MK Dons defender Russell Martin has been appointed as the club’s new manager. The moves comes after the Dons parted company with Paul Tisdale last night following their 3-1 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers.
MK Dons Appoint Russell Martin as Manager
From Player to Boss
Martin joined the Dons in January 2019 on a free transfer and was an integral part of the club’s promotion from League Two in the 2018/19 season. He then continued his excellent form into the start of this campaign, even scoring in the 3-0 win over Blackpool, before injury saw him lose his place in the side.
The former Norwich City captain is currently undertaking his UEFA Pro License and League Managers’ Association Diploma in Football Management and will take immediate charge in his new role. The first game of his tenure will be the FA Cup first round fixture at home to Port Vale next Saturday.
What Was Said
Speaking to mkdons.com, Russell Martin said: “I’m excited and proud to have been given this opportunity to become manager of MK Dons. Football management is something that I’ve been preparing for, for a long time and this is an opportunity I’m ready to take on.”
Club chairman Pete Winkelman added: “Ever since Russell joined the Club, we recognised his potential to one day become a manager.
“It’s certainly happening faster than we expected but I’m excited to give Russell the chance and show us all what we can do.”
Same Mistake?
The last time MK Dons made an internal appointment like this was when Dan Micciche took over from Robbie Neilson in the relegation season. Aside from a good spell which saw them unbeaten in four games, Micciche’s lack of experience as a manager of a senior set-up was glaringly obvious.
While Martin is studying to gain the credentials, there’s a strong argument to suggest that the Dons needed somebody more experienced to get them out of their current predicament. Whether those were available to the club, particularly financially, is unknown, but the appointment of Russell Martin is an enormous risk.
