Chelsea Under-21s head coach Mark Robinson has left his position with the West Londoners to take charge of an EFL club.
Chelsea Under-21s head coach Mark Robinson has left his position to take charge of Burton Albion.
At a time when Chelsea are acquiring a wide array of younger players, Robinson has been responsible for leading and developing the main team of the academy setup.
In his first season, he delivered a third-placed finish in Premier League 2, before Chelsea were agonisingly eliminated at the semi-finals of the playoffs this time around with one of the more youthful teams in the division.
However, rather than continue to work within the newly-formed setup under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground, Robinson has taken the decision to return to work in the EFL.
The 57-year-old has previously held a role as AFC Wimbledon boss, winning 17 and losing 28 of his 68 matches in charge before leaving shortly after their relegation to League Two in May 2022.
Nevertheless, the Brewers – who ply their trade in League One – have been left suitably impressed with the job that Robinson has conducted at a Premier League club.
Who are Nordic Football Group and why have they bought Burton Albion?
The group’s founder Tom Davidson explains. #Brewers pic.twitter.com/Q2G69yf2jQ
— Dan Salisbury-Jones (@dsj_itv) June 4, 2024
The decision ties in with Burton having been taken over by Nordic Football Group, with long-term owner and chairman Ben Robinson selling his stake in the club.
What has Robinson had to say?
Speaking to the club’s official website, Robinson said: “I’m extremely proud to have been given this opportunity at Burton Albion. When the new owners outlined their plans and intentions for the future and meeting Ben Robinson, it really excited me in terms of what we can achieve together here.
“The owners have been clear with what they expect; we want to build a team that connects with the fans, and style of play will be important to that. I want to create a team that is enjoyable to watch, aggressive, and energetic, one that the fans and town feel they can really get behind and be proud to represent them.
“We want to combine the team’s success with the development of young players, something that I have been committed to throughout the last two decades as a coach. The owners and I are aligned in our belief that this approach will be key to the club’s long-term success while maintaining our primary focus on winning football games.”
What now for Burton?
Burton may have only avoided relegation to League Two by two points – and by winning two of their final four matches – but the takeover and arrival of a reputable head coach represents an ambitious new era.
Given the Scandinavian background, it would come as no surprise if a number of players from that part of the world now make their way to Staffordshire.
Furthermore, Chelsea have an array of young talent in their academy system who could now plausibly make the switch to the Pirelli Stadium for 2024-25.
Chelsea will be eager to see some of their prospects gain regular experience in the EFL and will trust Robinson to use them appropriately.