Karl Robinson has played down reports suggesting he could replace Sam Allardyce at West Bromwich Albion, telling the Oxford Mail that he is still very much under contract at Oxford United.
With the likes of Frank Lampard, Chris Wilder and even John Terry emerging as the frontrunners for the Baggies job, speculation surrounding the future of a 40-year-old Football League tactician has largely flown under the radar.
But, after guiding Oxford into the League One play-offs for the second season in a row, Robinson is certainly deserving of his place on the West Brom shortlist.
The Merseyside-born tactician, who famously became the youngest manager in English football when he was given the MK Dons job at the age of 29 a decade ago, worked with Allardyce at Blackburn Rovers during the very start of his coaching career.
Will Robinson replace his old mentor at the The Hawthorns?
With another three years on his contract, and with Oxford falling short in the play-offs again following Friday’s 6-3 aggregate defeat to Blackpool, there is still a job to do at the Kassam Stadium.
“It’s probably because me and Sam worked together for two years,” Robinson said when asked about those links with West Brom.
“I don’t really have the energy to talk about any other job. I’ve got a long-term contract here.”
It is fair to say, then, that Robinson has given the rumours short shrift.
He is not the only third-tier boss linked with recently-relegated West Brom, however. However, should Lincoln City defeat Blackpool at Wembley, Michael Appleton will be a Championship manager next season anyway, with or without the Baggies (BBC).
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