Robert Molenaar

Robert Molenaar (born 27 February 1969) is a Dutch football manager and former professional footballer. He played as a centre back for FC Volendam, Leeds United, Bradford City and RBC Roosendaal.

Robert Molenaar
Personal information
Full name Robert Molenaar
Date of birth (1969-02-27) 27 February 1969
Place of birth Zaandam, Netherlands
Position(s) Centre back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1992–1997 FC Volendam 125 (2)
1997–2000 Leeds United 51 (5)
2000–2003 Bradford City 71 (2)
2003–2007 RBC Roosendaal 68 (6)
Total 315 (15)
Teams managed
2012–2013 NEC (assistant manager)
2014–2015 RKSV Halsteren
2015–2017 FC Volendam
2017–2019 Roda JC Kerkrade
2019 Almere City FC
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Molenaar was born in Zaandam, North Holland. He was signed for Leeds United by the then manager George Graham from FC Volendam for £1,000,000 in January 1997 to try to shore up the defence.[1] 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 the 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[2] and Nottingham Forest,[3] 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.

Managerial career

After working as assistant manager of NEC and manager of amateur side RKSV Halsteren, Molenaar was appointed manager of Eerste Divisie side FC Volendam from July 2015.

References
  1. Metcalf, Rupert (10 January 1997). "Football: Graham goes Dutch to stiffen defence". The Independent. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  2. "Magpies class outwits Bradford". BBC. 16 December 2000. Retrieved 10 March 2010.
  3. "Bradford 1-0 Nottm F". BBC. 14 December 2002. Retrieved 10 March 2010.


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