Karl Robinson and MK Dons part company after '˜disappointing start to the season'

Karl Robinson's time at MK Dons has come to an end after the club announced on Sunday they had parted company by '˜mutual consent'.
MK Dons boss Karl Robinson watches his team lose 3-0 to Southend (Picture: Jane Russell)MK Dons boss Karl Robinson watches his team lose 3-0 to Southend (Picture: Jane Russell)
MK Dons boss Karl Robinson watches his team lose 3-0 to Southend (Picture: Jane Russell)

Speaking after watching his team lost 3-0 at home to Southend United on Saturday, Robinson said it was the “one of the lowest points not just of my career, but my life”.

The Don had slipped to 19th in Sky Bet League One, just a point above the relegation zone and the defeat was the 13th game in a row at Stadium MK without a win. With the boos of the home crowd ringing in his ears, Robinson cut a despondent figure in his post-match interview.

In a statement released this afternoon, the club said they had parted company.

“Robinson had been in charge of MK Dons since his appointment in May 2010 - at the time he was the Football League’s youngest boss at 29 years old - after separate roles as first-team coach during the Club’s League Two title and the then-Johnstone’s Paint Trophy successes in 2007/08, and as assistant to Paul Ince in 2009/10. 

“He led the club to back-to-back play-off campaigns in his first two seasons in charge before, ultimately, guiding the Dons to their highest-ever position in English football following promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in May 2015.

“During his tenure, he totalled 147 wins in 345 games while also playing an important role in producing a number of prestigious talents including Dele Alli and Brendan Galloway, as well as developing the likes of Benik Afobe, Will Grigg and Patrick Bamford. 

“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,” the statement said.

Head of coaching Richie Barker will take temporary charge of the team while the club searches for Karl’s successor, the statement added.