Karl Robinson is expected to become the new manager of League One Bromley, with Jermain Defoe as his assistant.

Robinson’s first game in charge is poised to be Saturday’s FA Cup First Round tie at home to Rotherham United, who are managed by his former assistant at Salford City, Alex Bruce.

The 46-year-old former Oxford United and Charlton Athletic manager is also expected to be joined at Bromley by his long-time assistant at Oxford, Craig Short, who will be his No 2. Short’s brother Chris, who also left Oxford in the summer and is a highly-regarded fitness coach, will also be part of the new-look set-up.

Bromley have been looking for a new head coach since the sacking of Andy Woodman, who was dismissed after the recent 4-0 defeat at home to Leicester City.

Woodman was with Bromley since 2021, guiding them from the National League to League One but they have found life hard in the third tier and are bottom of the table.

Robinson’s priority will be to avoid relegation, something he has successfully achieved at other clubs he has joined during the season, including Oxford and Salford.

Robinson left Salford at the end of last season, after missing out on promotion, losing the League Two play-off final to Notts County. His dismissal appeared harsh given he had led Salford to their highest-ever league position, fourth, and were unfortunate not to gain automatic promotion.

Defoe, the former England international, is coming in as part of his backroom staff. He almost signed for Robinson at Oxford, towards the end of his playing career.

Defoe’s first managerial stint was with Woking in the National League, leaving in July after four months and nine games – including six league games. He left by mutual agreement and said it had been an “eye-opening managerial experience”. However he still wants to work in coaching and is expected to team up with Robinson.