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Karl Robinson leaves MK Dons after more than six years as manager

Karl Robinson's side were beaten at home by Southend on Saturday
Image: Karl Robinson's side were beaten at home by Southend on Saturday

Karl Robinson has left his position as manager of MK Dons, ending a six-year-and-five-month stint in charge.

The 36-year-old 's side were beaten heavily at home by Southend on Saturday, leaving them 19th in League One, and Robinson revealed he would subsequently hold a meeting with chairman Pete Winkelman to discuss his future.

The club confirmed on Sunday that Robinson's spell as the third-longest serving manager in English football was at an end via "mutual consent".

Karl Robinson's MK Dons play host to Port Vale in Sky Bet League One
Image: Dons were beaten by Southend on Saturday - their seventh League One defeat

Sky sources understand that Robinson was promised money to improve his squad following the sale of Dele Alli to Tottenham in January 2015, but in the end those funds were not forthcoming.

It is understood that none of his back-four defenders during Saturday's defeat to Southend were his first choice in the transfer market, and that chairman Winkelman's son being head of recruitment created difficulty.

Despite this, Robinson guided the club to promotion to the Championship in May 2015 and subsequently extended his contract, but they were relegated after just one season in the second tier.

Report: Dons beaten by Southend
Report: Dons beaten by Southend

MK Dons suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Southend, leaving the 19th in League One

And they have endured a difficult start to life back in League One, winning just four and losing seven of their opening 15 games.

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Robinson took over from Paul Ince in May 2010 and won 42.5 per cent of almost 350 matches in charge of the Dons.

In a statement, the club said: "Everyone at MK Dons would like to thank Karl for his immense contribution - he will always remain a respected and significant figure at Stadium MK. 

"Head of coaching Richie Barker will take temporary charge of the team while the Club searches for Karl's successor."

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