MK Dons have sacked manager Paul Tisdale following their 3-1 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers. A Rushian Hepburn-Murphy hat-trick for the visitors sank the Dons, with AFC Wimbledon’s stoppage-time equaliser at home to Lincoln City putting Tisdale’s side into the relegation zone.
Paul Tisdale Sacked by MK Dons
Where to Start?
There were many good things about the way Tisdale approached the start of the season. Despite losing Chuks Aneke, he managed to bag Rhys Healey on a permanent deal from Cardiff City, and it was the former loanee who got the Dons’ season off to a flyer with a last-minute winner against Shrewsbury Town.
Further wins in the opening month against Lincoln City and Blackpool actually had the Dons in mid-table and looking set for a fairly comfortable season. They had also uncovered two young gems in Sam Nombe and David Kasumu, who were putting in performances well worthy of the League One standard they were playing at.
However, injuries to Healey, Nombe and Kieran Agard left the Dons short up front, with Jordan Bowery the only experienced option. Ben Reeves, the most creative outlet going forward, was also out after a training injury, and the rot set in.
The goal against Tranmere, scored by Reeves on his first start since returning, was the Dons’ first in well over a month, but their winless run has been going on for much longer and calls for Paul Tisdale to go started many weeks ago.
The Right Decision
Despite how dire the start to this season has been, fans shouldn’t forget what Tisdale did for the club last season. He got them out of League Two at the first attempt, albeit on the final day when really they were in a position to challenge Lincoln for the title for much of the season.
It was a promotion all the same, and he was well-backed in the transfer market in the summer, bringing in Healey, Hiram Boateng and Brennan Dickenson, as well as securing the return of Reeves.
Tactically, though, it seems Tisdale has been out of his depth in League One. It was just his second at the level in his career, having spent one campaign there with Exeter City before being relegated. The lack of experience showed. Poor substitutions, a negative approach and a lack of connection with the fans all contributed to his downfall at the club.
What Was Said
In a statement on the club’s website, MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman: “I’d like to place on record my appreciation of what Paul was able to achieve for us, winning promotion from Sky Bet League Two at the first attempt and leaving us in a better position than when he found it.”
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