Robinson leaves MK Dons after Southend defeat

(Photo by Action Images)

By Harvey Burgess

Karl Robinson has left League One club MK Dons after more than six years in charge, following Saturday’s lacklustre 3-0 home loss to Southend United.

The defeat to Phil Brown‘s side extended the Dons poor home form to 13 matches without a win, which has seen last year’s relegated Championship team languish in 19th position.

According to a club statement, Robinson left the club ‘by mutual consent’ because ‘the disappointing run of results this season has not matched 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.’

MK Dons handed Robinson his first professional managerial job in 2010, becoming the youngest boss in the Football League at the age of just 29 and immediately led the club to back-to-back play-off campaigns.

He then guided the Dons to the Championship for the first time when finishing a runners-up to Bristol City in the 2014/2015 season. Last season saw an immediate return to League One as a faltering attack contributed just 39 goals to their bid for survival.

This season, a run of just four wins from 15 games leaves the club just one point ahead of the relegation zone.

Robinson’s exit comes as no surprise as he lambasted his own team’s recent performances in the wake of the Southend defeat, saying: “I share everyone’s frustrations, whether it be the chairman or the fans or my family. Everyone is in a low place.

“Certain players are too weak – mentally and physically too weak.

“It affects my life, but I don’t think it affects certain players’ lives. You have to be responsible for your own actions as well. It is not all about the players.

The Liverpudlian added on questions surrounding his future: “If it is to be (leaving the club) then I want to say thank you for everyone who has supported me over the last six and a half years.”

The 36-year-old oversaw the development of a number of notable players while in charge of the club, including the likes of Dele Alli, Benik Afobe and Patrick Bamford.

Perhaps the most eye-catching performance of Robinson’s tenure came in August 2014 against Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United team, with the Dons running out 4-0 winners in the Capital One Cup.

The club extended their gratitude to Robinson, adding “[we] would like to thank Karl for his immense contribution – he will always remain a respected and significant figure at Stadium MK.”