Karl Robinson

If it is possible to only concentrate on the football for a moment, and to accept that managers tend to be under resourced and undermined at Charlton, then this may well be a good appointment.

I have written before that when I have seen MKD play, their brand of football has been easy on the eye. However I have learned in the two epic Nugent matches how quickly it is possible to make some positive changes football wise. In that spirit I hope that Karl Robinson is able to effect improvement straight away, and then sustain increased improvement.

From his CV, clinging on to a life in the game limpet wise as he played for virtually every non league team in the north west, it suggests to me a man who is really into football, and would always be up for a game, and be up for life in the game.

Karl Robinson may not have been involved in the game at the highest level, but I do believe he is immersed in football if you get my meaning. I see this as a good thing.

I also get the impression which goes against the 'arrogance' tag, that he his thirsty for knowledge and experience, and will take on board anything that will help to give him an edge, he is open to ideas and does not come across as a man who knows everything to me. Karl's public persona is a bit provocative at times, which he may think is a necessary part of the job.

In order to endear himself with fans this is my advice.

Win matches first and foremost and all the time.

Keep your pronouncement to the football, if you have to mention fans then praise them, but beware of being patronising if you do because we will see through it, I would advise Karl to use the phrase 'we hope for' rather than 'we demand' in relation to the fans.

Always acknowledge the fans, especially away, even if they are critical. I remember Andy Hughes being the last off at Sheffield United in that awful cup game, continually clapping our support as they miserably drifted away, took some doing, but it was the measure of the man, and Karl and his players could learn something from things like that.

A bond will come with fans over time, a shared memory of a good match, new experiences will forge a relationship. Whilst that is happening try behind the scenes to get to know the club in some depth. Not as Slade would have put it 'a business', but in terms of the clubs culture and history. Internalise as much of that as you can, and even though we may not be Liverpool or Everton (I assume he supports one of them) don't sneer at what we have been by comparison, but be glad and respectful of our past. Do a bit of learning, have lengthy boot room chats, with cups of tea and sandwiches with Keith Peacock would be a very good idea.

Like AFKA I have always thought that Karl Robinson is a promising young manager. My hope is that despite this appalling regime we have a man steeped in football who will make that side of the club work, I would hate it if he turns out to be a player farm enthusiast.

The club would do well now to keep Nugent on and to bin COL, but that ain't going to happen sadly.

Anyway good luck Karl, I will watch your footballing progress with more interest than I did with dear old Slade.