Salford City sack manager Karl Robinson after play-off final defeat

Salford City manager Karl Robinson has been sacked by the League Two club after their play-off final defeat.

The move comes nine days after their 3-0 loss to Notts County at Wembley.

Former MK Dons, Charlton and Oxford boss Robinson had been in charge at Moor Lane for just under two and a half years, making him - along with Graham Alexander - the club's joint-longest serving manager in the Football League era.

Salford began last season under a new ownership structure, with only Gary Neville and David Beckham from the 'Class of 92' still investors. Both former England and Manchester United stars were at Wembley for the play-off loss.

"Salford City Football Club can confirm that Karl Robinson will leave his position today as head coach with immediate effect," the club said in a statement.

"This decision has been reached unanimously by the club's board and executive team following a thorough review of the football operation.

"Karl has conducted himself throughout his time at Salford City with professionalism and integrity.

"These decisions are never easy, but we believe this is the right moment to make a change as we look ahead to the next chapter in Salford City's development."

Salford began the campaign with high hopes of promotion, but their chances of an automatic spot were dented by a run of five defeats in six games in January and February.

They missed out on automatic promotion on the final day when they failed to win at third-bottom Crawley.

Robinson apologised to supporters after the Notts County loss, saying his team had "let them down".

The future of Robinson's assistant Alex Bruce and wider coaching team is still to be determined, with Salford confirming their efforts to appoint a replacement "will begin immediately".