Fans thrilled as AFC Wimbledon appoint a new manager

AFC Wimbledon appoint a new manager coming in for the departed Glyn Hodges, with the club in a League One relegation battle.

The Wombles boss Glyn Hodges said sorry to fans after the loss on the 30th of January, leaving them 21st in the League One table, taking 22 points from 25 games played this season.

Since then, they have risen up one place to 20th, taking 25 points from 26 games played and on the same points as Northampton who occupy the last relegation place.

Points have become few and far between for his since the turn of the year but Hodges, who himself was booked in the last game under their previous manager, did admit that their most recent loss was the first time he had seen his players adopt a defeatist attitude.

📣 We are delighted to announce that Mark Robinson has been appointed as AFC Wimbledon’s new Head Coach. Mark first joined us in 2004 and our CEO Joe Palmer explained why he was the best candidate for the job: https://t.co/lquIFiImVY #AFCW @TheDonsTrust pic.twitter.com/OL3rrfxSWe

— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) February 17, 2021

CLUB STATEMENT:

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Robinson as Head Coach with immediate effect.

Mark has been Interim Manager since January 30 and will need no introduction to Wimbledon fans, having been with the club since 2004. He holds a UEFA A coaching licence, and has served the Club as Head of Youth, Centre of Excellence Manager, Academy Manager, Lead Professional Phase Coach and Loan Manager, First Team Coach and, most recently, Interim Manager of the first team.

In his time here he has played a huge part in helping the likes of Will Nightingale, Anthony Hartigan, Paul Osew, Jack Rudoni and Paul Kalambayi progress to our first-team squad.

Commenting on the appointment, AFC Wimbledon CEO, Joe Palmer said: “It’s fair to say that, in his short time as Interim Manager, Mark has made a hugely positive impression on the players and staff. This impact, coupled with his determination and ability to bring about cultural change, gave Mark the edge over the other candidates and we are delighted to give him this chance to show us where he can take us.”

Dons Trust Co-Chair Xavier Wiggins added: “The process of recruiting our new manager was very thorough. We drew up a shortlist of potential candidates before inviting several to interview. The interview panel itself was made up of representatives from the FCB, internal and external football specialists and me – I was there to represent our members.

“It is huge credit to Mark that he was chosen from a strong shortlist of candidates, all of whom the interview panel would have every confidence in.”

Mark said: “Everyone knows how I feel about AFC Wimbledon and I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity at the club that is the greatest story in football; a club with a great heritage and the best supporters in the country.

“There is undoubtedly a lot of hard work to be done but when you look at the quality in the squad and the academy, alongside the good people we have in place in and around the club, if we can all pull together it makes me genuinely excited about what we can achieve.”

Everyone at AFC Wimbledon wishes Mark all the best in his new role.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Fans gave their reaction as AFC Wimbledon appoint a new manager, see what they said below…

@ColinMayo9: Great news, the right choice, glad it wasn’t some of the other candidates that were considered. Congrats Robbo lead us back to mid table obscurity! In Robbo we trust.

@afcgrandad: Very happy – hope he keeps us up

@StephenJAdams: great news and deffo what I wanted. Sure he will be a massive success.

@marcsm08: Perfect choice someone who knows the club inside and out and can propally put across what it means

@GazFletchAFCW: Great news

@daysofspeed: Homegrown. Time for a new dynasty. #COYD

@BernieBaldwin: And given his contribution so far, perhaps that will be with more of ‘our own’ on the field, too.

@Archiewillett88: Get in

@steverbale: This is a great opportunity to continue building up our home developed talent (which has become more critical in a post-COVID world) and hopefully provide a much needed medium term approach to growing the club. Best of luck Mark, go for it.

@jertzeedon: Great news. He understands what the club is about. He understands the fans. He will need time but believe he’s the right man. Please don’t judge him on our final position this season.

@CaptainKramer: Excellent news.

@SteveWa49877409: Massive congratulations. Great to see a man at the helm who has the club in his blood.

@Gazjor1: After some wild, but sometimes welcome candidates that at least caused debate, this is the right decision. MR has worked tirelessly and deserves a shot. Let’s all get behind him and hope this can be a long term appointment #AFCW

@mattlowndes: Let the long overdue overhaul begin. He will give us a playing identity, a culture and progressive ideas. I’m delighted.

@ChrisThorpe_: Intrigued to see how Robbo gets on in the top job. Wish him all the luck in the world and let’s hope for a bright finish to the season

@WomblesDream: Great news. Well done Mark. The hard work starts now.

@hackneyhaz: This is really good news. Robbo absolutely *gets* the club, on and off the pitch, and that is so important. The very best of luck to him.

@nickprowse1: 100% the right decision. Let’s all get behind Robbo

@McGrathKeith: Over the moon is an understatement! Delighted to see this man in charge of the club he loves and has helped put back on the map! All the best to Robbo and @AFCWimbledon