Milton Keynes Dons have confirmed the appointment of Paul Warne as their new First Team Head Coach in a major statement of intent by the League Two club.
Warne, 51, arrives at Stadium MK boasting an impressive CV which includes four League One promotions and an EFL Trophy title with Rotherham United. His most recent role was with Derby County, where he led the Rams back to the Championship before parting ways earlier this year.
This appointment highlights MK Dons’ desire to re-establish themselves as a force in the EFL, following a difficult period of transition. Warne will be joined by long-time assistant Richie Barker, who returns to the club where he previously served under Karl Robinson from 2014 to 2016.
We’ve got our man! 👏#MKDons are thrilled to announce the appointment of Paul Warne as First Team Head Coach.
Read the news hot off the press 🗞️ https://t.co/5ciLEE9Bl3 #COYD pic.twitter.com/Zq6B5Cy5Aw
— Milton Keynes Dons (@MKDonsFC) April 15, 2025
Warne’s Experience and Vision
Warne’s managerial career began in 2016 at Rotherham, where he quickly developed a reputation for fostering team unity and producing results under pressure. His teams have consistently shown attacking verve combined with steely defensive resolve — traits that align with MK Dons’ ambitions moving forward.
Chairman Fahad Al Ghanim believes Warne was the perfect candidate to lead the club into a new era.
“Paul Warne is a phenomenal football manager and I’m absolutely delighted he’ll be joining us at MK Dons – he was our number one choice.”
Warne will take charge of training immediately, with his first game set to be the Good Friday fixture against Newport County. The club are hopeful that his arrival will provide the fresh impetus needed to mount a serious promotion challenge next season.
During his playing career, Warne featured for Wigan, Oldham, Yeovil and most notably Rotherham, before retiring in 2012. His managerial spell at Derby County brought both highs and lows — with promotion in 2024 followed by a tough Championship return that led to his dismissal in February 2025.
Barker, who has been part of every Warne promotion-winning backroom team, brings familiarity and tactical cohesion. The pair’s relationship is well established, and they will aim to instil a new culture at Stadium MK from day one.
Writer’s View
This could be the defining appointment of MK Dons’ modern era. Warne’s track record of success in League One is unrivalled, and even though the club are currently in League Two, this move signals serious ambition. If Warne is given time and resources, don’t be surprised to see Dons challenging for promotion next season — and maybe beyond.
