An ex-Newcastle, Reading, West Ham, Crystal Palace boss has surprisingly been named the favourite for the AFC Wimbledon job.
The south-west London outfit suffered a fifth consecutive defeat against Cambridge United in League One at the weekend, proving the be the final nail in Mark Robinson‘s stay.
The 56-year-old had been in charge of the club since January 2021 but after a week or so of getting backing form the board, departs who now as they fight for survival in the third tier.
AFC Wimbledon currently sit 21st in and find themselves in real danger of relegation to League Two since promotion back in 2016.
They are set to face playoff contenders Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough this Saturday as both clubs look to finish the campaign with a positive outcome.
Interestingly, Alan Pardew is the current favourite with the bookmakers, with Portsmouth’s Danny Cowley also featuring in the betting, alongside ex-Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson. Ian Holloway is in the frame too.
AFC Wimbledon next manager odds
Alan Pardew – 4/1
Darren Ferguson – 7/1
Neil Harris – 9/1
Luke Garrard – 9/1
Ian Holloway – 12/1
Alex Revell – 12/1
Danny Cowley – 16/1
(Odds courtesy of bookmakers Paddy Power)
Meanwhile, Darius Charles has been put in temporary control of the first team following the departure of Mark Robinson.
STATEMENT
Darius has already begun work to prepare the players for Saturday’s League One game at Sheffield Wednesday.
He will be supported by Rob Tuvey, Ashley Bayes and James Oliver Pearce.
Darius is a familiar face to many of our fans having played a key part in our play-off final triumph at Wembley almost six years ago.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The 34-year-old centre-back made 85 appearances for us in just over two seasons before leaving to help Wycombe to Championship promotion in 2020.
He returned in July last year to provide potential defensive cover but also so his character and presence could help our young players behind the scenes.
“Darius has a big, positive personality, great playing experience and we are extremely grateful that he has agreed to take on this role,” said interim chair Mick Buckley.
“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.”
Darius Charles has taken temporary charge of first-team matters and he has already started working with the squad today in preparation for Saturday’s match at Sheffield Wednesday.#AFCWhttps://t.co/1NLgFPIHZL
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) March 29, 2022
Twitter users reacted at the latest club announcement and that ex-Newcastle, Reading, West Ham, Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is favourite for the AFC Wimbledon job…
@gorfmanrob: What a bizarre decision
@georgewarrenffc: sorry?
@junglemushroom: I actually think I it’s a good decision.
@prtownley: The statement from AFC Wimbledon interim chair Mick Buckley is a shambles. Why wait to put this in a matchday programme? Hopelessly out of touch with modern technology. The club should be issuing updates as soon as available.
@NPage10: This almost feels like a well you lot wanted Robbo sacked so live with that reality decision. I hope Darius ceases the opportunity
@pritj12: A player in charge love it 😂
@NinjatheWomble: Good luck Darius
@JMThought: This is fun. He made a great Assistant Manager in my @FootballManager 21 save with Halifax and then Huddersfield…
@paghamchris: They going to get nobody before end of season. I still think the Emma Hayes story is still open.
@PurpleDon1973: A player in charge? What a bizarre decision!
@andymilton1996: I don’t understand why anyone’s shocked by this? No sense in getting a permanent replacement with only 7 games left and no confirmation on which league we’ll be in next season. As good as it’s going to be, hopefully he can get a reaction.
Darius on Saturday pic.twitter.com/RSbPRjdGsv
— chris. (@ChrisOraa) March 29, 2022
@Charlie9130: Is this an early April fools day joke?
@Chappell1970: Could we be more of a laughing stock? What League one team would put a player in charge…. Embarrassing
@_AGSM5: huh?
@clifty04: Go on Darius!
@nickprowse1: Right behind you @DariusCharles00 let’s see if you can spark some confidence back into the boys.
@WomblesDream: Good luck to Darius. Not going to be easy but he has nothing to lose. When are we putting the job on indeed and asking for CV’s?
@LawrenceTanner1: So it’s confirmed. We had absolutely no plan in place for sacking Robbo. We are a joke.
@repd1975: More importantly, looking to bring in a more experienced manager until the end of the season
@TomLargeReports: Games gone, I like Darius but this isn’t the answer to our problems.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login