Karl Robinson vows to bring ‘front-foot, winning football’ to Bromley

Bromley have appointed former MK Dons, Oxford United and Salford City boss Karl Robinson as their new manager as they look to climb away from the bottom of League One.

The 46-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Ravens, who are three points from safety after winning promotion to the third tier for the first time in their history last season.

Robinson has been out of work since leaving Salford in June.

He guided the club to their highest-ever finish of fourth in League Two last season, but was sacked after they lost the play-off final to Notts County.

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Proven track record

Bromley chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves said: “Karl brings an elite level of experience, tactical acumen, and a proven track record of competing at the sharp end of League One.

“His relentless energy matches our ambition perfectly, and we are unified in our vision to drive this football club forward into an exciting new era.”

Robinson, whose first game in charge will be Saturday’s FA Cup first-round tie against Rotherham United, expressed his pride and enthusiasm at taking the helm.

“What Robin, the board, and everyone associated with the Ravens have built over recent years is remarkable,” he said.

“There is an energy around the CopperJax Community Stadium, and my job is to take that momentum and deliver a brand of front-foot, winning football that makes our supporters proud. 

“We are here to compete, raise standards, and push this club forward in League One every single day.”

History

Byron Webster, who took interim charge following Andy Woodman’s surprise dismissal last month, will remain at Bromley as part of Robinson’s coaching staff.

The new Ravens boss spent more than six years at MK Dons, leading them to promotion to the Championship in 2015 after finishing second in League One.

He also oversaw a memorable 4-0 League Cup victory over Manchester United in October 2014.

After leaving the Dons in 2016, Robinson spent 16 months at Charlton Athletic before taking charge of Oxford in March 2018.

He guided the U’s to the League One play-offs twice, but left the club in February 2023.

A spell as assistant manager at Leeds United followed before he joined Salford in January 2024.

Woodman exit and takeover talks

Robinson takes over from Woodman in the Hayes Lane dugout following the end of the 55-year-old’s five-and-a-half-year spell in charge.

Woodman oversaw Bromley’s rise from the National League to the Football League in 2024, before leading them to the League Two title last season.

However, their first campaign in League One has proved difficult, with just two wins from their opening 10 league matches leaving them second-bottom when the Northampton Town, Brentford and Oxford goalkeeper departed.

There could also be significant changes behind the scenes, with former Everton striker Victor Anichebe reportedly leading a consortium of investors in talks to buy the club.

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