Bromley appoint Karl Robinson as new manager on long-term contract

League One’s bottom side Bromley have named former MK Dons and Oxford United boss Karl Robinson as their new manager, sealing a “long‑term contract” after a meticulous recruitment drive.

Robinson, 46, has been out of work since leaving Salford City in June. The club confirmed that he signed a “long‑term contract”, signalling a commitment beyond the immediate crisis.

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"Karl brings an elite level of experience, tactical acumen, and a proven track record of competing at the sharp end of League One,"

Robin Stanton‑Gleaves, chairman, via Bromley FC website

"His relentless energy matches our ambition perfectly, and we are unified in our vision to drive this football club forward into an exciting new era."

Robin Stanton‑Gleaves, chairman, via Bromley FC website

"I led a full recruitment process, which began the day after our previous manager's departure. From the outset, my intention was to find someone who had worked at this level and had the experience and qualities to take Bromley Football Club on the next stage of its journey."

Robin Stanton‑Gleaves, chairman, via Bromley FC website

"It was important to take the time to work through that process thoroughly, and I am delighted that it has brought us to Karl."

Robin Stanton‑Gleaves, chairman, via Bromley FC website

Byron Webster, who stepped into interim charge after Woodman’s sacking, will remain on the staff, providing continuity while Robinson imposes his own methods.

Robinson’s managerial résumé

Robinson spent more than six years at MK Dons, a spell that featured a 4‑0 League Cup triumph over Manchester United in October 2014 and promotion to the Championship seven months later after the Dons finished runners‑up in League One. The team suffered immediate relegation and he was sacked by the Dons in October 2016.

He then managed Charlton Athletic for 16 months, departing by mutual consent in March 2018, before immediately taking over at Oxford United. At the U’s he guided the team to the League One play‑offs on two occasions, although his tenure ended in February 2023.

After a spell as assistant manager at Leeds United, Robinson took over at Salford City in January 2024, and last season led the club to their highest ever finish, of fourth in League Two. However, they lost the play-off final to Notts County and Robinson was surprisingly sacked.

Robinson’s experience spans the full spectrum of English football’s lower tiers, giving him a “proven track record of competing at the sharp end of League One” – a claim echoed by the club’s chairman.

The club’s recent context

The Ravens are three points from the safety line in League One after winning promotion to the third tier for the first time in their history last season.

Woodman, who was dismissed on 22 October, guided the club to two promotions in three seasons but left after two wins in the first 10 games this term.

Robinson's first game in charge will be Saturday's FA Cup first-round meeting with Rotherham United, who are managed by his former number two at Salford, Alex Bruce.

What lies ahead

• Robinson must quickly translate his “elite level of experience” into results that lift Bromley out of the relegation zone.
• The integration of interim boss Webster into the new back‑room staff will test the club’s internal cohesion.
• The FA Cup tie against Rotherham United offers an early litmus test of Robinson’s tactical adjustments.
• With the league season still in its opening phase, the next handful of fixtures will determine whether the “sharp end” of League One remains within reach.

As the Ravens prepare for their first competitive match under Robinson, the club’s next public update is expected after the FA Cup fixture, when the impact of the new coach’s approach can be measured against the looming safety battle.