KARL Robinson has brushed off rumours linking him with managerial vacancies at other clubs.
Oxford United’s head coach remains a bookmakers’ favourite to be the next Queens Park Rangers boss, and was linked with the post at Hibernian earlier this month.
Former Sunderland and Bristol City boss Lee Johnson was eventually appointed manager of the Scottish Premiership outfit, to replace Shaun Maloney, who was sacked after just four months in charge, following the club’s failure to secure a top-six finish.
Robinson has been linked with QPR for the last month, and at one point was joint favourite, as the West London club seek a successor to Mark Warburton.
READ AGAIN: Karl Robinson among bookies’ favourites for QPR manager’s job
Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth is the current frontrunner for the vacancy, after missing out on promotion following the 2-0 defeat to Sunderland in the Sky Bet League One play-off final.
The likes of former AC Milan and Denmark striker Jon Dahl Tomasson, ex-England left back Stuart Pearce and MK Dons head coach Liam Manning are also among the favourites for the QPR job.
Robinson is listed as low at 6/1, by William Hill.
There is no indication Robinson would move, and the U’s boss has repeatedly spoken about his commitment to the club.
He is understood to remain excited by United’s potential on and off the pitch.
Fans will be able to watch #oufc in Marbella next month with the club set to put on open training sessions during their pre-season triphttps://t.co/H37Rs04bDO
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) May 25, 2022
Addressing links with jobs elsewhere, Robinson – who is under contract with the U’s until 2024 – said: “It’s always nice that people talk about you, but I’ve never been motivated by some of the things people think I am.
“I think it’s something you listen to – people will ask questions and speak to me about it consistently.
“That just means you’re doing something right and some people are happy with what you’re doing.”
Robinson said he used to take notice of rumours and suggestions of moving clubs earlier in his coaching career, but reads little into such things now.
“At the beginning, I got carried away a little bit, because it’s almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy or an ego massage,” he said.
“I think the fact I’ve had so many bad moments in seasons brings you back down to earth very quickly.
“You know how quickly football can change, so I don’t get too carried away.
“Unless it’s people I’ve got belief in or ex-professionals who get it miles wrong, that’s the bit I get more frustrated about.”
READ AGAIN: Scottish club target Karl Robinson for manager’s job - reports
Robinson guided United to eighth in League One this term after reaching the play-offs in the previous two seasons.
It is not the first time he has been at short odds to take a job with a higher division club.
The 41-year-old was linked with AFC Bournemouth, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion in early 2021, as he steered United to sixth in League One.
Following speculation over the Birmingham job, Robinson stated his aim to make the U’s a ‘top 30 club in England’ within five years.
Former U’s boss Michael Appleton remains another contender for the QPR job, listed at 12/1 among some bookmakers.
Appleton left Lincoln City at the end of the season, following a difficult campaign, eventually finishing 17th in League One.
The Imps had reached the play-off final in 2021, losing to Blackpool at Wembley.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel