EFL and MK Dons veteran Dean Lewington has admitted he is “open” to the idea of becoming the next permanent manager at the club following Mike Williamson’s departure.
The former Gateshead boss left the club yesterday for Carlisle United, with the Cumbrian side reportedly paying a £200,000 fee for the under-pressure 40-year-old. The vacancy has now given the Milton Keynes captain his third stint on the touchline for the club.
Lewington, the record appearance holder in the Football League, has previously taken interim duties in Buckinghamshire following the departures of Russell Martin to Swansea City and Liam Manning after his sacking in 2022. He will lead the club for the fourth time in the dugout against Doncaster Rovers this weekend.
He has ruled himself out of playing when the Yorkshire side visit during the pre-match press conference, adding: “I’m completely out of it – to be fair I’ve got about 40 players to pick from! It would be strange to pick myself, but I’ll just be on the sidelines tomorrow.”
The defender has only made three appearances this campaign, last playing in the loss to Colchester United in mid-August. He has totalled 697 features for The Dons since 2008, but over the past two seasons has seen him play less often.
Rumours have already been circulating around who will be next to take the hot seat at Stadium MK, with Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsey coy surrounding being linked with the job. Lewington did discuss if he would take the opportunity full time, saying (Quotes via MK Citizen): “I’m not sure yet – we’ll see.
“It’s come out of the blue, so I’ve not thought too far ahead. I’ve been doing this, preparing for the game and worrying about that further down the line.
“I think if there is a conversation to be had, I’ll have it. It’s down to Liam [Sweeting, Sporting Director] to sift through the candidates and see what direction the club want to go down – what style of manager they want and what they want to do.
“I’m open to it but I’ll leave it to the process to take care of it.
“This is a hugely talented squad. Whoever takes it over has a good base, a fantastic club with a fantastic stadium, new owners, it’s all positive.”
A move to the full-time job would see the 40-year-old mirror Russell Martin’s path into management, having taken the job less than a year from his move from Walsall to Buckinghamshire. The Scottish manager went on to have play-off final success with Southampton last season, beating Leeds United.
Writer’s View
It is always risky business taking over a club you are considered to be a legend at. Whilst for some, such as Alan Shearer’s brief spell at Newcastle United, it does not dent their legacy, others have had their image tainted by their management. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the man who brought Manchester United their third Champions League title upon other successes, but his time in charge at Old Trafford may stain that legacy for some Red Devils fans.
Dean Lewington is the biggest legend that MK Dons has had in their history. He has prepared for some time now to take up a coaching role but this job may come too soon for him. His best bet is to become an established coach at the club and when the next opportunity arises, take that chance to lead the only club he has ever known into its future.
