Milton Keynes Dons FC

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• Founded:1889
• Manager:Karl Robinson

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Dons pledge to find right man

01 Jul 2009 - 14:46:45

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Chairman Pete Winkelman is confident of unearthing another managerial gem after allowing Roberto Di Matteo to join West Bromwich Albion.

Winkelman took a chance on the unproven Italian 12 months ago when Paul Ince left stadium:mk to join Blackburn Rovers and Di Matteo came close to guiding the Dons to promotion to the Championship in his first season.

But despite the blow of losing another talented young manager, Winkelman has vowed to find a suitable replacement.

Ince, who led the club to promotion from League Two and Johnstone's Paint Trophy success during the 2007-08 season, has already been installed as a strong favourite to fill the vacancy.

"Robby's departure is not what we planned or expected, but West Brom are a massive club with a fantastic chance of winning promotion to the Premier League and I couldn't deny him that opportunity," Winkelman told the club's official website.

"Am I frustrated with the timing? Of course I am. Did we want to lose Robby? Absolutely not. But part of me is also very proud that he is going to make this step towards top level management with what is effectively a Premier League club. I wish him every success in the world.

"Unfortunately it's the risk you take when you employ hungry, ambitious young people, but I actually find it incredibly flattering that our club continues to be a breeding ground for some of the best up-and-coming managers in the country.

"It's the single most important appointment you can make at a Football Club and we're excited by the challenge."