Dan Kemp has said he will not decide on his future until the season is over, according to a report in the MK Citizen.
The 25-year-old’s contract is due to expire in the summer, meaning he is free to leave Stadium MK for nothing.
Kemp’s form this season, particularly during his loan spell at Swindon Town, is unlikely to see him short of interest.
Since joining MK from Leyton Orient during the 2021-22 season, the bulk of Kemp’s football has come out on loan. Before his loan at Swindon, the former West Ham United youngster managed nine goals in 16 games last season for Hartlepool United
While with the Robins, the attack-minded midfielder managed 14 goals in 25 League Two appearances and is one of the top-performing goal scorers in the division, outperforming his xG.
Since returning to Milton Keynes, he has been unable to replicate that fine scoring form but insists that is due to having better players around him.
“I’ve had a lot of success at the end of last season and the start of this season, and I’ve come back in more of a role where all of the pressure isn’t on me to score and assist,” he said.
Despite his contractual uncertainty, Kemp insists he is fully focused on the team and their target of promotion.
He said, “At present, I’m focused on finishing as best we can, and ultimately achieving our goal of getting promoted. That’s all I’m looking at, it’s all I’ve looked at all season. I’m just looking at where I am now, what am I doing, when’s the next game? That’s all I put my energy into.”
Writer’s View
Whilst not mathematically impossible, the fact MK Dons have played two more matches than those above them would suggest a playoff place is the best they can hope for in their quest for promotion.
Mike Williamson would have been hoping Kemp could continue the fine form in front of goal he showed at the County Ground. Unfortunately, his three goals and a solitary assist since returning have fallen below expectations.
It will be interesting to see how the club and player approach this situation. If promotion is secured, could we see Kemp remaining in League Two with a different employer? Should Williamson’s men miss out on their goal, perhaps Kemp is the sort of player they will look to to fire a promotion push next season.
