Brand new MK Dons boss Graham Alexander has opened up about summer transfer plans at Stadium MK, confirming that new faces are imminent, in comments given to the Milton Keynes Citizen.
This comes after the disappointment of relegation for all involved at Milton Keynes, relegated back down to League Two for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign.
Dropping down to League Two saw the dismissal of now ex boss Mark Jackson in the MK dugout, the former Leeds U23’s manager failing in his mission to keep MK in the third tier – exiting his first real taste of management with only six wins from 25 matches in charge.
Now, it’s up to Graham Alexander – who has managed at this level before with the likes of Fleetwood Town – to rejuvenate the Milton Keynes group and mastermind an immediate return back up to League One.
Graham Alexander’s Managerial Career So Far
Graham Alexander, before taking on this new role at Stadium MK, was managing up in his native Scotland with Motherwell – the 51-year-old boss even managing the Scottish side in the Europa Conference League.
He’s more well known to fans of the EFL for his time at Fleetwood Town, successfully securing promotion to League One with the Cod Army during the 2013-14 season via the playoffs.
The season after, he would help cement the Cod Army as a third tier outfit after promotion – managing the Fylde Coast side to an unexpected 10th placed finish.
Alexander has managed at Salford City and Scunthorpe United elsewhere during this managerial career, MK presenting himself with an opportunity to get stuck back in at EFL level.
Everyone involved at Milton Keynes will hope he can conjure up more of his past promotion winning expertise when the forthcoming League Two campaign rolls around again, putting the misery of relegation firmly to one side.
Toxic Atmosphere At MK
After the confirmation of relegation was finally a reality – a stalemate draw away at Burton confirming MK’s fate – it didn’t take long for things to turn ugly directly after this away contest.
Milton Keynes Dons’ chairman Pete Winkelman was faced with some disgruntled MK fans right after the final whistle, MK fans that had seen their side finish 3rd the previous campaign under the popular tenure of Liam Manning.
Winkelman will hope that Alexander’s appointment will get the fanbase back on side, especially after the failed spell of Mark Jackson who lasted a matter of months in the building.
What Has Been Said?
Pete Winkleman even weighed in with his thoughts on the summer transfer plans when speaking with the Milton Keynes Citizen, confirming that new signings are in the offing.
He said: “Hopefully in the next few days we can make our first announcement of additions to the squad.
“Our squad will undoubtedly change. All that needs to happen, but we’ve already made a start and you’ll start to see soon the start of the squad we’re trying to assemble, and those signs will be encouraging and give us confidence that we’re going in the right direction.”
Graham Alexander further commented on the situation at Milton Keynes a few days into the job, the ex Salford boss insistent that MK won’t sell their star assets for the sake of it even if new faces did arrive.
He said: “Everyone outside of Manchester City is a selling club, that’s the reality of it. We’ve got ambitions here, and we’re not looking to sell anybody. I’ll speak to everyone before they get back, but I won’t be talking about possible exit routes.
“We are committed to players, and players are committed to clubs. I think everyone has to take a responsibility for where the club is now.”
Writer’s View
If you’re a Milton Keynes Dons fan, you will be bitterly disappointed with how the past few seasons have played out – one season, you’re looking at a possible promotion to the Championship, the next you’re relegated down to League Two to pick up the pieces.
Graham Alexander and Pete Winkleman have spoken positively about potential recruitment and the situation at the club away from the negativity relegation brings, so it remains to be seen whether this will result in MK bouncing straight back up to the second tier at the first time of asking.
The concern would be how competitive League Two looks next campaign, Milton Keynes might well not be fancied for promotion up against the likes of Stockport, Wrexham and Doncaster.
