EFL side sack manager one week after play-off final heartbreak

Salford City have sacked Karl Robinson just one week after they failed to achieve promotion to League One.

The Ammies beat Grimsby Town in the semi-finals, but lost 3-0 to Notts County in the League Two play-off final on May 25.

Getty

Robinson joined Salford in January 2024 as their replacement for Neil Wood, but has now been dismissed from his role.

A statement on Tuesday night read: “Salford City Football Club can confirm that Karl Robinson will leave his position today as Head Coach with immediate effect.

“This decision has been reached unanimously by the Club’s Board and Executive team following a thorough review of the football operation.

“Karl has conducted himself throughout his time at Salford City with professionalism and integrity.

“He has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Club and has been fully dedicated to helping us achieve our ambitions, both on and off the pitch.

“These decisions are never easy, but we believe this is the right moment to make a change as we look ahead to the next chapter in Salford City’s development.

“On behalf of everyone connected with the Club, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Karl and his staff for their hard work and dedication. We wish Karl every success in the future.

“The process of appointing a new Head Coach will begin immediately, and we will provide a further update to supporters in due course.”

Salford stagnation

Salford, who have Manchester United legends Gary Neville and David Beckham as investors, are set for another season in League Two.

They were promoted from the National League in 2019 thanks to the investment from United’s ‘Class of 92’.

Getty

Salford have steered clear of relegation to the fifth tier ever since, with their 20th-place finish in the 2023/24 season the only outlier.

However, their play-off final defeat is the closest they have come to finally reaching League One.

They finished fourth in League Two and a point behind Cambridge United, who took the final automatic promotion spot.

Salford were controversially denied a penalty in their 0-0 draw at Crawley Town on the final day.

A 2-1 win at Grimsby in their semi-final first leg set them on course for the final, with Salford winning in extra time in the second leg.

However, they were second-best at Wembley as Notts County won to claim promotion to the third tier.