Milton Keynes Dons’ head coach Mike Williamson has confirmed that Jack Payne will remain with the club going into the second half of the season but has remained silent on Dan Kemp’s future.
Payne joined the Dons on loan from Charlton Athletic in the summer and has excelled in his short stint in Buckinghamshire, providing four goals and four assists in 20 games.
His loan deal does not include a recall clause, meaning the Addicks would be unable to summon him back if they wanted to.
Kemp was sent out to fellow League Two outfit Swindon Town, where he has become a key member of the Robins’ frontline this season.
The number 10 has consistently delivered for Michael Flynn’s side, scoring 13 goals and assisting eight times in just 24 league games.
The 24-year-old scored both goals as the Wiltshire team beat Forest Green Rovers 2-1 on Friday night to secure their first win in a month.
With the January transfer window opening on Monday, the window offers Williamson an extra option for his attack going into the new year.
Speaking to the MK Citizen, Williamson refused to comment on speculation around Kemp’s future, saying:
“Jack is here for the season, so there’s no question about him. We’re looking at a number of things. January will be huge for us, and we’re working really hard.
“Nothing is off the table for us, we want to make sure the business we do will impact the starting 11 and make sure we’re stronger because of it.”
Writer’s View
Mike Williamson remaining quiet on Dan Kemp’s future is certainly interesting. His electric spells at Hartlepool and now at Swindon surely must have demonstrated his undoubted ability to perform in this division. Being able to add one of League Two’s top scorers to his MK Dons squad must be a no-brainer. For a team already in a very strong position going into January, bringing Kemp back will make them a strong contender for an automatic place this season.
But should Kemp depart the County Ground, then Swindon will be in a real tough spot. Having their two best players in him and Jake Young, on loan from Bradford City, both possibly leaving within the next month could be a season-defining issue for a team already on the edge. It will be an unenviable position for Michael Flynn to have to replace two players who have provided nearly 30 league goals. Williamson’s silence must be music to the Welsh manager’s ears that he may be able to keep at least one of his stars this window.
