Mark Robinson named as AFC Wimbledon’s new head coach

AFC Wimbledon have announced the appointment of Mark Robinson as the club’s head coach.

Robinson, had taken temporary charge of the Don’s first team following the departure of former head coach Glyn Hodges on the 30 January. He so far has overseen one game in League One – a 2-3 victory at fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic.

Wimbledon’s new head coach has a long history with the club, starting out as a volunteer coach in 2004 – just two years after the fan run club had been founded.

Robinson during his time with Dons also worked as Head of Youth, Centre of Excellence Manager, Academy Manager, Lead Professional Phase Coach and Loan Manager, First Team Coach and has now climbed the ranks to become head coach of the first team. 

Dons chief executive Joe Palmer said that Robinson’s “ability to bring about a cultural change” was key to his appointment.

“It’s fair to say that, in his short time as interim manager, Mark has made a hugely positive impression on the players and staff. This impact, coupled with his determination and ability to bring about cultural change, gave Mark the edge over the other candidates and we are delighted to give him this chance to show us where he can take us.” Said Palmer

Newly appointed head coach Robinson believes that the “quality in the squad and the academy” will make success possible at the South London club.

“Everyone knows how I feel about AFC Wimbledon and I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity at the club that is the greatest story in football; a club with a great heritage and the best supporters in the country.

“There is undoubtedly a lot of hard work to be done but when you look at the quality in the squad and the academy, alongside the good people we have in place in and around the club, if we can all pull together it makes me genuinely excited about what we can achieve.”

Dons Trust co-chairman Xavier Wiggins explained how “thorough” the club’s recruitment process is and that all members involved in the recruitment process have “confidence” in their decision to appoint Robinson as head coach.

“The process of recruiting our new manager was very thorough. We drew up a shortlist of potential candidates before inviting several to interview. The interview panel itself was made up of representatives from the FCB, internal and external football specialists and me – I was there to represent our members. Said Wiggins.

“It is huge credit to Mark that he was chosen from a strong shortlist of candidates, all of whom the interview panel would have every confidence in.”

Robinson’s first game as permanent Don’s head coach is away to Peterborough United on Saturday, 20 February.