AFC Wimbledon confirm departure of head coach Mark Robinson
AFC Wimbledon have announced the departure of head coach Mark Robinson.
The Dons’ winless run was extended to 21 matches as they lost 1-0 at home to Cambridge United on Saturday.
“Head coach Mark Robinson has today parted company with AFC Wimbledon by mutual consent,” said the League One club in a statement on their official website.
“The club would like to place on record its gratitude to Mark for all his hard work, loyalty and commitment whilst in this role.
“There will be no further statement for the time being.”
Wimbledon had effectively given Robinson a vote of confidence last Wednesday, issuing a statement which said “we would like to place on record our belief that changing the head coach brings no guarantee of success and could carry higher risks than working to turn our on-pitch fortunes around alongside someone who has earned the respect of everyone at the club over the last 18 years.
“The board has challenged itself as to whether more could have been done to support Mark and his team and has concluded that is the case.”
The Dons have seven matches to play and dropped into the relegation zone last week due to Gillingham’s upturn in form since appointing Neil Harris. They are only a point behind Fleetwood Town, who occupy the final safe spot in the division, but have played a match more.
Wimbledon head to in-form Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and then host Charlton at Plough Lane a week Tuesday.
Robinson did not sound like a man seeking an exit after the Cambridge reverse.
Speaking on Saturday, he said: “If I felt that I lost the players, of course, I would offer to resign. But I have never quit anything in my life, and I have never failed anything in my life long term.
“That’s the board’s decision. We have had lots of conversations – they have come down to the training ground, and they can see the players.
“There is a reason why a manager’s lifespan lasts 16 months on average across the board, that’s because football is a knee-jerk industry and people get sacked and don’t get a chance to build things.
“I know long-term that I can build it, but that’s a club thing. I don’t doubt myself. I’m sure if the club had a queue of people ready to take the job over, I’m sure they would come and tell me.”
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