Ben Gladwin wants to change MK Dons‘ fortunes as he takes charge of his first game against Accrington Stanley.
The 32-year-old has been put in temporary charge of the Buckinghamshire club following the League Two side’s decision to sack Scott Lindsey. The former Crawley Town leader became the second managerial casualty at Stadium: MK this season after he succeeded Mike Williamson.
Gladwin Focuses On Morale
The game against Accrington will be the second time Gladwin has taken interim charge of a side this season after he was in temporary charge at Crawley following Lindsey’s departure from Sussex. Speaking to the BBC, the interim boss revealed what his priority was whilst in the hot seat.
“It’s the second time in seven months I’ve ended up doing it. Hopefully I’m a little more prepared this time.
“Just trying to unlock the performances and make the players feel free enough to perform at their best level is definitely the angle I’m going to go at – try to create a really good energy and environment around the place.
“Building squads and putting players together doesn’t always click immediately. It’s our job now to find a solution for the guys, provide them with a feeling of connection and some clarity that when they go on that pitch, they understand how they can hurt the opposition and how they can protect our goal together.”
Lewington’s Future In The Air
Club captain and legend Dean Lewington was not included in the temporary coaching squad following Lindsey’s sacking after being the caretaker for three instances that managers left Milton Keynes. The decision came following The Dons’ loss to Colchester United which saw the end of the 52-year-old’s spell, where he denied there being a rift between the two.
It was reported by the BBC that the defender had previously spent a day with Bristol City, reuniting with former boss Liam Manning.
Writer’s View
Ben Gladwin will get a second chance at being an interim this season and is right to prioritise improving the morale of his side. If he can improve the atmosphere of the players, the new boss, whoever they may be, will have a solid platform to sit upon when they take charge and get what is on paper a promotion-worthy squad back into their best form. However, it does come with a bitter note with Dean Lewington once again on the fringes of the squad. He is a club legend for the Buckinghamshire side and it does feel like this season may be his last at Stadium: MK.
