Warren, putting pen to paper at Queens Park Rangers having been part of the Tottenham Hotspur youth system, from where he joined Barton Rovers on loan.
“It’s incredibly special — and something the whole club should be proud of,” Robson added. “For the three of them to earn professional contracts is a massive achievement, and full credit goes to them.
“They’ve shown unbelievable commitment, hunger, and belief in themselves. What makes it even more special is that they’ve come through our environment, as did Keshi Anderson in the past who has gone on to have a great EFL career.
“It is proven that with the right attitude and work ethic, the opportunity is there and it also sends a powerful message to every player who walks through our doors; if you’re willing to work, if you trust the process and give everything, there is a pathway.
“As a coach, it's all about developing players, pushing them to be the best versions of themselves, and creating an environment where talent can thrive. The club, the staff, and the players who shared the pitch with those three last season should all take pride in this. It’s a real testament to what the club is about.”
So, what is the new man at the helm expecting from the campaign ahead?
"The League is going to be incredibly competitive this season,” he responded without hesitation. “Unlike last year, where Real Bedford really set the pace, I don’t see one team running away with it this time around.
“I expect both the top and bottom of the table to be much tighter. To succeed, teams will need to show real consistency from start to finish — every point will matter, and there’ll be no easy games. It’s shaping up to be a really exciting and unpredictable campaign.
"Our aim is simple; to keep moving forward. In anything you do, there's always room to improve, and that mind set is crucial if you want sustained success.
“We had a good season last time out, but we’re not standing still — we’re hungry to build on that. Complacency will have no place in this group. We know the League will be even more competitive this year, and nothing will be handed to us.
“But we’re ready to work hard, stay focused, and push ourselves to achieve more. If we bring the right attitude and consistency, we give ourselves every chance of having another strong campaign."
Robson hung up his boots a decade ago and moved straight into management with Buckingham Town, who were in the United Counties League at the time, at the age of just 31.
“That experience really ignited my passion for coaching,” he recalled. “Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to manage and coach at several clubs, including Totternhoe, Cranfield United and Crawley Green, before joining Barton Rovers in November 2022.
“Alongside my time in the dugout, I’ve committed myself to developing as a coach — completing several FA and UEFA qualifications to continue growing my knowledge and approach. I’ve also launched my own football coaching company, which has allowed me to share that passion and experience with players at all levels.
“It’s been a great journey so far, and I’m excited for what’s to come."
IMAGE: Barton Rovers FC
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