Milton Keynes Dons manager Karl Robinson has left his position after over six years in charge.
The 36-year-old was dismissed the day after a 3-0 defeat by Southend United at stadium:mk. He leaves with the club 19th in League One, just one point above the relegation zone, and without a home win since March.
News of his exit was first reported by Sky Sports at around 4:30pm today (23/10), with an official club statement later confirming the news. The club also confirmed his exit is “by mutual consent”.
In a statement, MK Dons said, “In his six years in charge of the Club, Robinson became MK Dons’ longest-serving manager and has helped develop a style of football and a philosophy which runs from the Academy to the first team. Robinson has also created a number of memorable moments for the Football Club – none more so than the 4-0 win over Manchester United in the then-Capital One Cup in August 2014.
“Just as importantly, Robinson fully embraced and immersed himself in MK Dons and Milton Keynes itself, which was reflected in his close relationship with staff at the Club and its supporters.
“However, the start to the Sky Bet League One campaign has been disappointing with results this season not matching the desired standard. Therefore, chairman Pete Winkelman and Robinson have agreed it is in the best interest of both parties to go their separate ways.
“Everyone at MK Dons would like to thank Karl for his immense contribution – he will always remain a respected and significant figure at Stadium MK.”
Robinson was appointed as MK Dons manager in 2010, after Paul Ince resigned. For a year before that, he had been an assistant. In his first 2 seasons, the Dons finished 5th in League One, suffering play-off defeats to Peterborough and Huddersfield respectively. They finished in the top half in the following 2 seasons, and also had a run to the FA Cup Fifth Round in 2012/13, during which they beat AFC Wimbledon and Premier League QPR.
In 2014-15, a free-scoring Dons team featuring the likes of Dele Alli, Will Grigg and Benik Afobe scored 101 league goals en-route to promotion. A 5-1 victory over Yeovil Town on the final day of the season saw the team edge out Preston to take a spot in the Championship.
However, the departures of Alli, Grigg and Afobe proved difficult to overcome in 2015-16, with the team finishing 23rd in the Championship. A difficult start to the following campaign saw pressure grow at the club, and the club have now chosen to change manager.
The Dons have confirmed that assistant manager Richie Barker will take charge until a new manager is appointed.
Article provided by CitiBlog
