Robert Molenaar
Encyclopedia
Robert Molenaar is a former professional footballer from the Netherlands
. He played as a defender for FC Volendam
, Leeds United
and Bradford City
and RBC Roosendaal.
He was signed for Leeds United
by the then manager George Graham
from FC Volendam
for £1m in January 1997 to try to shore up the defence. He became a regular in the side until the end of the 1996–97
season. In the 1997–98
season however his performances were not up to scratch and he fell down the pecking order playing around half the matches. In 1998–99
he was once again a first choice centre-back, above David Wetherall
but a challenge by Nicolas Anelka
, then playing for Arsenal
, kept him out via ligament damage until 2000. He failed to make another appearance for Leeds United
and was sold to Bradford City
in the summer of 2000 to help their dog fight against relegation. He stayed there until 2003, scoring twice against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, when his contract was not renewed and he moved to RBC Roosendaal before eventually retiring in the summer of 2007.
While at Leeds he picked up the nickname "The Terminator" from the fans due to his bulky physique and height.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
. He played as a defender for FC Volendam
FC Volendam
Football Club Volendam is a Dutch football club based in Volendam, North Holland, Edam-Volendam. Founded on June 1, 1977, as a result of a split up with RKSV . It currently plays in the Eerste Divisie, holding home games at Kras Stadion, with a 6,260-seat capacity.-History:Football Club Volendam...
, Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
and Bradford City
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
and RBC Roosendaal.
He was signed for Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
by the then manager George Graham
George Graham (footballer)
George Graham is a Scottish former football player and manager. He is best remembered for his success at Arsenal, as a player in the 1970s and then as manager from 1986 until 1995.-Early life:...
from FC Volendam
FC Volendam
Football Club Volendam is a Dutch football club based in Volendam, North Holland, Edam-Volendam. Founded on June 1, 1977, as a result of a split up with RKSV . It currently plays in the Eerste Divisie, holding home games at Kras Stadion, with a 6,260-seat capacity.-History:Football Club Volendam...
for £1m in January 1997 to try to shore up the defence. He became a regular in the side until the end of the 1996–97
1996-97 in English football
The 1996–1997 season was the 117th season of competitive football in England.Arrival into the league and exit out of the league returns in the fourth tier for the first time after its 3 season absence with only 1 relegation spot.- Premier League :...
season. In the 1997–98
1997-98 in English football
The 1997-1998 season was the 118th season of competitive football in England.-Premier League:Arsenal overhauled Manchester United's lead during the final weeks of the season to win the Premiership title...
season however his performances were not up to scratch and he fell down the pecking order playing around half the matches. In 1998–99
1998-99 in English football
-Premier League:Manchester United overcame close competition from Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea to win their fifth Premiership title in seven seasons thanks to the comeback of Roy Keane after his long-term injury and a transfer raid totalling nearly £30 million which netted Aston Villa striker...
he was once again a first choice centre-back, above David Wetherall
David Wetherall
David Wetherall is an English former footballer who played as a central defender, finishing his playing career with Bradford City at the end of the 2007–08 season. Born in Sheffield, he supported Sheffield Wednesday as a child, and started his playing career there...
but a challenge by Nicolas Anelka
Nicolas Anelka
Abdul-Salam Bilal on 14 March 1979) is a French international footballer, who plays as a striker for English Premier League club Chelsea. Anelka was also a regular starter for the French national team...
, then playing for Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, kept him out via ligament damage until 2000. He failed to make another appearance for Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
and was sold to Bradford City
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
in the summer of 2000 to help their dog fight against relegation. He stayed there until 2003, scoring twice against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, when his contract was not renewed and he moved to RBC Roosendaal before eventually retiring in the summer of 2007.
While at Leeds he picked up the nickname "The Terminator" from the fans due to his bulky physique and height.