One of several new offseason signings, Robbie Crawford joins the Black and Yellow for his first season in the USL Championship.
A Scotland native, Crawford began his career with Rangers FC, rising from the club’s youth academy to the first team. Having spent time playing professionally in Iceland and Finland, Crawford’s arrival in the states presents a new opportunity, and challenge, as the playmaker looks to help elevate Charleston to title contenders. We caught up with Robbie to ask the hard-hitting questions in this week’s Q&A.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Gourock, Scotland (about 45 minutes outside of Glasgow.)
Q: What is one thing you have to have when traveling?
A: Sunscreen-the sun isn’t always my friend!
Q: What would you be if you weren’t a professional soccer player?
A: I probably would’ve gone into athletics, I’ve always enjoyed middle distance running. If not that, then maybe a Physio.
Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: Whatever you’re doing, give it your best, otherwise there’s no point. It’s always stuck with me and applies to a lot of areas of life.
Q: What has been the most difficult transition about moving to a new country?
A: Probably being away from friends and family for so long but FaceTime definitely helps with that and they’ve had some great holidays the past few years coming out to see me play.
Q: Who is the best dancer on the team?
A: Haven’t seen enough of their moves yet but from what I’ve seen, I can imagine Romario producing on the dance floor!
Q: What is your favorite American food/ meal?
A: Hard to beat a good burger from TGIs or Hard Rock Cafe, probably best not to have too many during the season though!
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: To be able to read people’s minds, I would love to know what people are really thinking!
Q: What is one thing that is overrated?
A: It won’t go down well with Americans but I’d say basketball!
Q: What is the best purchase you have made so far this year?
A: A plane ticket to Charleston for my tryout.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: Being late. I’ve always hated it and if you’re part of a team it usually ends up with a big fine so that’s another reason to be on time.
Q: Have you ever eaten Haggis? Would we like it?
A: Of course I have! I really like it so I’d always recommend it. Veggie haggis is nice too if anyone is put off by what it’s made of!
Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: My family has always set a great example for me in terms of work ethic and supported me. In terms of inspiration though, I’ve always been pretty self-motivated and wanted to do the best I could for myself.
Q: Who is your favorite soccer player of all time?
A: Zinedine Zidane-had it all as a player and won everything so he was definitely someone I always looked up to.
Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: I wouldn’t say superstitions but definitely a few things I always do on the day of a game – for example, putting my left boot on before my right.
Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and what would you be doing?
A: I’m lucky to have been to a lot of places and I’d say I’m usually pretty happy as long as I’ve got a ball. I try not to think about the grass being greener somewhere else and just enjoy where I am and ideally I’d have my family, friends, and girlfriend with me.
Q: Who is your favorite soccer team? (other than the Battery)?
A: Greenock Morton (local team), Glasgow Rangers and Man United.
Q: What would be your karaoke song?
A: Proclaimers-500 miles… standard answer for a Scotsman abroad!
Q: What is something fans might not know about you?
A: This year marks 10 years as a professional player having made my debut for Rangers and leaving high school at 17… hopefully at least 10 more years to go.
