ANDY Robinson has hinted that he regrets quitting Swansea City as he prepares for a watching brief when his former club face Leeds United this weekend.

The former Swansea star has seen his career hit the buffers since rejecting a new contract at the Liberty to move to Elland Road on a free transfer in 2008.

Robinson had just won the League One title under Roberto Martinez and could have stayed for a first taste of Championship football.

But despite coming close to agreeing a new contract, Robinson eventually opted to move north in what turned into a messy departure.

Two years on, part of Robinson appears to be ruing that decision having been frozen out of the first-team picture by Leeds boss Simon Grayson.

"I had the best time of my life at Swansea and I miss the place," says the 30-year-old.

Rapport

"My youngest lad is always saying to me 'Dad, let's go back to Swansea', and we have thought about coming back when I finish playing.

"Like I say, I loved my time playing for Swansea City. Do I regret leaving? Maybe sometimes, and sometimes maybe not.

"There were factors beyond the football field that needed to be addressed back then.

"But I do miss the rapport I had with the fans. I miss the banter I used to have with the lads, and I miss scoring the goals I scored for the club."

A huge success at Swansea, Robinson netted 54 times in 226 appearances after first joining the club on trial back in 2003.

Robinson arrived as a non-league striker, but he was quickly switched to midfield by Brian Flynn and soon began making an impact.

"I still love the club and I want them to do well," he adds. "I'd love to see Swansea reach the Premier League.

"I had such a good time down there. I had a decent first season when I came to Leeds, but I was out of favour and now I'm on the transfer list.

Desperate

"I'm a player who likes to be loved, but I'm having to learn what it's like not being wanted right now."

With his family living back in the Liverpool area, Birkenhead-born Robinson may well end up moving to a club in the North West.

But he is desperate to get out and play football, and says he would be prepared to go further afield if the length of contract was right.

As of yet no deal has been done, leaving Robinson kicking his heels at Leeds.

"It's no fun watching Soccer Saturday on a Saturday afternoon," he says. "Football's in my blood and I just want to play."

Robinson had a loan spell at hometown club Tranmere at the back end of last season, even managing an important goal as they staved off the threat of relegation from League One.

But barring a late loan move, there will be no game for Robinson this weekend. Instead, he will be free to watch what he predicts will be an interesting contest between Swansea and newly promoted Leeds.

"I don't think Swansea get the recognition they deserve," he says.

"We used to play lovely football when I was there and the boys have carried that on in the Championship under Roberto, Paulo Sousa and now Brendan Rodgers.

"But maybe because Swansea is a bit out of the way, they haven't always had the credit for that.

"At least people are starting to take a bit more notice now. That can only be good for Swansea City."

But will Swansea's style be enough to see them past a Leeds side who have adapted smoothly to life back in the second tier?

"The boys here are looking forward to every game because a lot of them haven't played at this level before," Robinson explains.

"They are desperate to prove they are good enough for the Championship and I think we are more than capable of getting to the play-offs because there's a solid spine to the team.

"I'm sure Swansea will rise to the occasion this weekend, because every player likes to play in front of 30,000.

"But the Leeds lads want to do well for those fans, so it should be a great game."