05 January 2024 , 16:05
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Gary Neville could potentially have some explaining to do with Karl Robinson following his appointment at Salford City.
The ex-MK Dons, Charlton and Oxford United boss was announced as the new manager of the League Two side on Friday as he replaces Neil Wood at the helm. Robinson is the seventh manager to take the reins since Neville and his fellow ‘Class of 92’ members purchased the club in March 2014.
It is Robinson’s first job back in football since a short spell as Leeds assistant manager under Sam Allardyce last season. He was taken to Elland Road by the former England boss but Neville was never a fan of the decision
He claimed that the change in manager was a last-ditch attempt to keep the club in the Premier League. Speaking at the time, he said: "I couldn't believe it at first. The desperation we're seeing now...
"I'm a club owner, I've sacked managers but the desperation we've seen this season in the Premier League mainly due to the fact clubs are so worried about losing that income, going down… we're seeing some of the maddest football decisions we've ever seen. And it's crazy.
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"It's getting more desperate. I think it's due to [the fact owners] commit when they're in the Premier League, they want to be in the Premier League, they've worked hard to get there but then the desperation to stay there is off the scale for some clubs."
Karl Robinson has been appointed Salford boss after a short spell at Leeds (Getty Images)Has the 'Class of 92's' ownership of Salford City been a success or a failure? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Neville’s doubt over the pair appears to have been well-founded. Allardyce did not win any of his four games in charge as Leeds slipped into the Championship before he left by mutual consent.
Robinson though will now be aiming to prove his abilities at Salford. Explaining why he is the best fit for the job, Salford CEO and former Manchester United star Nicky Butt said: “Throughout the interview and appointment process he impressed us with his wealth of knowledge and ability.
“Salford City’s ambition is to play as high up in the Football League as possible so when we entered the recruitment process we felt it was important for us to appoint someone with experience of managing at a higher level, and Karl’s long-term vision for the club, drive and determination excited us.”
Robinson’s first task will be to get Salford moving up the League Two table. The side sit 21st after winning just six out of their opening 25 league games.
They have a great chance to get another victory on the board in Robinson’s first game in charge against bottom-of-the-table Forest Green.