CHELSEA U21 boss Mark Robinson has left his role as the club’s youth coach to take charge of Burton Albion.
The 57-year-old, who is a lifelong Blues fan, leaves Cobham after two years in charge of the U21 squad.
A statement released by Chelsea read: “Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Robbo for his work throughout his time at the club and we wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter in his coaching career.”
Robinson arrived at Chelsea in 2022 after spending 18 years on the coaching staff at AFC Wimbledon beforehand.
During his time with Wimbledon he even had one-year spell as the boss of the Dons – getting sacked with the club bottom of League One.
He now restarts his managerial career with Burton Albion, who narrowly avoided relegation from League One last season – finishing in 20th spot.
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Speaking about his appointment to the official Burton website, he 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 [chairman], 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.
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“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.
“I’m looking forward to getting started now and getting to know everyone throughout the football club, the fans, and the wider Burton community.”
Robinson has been lauded for his work at youth level with his time at Wimbledon seeing the club’s academy transformed into one of the most successful Category 3 academies in the country.
While at Chelsea he guided the Blues’ U21 side to two consecutive top four finished in the Premier League 2.
He has helped to nurture talent including Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson and Alfie Gilchrist.
It’s the second major change at Stamford Bridge this week after Chelsea announced the arrival of new boss Enzo Maresca yeaterday.
The former Leicester City manager has penned a five-year deal with the club, replacing Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout in west London.
Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
ENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
