July 7, 2024

BBC Radio 5 Live - 5 Live Sport

 

Former players from Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and Portsmouth are among the front-runners for a League One position.
One of the early favorites to take over as manager of a League One club is a former Leeds United coach.

Karl Robinson, a former assistant coach for Leeds United, is one of the early favorites to replace Wade Elliott as manager of League One team Cheltenham Town.

Sam Allardyce brought Robinson to Leeds for the final four matches of the previous campaign as the Whites were being demoted from the Premier League.

Cheltenham announced on Wednesday the club had parted company with Elliott with the club winless from their first eight games of the league season. They are bottom of the third-tier table with just one draw from eight matches, losing the other seven.

Karl Robinson interview: Fans say 'We hope your dad dies of cancer'. I  won't take it any more

Robinson is 8/1 with the bookmakers to take over at the club as he awaits his return to work after leaving Leeds alongside Allardyce. Former Nottingham Forest, Cheltenham, Burnley, Portsmouth, Bristol City, Birmingham City and Shrewsbury Town boss Steve Cotterill is the 5/1 outright favourite while former Huddersfield Town and Pompey boss Danny Cowley is joint second favourite alongside Robinson at 8/1. Leam Richardson and Martin Devaney are also priced at 8/1.

Robinson has plenty of experience in League One having guided MK Dons out of the division and managed Oxford United in the third tier between 2018 and 2023.

Karl Robinson interview: Fans say 'We hope your dad dies of cancer'. I  won't take it any more

Robinson reflected on his time at Leeds with the YEP earlier this summer and admits he regrets turning down the chance to manage at Elland Road earlier in his career.

This is a real football club,” Robinson said in an interview with chief football writer Graham Smyth.

Karl Robinson manager of Oxford United smiles before the game Stock Photo -  Alamy

“I made a big mistake saying no to it a long time ago and Sam always had a go at me for turning it down. I had my own reasons. I remember saying to the players this is as real a football club as you’re going to get, we’re only ever passing through the fans’ club. They’re with it from the day they’re born until the day they pass, it’s part of their life and we have a responsibility to let them know we care. The players do care, they really do. It’s important to show that connection with the fans.

Karl Robinson manager of Oxford United smiles before the game Stock Photo -  Alamy

“The modern day Premier League is so disconnected from what you’d class as the yesteryear fans who bought season tickets, went to the pub before the game, supported the team and went home. It’s changed now, it’s become a global enterprise but Leeds United is still in touch with its core beliefs on the most important things and that’s the fanbase.”

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