Robson came through Hartlepool's youth development programme, following in the footsteps of Antony Sweeney, Jim Provett and Adam Boyd.
While playing for the youth team, Robson gained the reputation of being a quick and pacey winger with a keen eye for set pieces.
Robson scored on his debut in Hartlepool's first match of the 2003–04 Second Division campaign, in a 4–3 win against Peterborough United.
Robson signed for fellow League One club Carlisle United at the end of the 2008–09 season, after rejecting a new contract from Hartlepool.
A firm fans' favourite, Robson won Carlisle's 2012–13 player of the year award and signed a new contract to keep him with the club until 2015.