Karl Robinson has been backed to win promotion with Charlton - by his first ever assistant manager at MK Dons.

Former England no2 John Gorman became Robinson’s right-hand man when the then-29-year-old was appointed Dons boss in 2010.

The pair worked together for two seasons, finishing in a League One play-off spot in successive campaigns, before Gorman retired due to health problems.

Robinson, who joined Charlton after being sacked by the Dons last October, takes on his old club tomorrow with the Addicks unbeaten in seven league games. 

And in pre-season, the Valley chief told Gorman that Charlton would get promoted.

Gorman, 68, always knew Robinson would make it as a Football League boss.

He told News Shopper: “Karl and I had a great relationship. I was a bit harsh on him because I was older and tried to act like I knew more. But he took it well.

News Shopper:

Karl Robinson | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography 

“He was a good young manager starting off and learning the ropes. But you knew he was going to be able to stand on his own two feet.

“He did a terrific job at MK Dons and got them to the Championship - and with the way it’s looking, Charlton could be the next club he gets promoted.

“He took on the Charlton job when the team weren't doing too well and he’s got them back into the swing of things. I’m really, really pleased for him.

“It didn't surprise me when he went there because it’s a big club - Charlton are a definite Championship team. They went through some bad times but it seems like there’s a structure back in place.

“You’d certainly fancy Charlton to bounce back up again. Karl won’t thank me for saying this but he told me in pre-season ‘this Charlton team will get promoted’ - it shows you how confident he is in his own ability.”

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In his first full season in charge, Robinson has transformed Charlton into serious promotion contenders.

The Addicks are third in League One with two games in hand, while MK Dons hover in mid-table.

Tomorrow will be the fifth time Robinson faces the Dons since his departure.

Gorman, who was England’s assistant manager at the 1998 World Cup, added: “Karl loved that club - they gave him his chance. They were made for him. I thought it was going to be a stepping stone but he was determined.

News Shopper: Milton Keynes Dons manager Karl Robinson

Karl Robinson during his MK Dons days 

“He was always his own man. He has a strong personality and it’s shining through. He could've taken jobs [at bigger clubs] but the MK Dons chairman loved him. He had a great understanding with him.

“It looked like he was going to stay there forever. MK Dons made a decision [to sack him], Karl deserved to be at a big club and maybe Charlton are that big club.

“We still stay in touch. In fact, we've been texting this week. I messaged him after a win this season saying ‘you’re flying, keep it up, well done’.

“He came straight back to me, not talking about the football, just asking how my partner was and about my health.

“We’ll continue to keep in touch.”