Robert Molenaar


Robert Molenaar 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.

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 £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 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 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.

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.