3 managers MK Dons must consider as Mike Williamson departs for League Two rivals
Today at 06:33 AM
MK Dons have seen the departure of Mike Williamson confirmed, with Carlisle United swooping to take him to Cumbria.
MK Dons hired Williamson from Gateshead in October 2023, bringing him in as the permanent replacement for Graham Alexander after a poor start to the season.
The 40-year-old led the Dons back up the League Two table and all the way to the play-offs, though they had a great chance to finish in the automatic spots. The campaign would end in thoroughly disappointing fashion as Williamson’s side were dismantled by Crawley Town in the play-off semi-finals.
The embarrassment of how things ended seems to have bled into this year with MK enduring some tough form. There have been some calls for Williamson to go, but he has now moved to take on a new challenge.
Carlisle United have brought him in from MK Dons, replacing the departed Paul Simpson.
It now leaves MK in need of a new boss. Here, we put forward three coaches who will be worth considering…
Pete Wild
40-year-old Wild has been out of work since leaving Barrow at the end of last season and while perhaps not the attractive, ambitious option fans are hoping for, the boss has deserved a chance like this and could really deliver.
He’s had tough jobs with little financial backing at Oldham Athletic, Halifax Town and Barrow but that would change at MK Dons. He’d be taking on a club with a more sizeable budget, a strong structure and higher expectations.
It would be interesting to see how he’d fare with such an opportunity but after punching above his weight in his managerial career to date, Wild could be one to keep in mind.
Andy Mangan
Unlike the other two bosses put forward, Mangan is currently in a role as assistant manager of Stockport County. He’s yet to earn a permanent managerial role but recent matters could see his stock rise.
Mangan, 38, was lined up for a huge coaching role with Real Madrid, only to be denied a work permit. A move to MK Dons would make for quite the difference, but a first chance at being the lead man in the dugout could be attractive.
He impressed as caretaker boss at Bristol Rovers and Real’s interest shows the tactical acumen he possesses.
Brian Barry-Murphy
Last but not least, Brian Barry-Murphy is a highly attractive option that must be on the MK Dons radar.
He had a Rochdale built on a minimal budget playing some fantastic stuff before learning his craft further as the U21s boss at Manchester City. Such an experience should have him well-equipped for a new challenge as the lead man once again.
He’s definitely capable of managing higher than League Two, which is exactly why the Dons should go for him. An ambitious target, but one definitely work looking into.
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