Darius Charles appointed AFC Wimbledon caretaker manager

Darius Charles has been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs at AFC Wimbledon.

The Dons parted company with head coach Mark Robinson yesterday. The South London club have not won in 21 matches and are in the League One relegation zone.

Charles, 34, rejoined Wimbledon in the summer to act as defensive cover.

He was part of the Dons side which won promotion to League One six years ago.

Rob Tuvey, Ashley Bayes and James Oliver Pearce will support the former Wycombe Wanderers centre-back.

Charles told the club’s website: “I have seen first-hand the fight and spirit within this squad. There are still 21 points to play for and nobody will be throwing in the towel.

“Of course, none of us want to be in this position but we have a job to do and we will give it everything we have – not just for the club and the fans but also for Robbo, who instilled so much belief in these players.”

Interim chairman Mick Buckley added: “Darius has a big, positive personality, great playing experience and we are extremely grateful that he has agreed to take on this role.

“It is our intention to bring in an experienced manager to work with the team for the rest of the season. We are in discussion with some already and we will bring you more news as soon as we possibly can.

“In the meantime, I  can only urge all our fans to get behind Darius, his staff  and the players. We have been in this position before and history proves that when AFC Wimbledon is truly united in the ‘run in’ then anything is possible.

“Finally, I will be issuing a broader update about the club in the Charlton programme next week.”