MK Dons have moved quickly to appoint a new manager, promoting Russell Martin on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Less than 24 hours after dismissing Paul Tisdale and his backroom staff, the Dons have promoted from within. The former Norwich man joined the club as a player in January but has quickly ascended from within to take charge of first-team affairs.
Club chairman Pete Winkelman said; “Ever since Russell joined the Club, we recognised his potential to one day become a manager. He faces an immediate challenge given recent form, but we have great confidence in his ability to turn this season’s fortunes around and head the Club back in the right direction.”
“I’m excited and proud to have been given this opportunity to become manager of MK Dons,” said the 33-year-old, who completed his coaching badges over the summer. “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.”
Martin appeared over 580 times as a player across all four divisions in England as well as featuring north of the border for Glasgow Rangers. He was capped by Scotland, making 29 international appearances. He twice earned promotion to the Premier League as a player with Norwich, also winning League One at Carrow Road.
Despite his stellar playing career, there appears to be some apprehension amongst Milton Keynes fans who seem to feel there may be financial trouble ahead for their club.
https://twitter.com/RwillsMKD/status/1190966673626587136
What did you actually expect though? Sacking Tisdale now always meant a cheap option.
— TheLegionDon (@TheLegionDon1) November 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/0113JB/status/1190962099515727872
https://twitter.com/Jamez_19/status/1190967593601032192
Is this a joke??
— Lewis (@lewllo_) November 3, 2019
Don’t know how to feel about this. Seems like the only viable option right now with finances low from Tisdale’s sacking. He has coaching abilities but I see this only for the long term unless this gamble pays off. In Russell we trust
— jamie 🇰🇼 (@jamie_mkd) November 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/franchiseboy15/status/1190966664713711616
Announce relegation
— Wombling Free (@meresideposh72) November 3, 2019
I am willing to get behind this decision and support Martin, but I reserve judgement based on the quality of the coaching staff to support him. I.E with all due respect this cannot be Lewie and Keith Millen.
— Steve (@stvklly) November 3, 2019
