Steven Gerrard to Dons talks were 'never that serious'

While it took nearly six weeks to replace Robinson, who spent six-and-a-half years at Stadium MK, many names were linked with the job before Hearts boss Robbie Neilson agreed to take over at the helm.

While experienced Steve Cotterill was heavily linked, the biggest name was undoubtedly Steven Gerrard.

The former Liverpool midfielder called time on his playing career after leaving LA Galaxy last month, and even held talks with Winkelman to discuss potentially taking over from Robinson.

The chairman though said the talks were never more than preliminary, and came at the wrong time for Gerrard.

"It was the most difficult time we've had in recent memory," said Winkelman. "It was an absolute thrill to meet Stevie G - he's a superstar and a top footballer. And to have a piece of that, and to talk to people of that calibre was a thrill.

"But it was never that serious, though you have to go through those investigations when they're there. But it didn't work for him. He considered it, so it showed I'm doing something right with my club.

"It has been a really horrible year, and meetings like that can breathe new life into it."