MK Dons: Pete Winkelman deserves credit, says Karl Robinson

Karl Robinson (left) has been in charge of MK Dons since 2010

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson hopes chairman Pete Winkelman will one day be able to appreciate his achievements after the "stick" he has had.

Winkelman, who was heavily influential in the controversial move of Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes in 2003, has been granted freedom of the borough.

MK Dons are playing second-tier football for the first time this term.

"I'd like to think he can have one day when he can sit down, relax and take in what he's achieved," said Robinson.

"It's been quite a remarkable journey, filled with criticism, obstacles, joyous occasions, three trophies.

"But more so the stick that he's taken, some say rightly, (but) some say he's proved a point now and everyone should move on."

Winkelman also led the consortium to build the 30,000-capacity Stadium:MK, which will also host three Rugby World Cup games this October.

"What he's done for the city of Milton Keynes is quite remarkable and for him to be honoured is testament to all the hard work, all the sleepless nights and money he's spent," added Robinson.

"He's a great person and I owe most of what I have to him. We're proud of him from the management staff and the players, we're proud of his achievements."