Robbie Neilson leaves MK Dons by mutual consent

MK Dons are on the hunt for a new manager following the departure of boss Robbie Neilson who left the club by mutual consent on Saturday night.

Neilson's exit was confirmed shortly after the League One side lost to relegation rivals Northampton, a defeat which dropped the club into the relegation zone for the first time this season.

In a statement MK Dons said:

The decision was made this evening (Saturday) following a meeting between the Chairman and Neilson.

Assistant Manager Stevie Crawford and First-Team Coach Neil MacFarlane will also depart the Club.

Robbie, Stevie and Neil have all been totally dedicated to MK Dons, working tirelessly throughout their 13 months at Stadium MK. We thank them and everyone at the Football Club wishes them every success in the future.

Neilson was appointed manager back in December 2016 - replacing the long-serving Karl Robinson - after MK Dons agreed terms with Scottish side Hearts. He went on to successfully steer his new side out of the dreaded drop zone to a respectable 12th place finish.

The Dons didn't enjoy the best of starts to the current campaign, but a bright September moved Neilson's men within touching distance of the play-offs. However, they've since suffered an alarming slump, registering only two wins from their last 17 league games.

A run of form which cost Neilson his job.

The club have made no decision on who they will appoint as their new manager, but the likes of Mark Warburton, Simon Grayson, and Gary Megson have emerged as early contenders in the Next MK Dons Manager Market.

After a defeat to Northampton Town, MK Dons have parted company with manage Robbie Neilson. pic.twitter.com/OWgfq6gxCt

— The Sack Race (@thesackrace) January 20, 2018