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Callum Paterson speaks on decision to sign for MK Dons after leaving Sheffield Wednesday

Callum Paterson speaks on decision to sign for MK Dons after leaving Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season.

He says it was due to the ambition and clear vision of the manager Paul Warne, who he met a few weeks prior. MK Dons are also favourites to win League Two.

Paterson was drawn to the manager’s honesty, approachability, and detailed plans for the team’s playing style and promotion goals.

As an experienced, athletic player who thrives on hard work and running, Paterson aims to leverage his Championship and international experience to help MK Dons achieve promotion from League Two to League One.

He’s excited to join the club’s challenge and connect with the fans, hoping to contribute to a successful season.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Milton Keynes Dons are thrilled to have completed the signing of forward Callum Paterson, subject to EFL & FA clearance.

The 30-year-old joins the Dons having recently departed Sheffield Wednesday, where he was a regular in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Scottish international featured 186 times for the Owls over a five-year spell and contributed to 46 goals.

Paterson also helped Wednesday to promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs in 2023, as well as winning several Player of the Month awards during his time at Hillsborough.

Prior to his stint in South Yorkshire, the forward played over 100 games for Cardiff City, contributing to 29 goals across the Premier League and the Championship.

Paterson enjoyed a very successful spell with the Bluebirds, winning promotion to the Premier League as Championship runners-up in 2017-18 alongside fellow summer signing Nathaniel Mendez-Laing. The Scottish striker was also named Cardiff’s Young Player of the Year that season.

Before moving to Wales, the forward made his name at Heart of Midlothian, progressing through the youth sides before making his first-team debut in 2012. Over the course of 162 appearances for the Edinburgh side, Paterson contributed to 60 goals.

While at Tynecastle Park, Paterson played in a variety of positions, including midfield and right-back, winning the Scottish Championship with Hearts in 2014/15, as well as the club’s Young Player of the Year award in the Scottish Premiership during 2016/17.

Callum has also played for Scotland U18s, U19s and U21s, before making his senior debut for Scotland on the 29th May 2016 in a 1–0 friendly defeat to Italy. Between 2016 and 2020, he earned 17 caps for his country.

Paterson joins MK Dons just before the start of what promises to be an extremely exciting 25/26 season!

Paterson said on leaving Sheffield Wednesday: “Troops. Sadly my time at @swfcofficial has come to an end. I’ve loved every second of playing for this massive club and made so many memories that I’ll never forget, especially in the promotion season. 186 times I was privileged enough to wear the badge and It was always an honour to pull on that shirt whenever I got the opportunity.

“I would just like to thank all of the fans for making me feel at home in Sheffield for the last 5 seasons. Thank you to all of the back room staff, the physios, the coaching staff and everyone else in between. You have all been amazing with me and I’ll forever appreciate it.

“I’ve made some amazing friends for life at the club and in the city itself. Sheffield will always hold a special part in my life with my daughter being born here.

“I wish everyone at @swfcofficial all the best for the upcoming season and for the future beyond that. Excited to start a new chapter.

“WAWAW. Pato. 🦉 💙⚽️”

On signing for MK Dons, Callum Paterson said:

“I met the manager a couple of weeks ago, he shared his plans with me, and he had some great ideas, and I wanted to be a part of it!

“He’s got a clear plan and he’s a really approachable guy, it makes the difference when you can speak to the manager and he tells you exactly what he wants.

“I like to get stuck in and put the ball in the back of the net. My game is running and working hard, that’s when you get your rewards, they don’t fall in your lap, you’ve got to go and get them!”

On what Paterson will bring to his side, Head Coach Paul Warne said:

“It’s great news that we’ve convinced Callum to come to the club. I’ve spoken to him numerous times over the summer. He’s a player who’s always been a thorn in my side when I’ve managed teams against him! 

“He’s played in numerous positions and can slot in across the front line. He’s good in the air, works really hard for the team, and he’s a winner, which is what we want at this football club. 

“I think he’s a massive addition to the frontline, both in training and on matchdays. Everyone is thrilled to have him here, and we all look forward to working with him!”

On signing a player of Paterson’s experience to play in League Two, Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said:

“We worked extremely hard to get players through the door earlier this summer, which has provided us with a good platform to work from over the last few weeks. Now, it’s all about adding quality in the right areas as we approach what is always the most chaotic stage of the transfer window.

“In Callum Paterson, we feel we’ve signed exactly the sort of player we were looking to add to the front line. His experience playing at the highest level speaks for itself, but he’s also a fantastic individual who we believe will really add to the culture we’re building here at the club. Throughout his career, he’s consistently affected games, whether that be goal involvements, work rate or providing quality to others – I’m really looking forward to seeing what he does in League Two this season.”

Here’s how fans reacted as Callum Paterson speaks on the decision to sign for MK Dons after leaving Sheffield Wednesday…

@Lizrickett: Brilliant for us, will never forget him going down with cramp then jumping up for a monster tackle against Peterborough. This is a good fit for him and he will enjoy it. I hope he does really well. I really fear Barry will be next 😭 #swfc

@jakerowl1: Hearing the driving factor behind Callum Patterson to MK dons, is they’ve offered to put money in his bank account once a month. #swfc

@Stueycufc: Fair enough MK proper going for it! Great signing for a league two side, he’d get in top league one side.

@DJisatwit: This is mental. A player who could easily start for @swfc next season in the Championship and has gone to Milton Keynes. We’re done. All the best, what a player they have.

@H_Ho11and: My word. What a signing. Anything other than champions is a failure for these.

@TomTB1995: Gutted about Callum Paterson leaving. Again, another one who took away more stick than deserved. Always gave his all. Always willing to play in different roles to help the team. Wish him all the best.

@swfc_noah: Callum Paterson playing League Two football doesn’t sit right with me at all, would have loved him to have another season in the championship, good luck Pato

@mark_l04: Safe to say Warne has his physically dominant number 9 😮‍💨

@______Shiv: Minimum expectation for MK Dons has to be automatic promotion out of League Two, I believe they will go up as champions. Appointment of Paul Warne back in April, signings like Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Callum Paterson, among others too. They look very strong in all departments

@alfieburr13: Signing and a half that

@EdSmith666: Mendez Laing, Collins, Paterson you should absolutely piss the league has to be one of if not the biggest budget in league two history.

@RickyALswfc: Personally think his level is League One, so really should be a steal of a player on a free for L2. He’s technically limited, but will run through a brick wall for the badge, and then won’t stop running once he’s through the wall.

@markb73: You’ve got one hell of a player there look after him and he will look after you good luck pato

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