MK Dons are keen to speak with 43 year old recently sacked manager Leam Richardson about a job role to permanently replace Liam Manning.
That’s according to Alan Nixon, and this could be a popular one, after Richardson won the League One title in 2021/22.
Milton Keynes Dons is still looking for a new manager, with Dean Lewington acting as interim, but isn’t keen on taking it up full time.
Manning lead his team to the playoffs last season but was defeated by Wycombe Wanderers, and huge changes are needing if the club want to avoid relegation this season.
Stadium MK officials waved goodbye to three of their most valuable assets, with David Kasumu leaving at the end of his contract and Harry Darling moving to Burnley to be with Russell Martin, Scott Twine, and Harry Darling.
Lewington said after a victory at Portsmouth “It isn’t for me,” he said.
“I have really enjoyed it but it helps because there are loads of amazing people at the club that want me to do well.
“The boys have been fantastic and taken everything on board and given an absolute shift out there today, but I still much prefer playing and coaching.
“I’ve had three games in the dugout and nearly had three heart attacks. I don’t think I’d make 40 if I become a manager.
“I just had a little moment in the changing room and I thought I’d probably put this in my top five moments at the club.
“I am so proud of the players. To come to Portsmouth – from where we are in the league – and to get a good win is amazing.”
MK Dons caretaker boss Dean Lewington will not be in attendance for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City because he is due to have surgery the same day.
Saturday’s win at Fratton Park was only their second in 12 games – however he needs an operation on a hamstring injury and can’t be there.
“We’ll set up the team on Monday and try to do as much as we can,” Lewington told BBC Three Counties Radio.
“Whoever they decide to take the game on Tuesday will do their bit as well, but I know as much as you in terms of who’s coming in [as new head coach].”
The result means the Dons are now up to 22nd in the third tier table and within three points of Accrington and Cambridge United, the two clubs immediately above the relegation places.
Dean Lewington was helped out during the game by a few words of advice from his father, Ray Lewington, who some may recall had management experience with Fulham, Brentford and Watford, and more recently was Roy Hodgson’s assistant with England and various clubs.
“He was sitting a few rows back and came down to let me know what he could see from where he was,” Dean Lewington said.
“Dad always comes to my games and obviously you lean on that experience and skill that he has as a coach.”
Richardson is currently without a job after being fired in November from his position as Wigan boss.
Richardson’s last seven games at the DW Stadium saw six defeats. His last game was against Coventry on the 8th of November.
The 43-year old was with Pompey for two years, between 2015 and 2017. He assisted Paul Cook in the League Two title win.
They left the club shortly after being crowned champions, to accept roles at the Latics. Richardson had worked there until his dismissal, a surprise to some when he was axed considering the turnaround and getting them back to where they were after crisis a few years back.
BETVICTOR ODDS
Dean Holden – 4/1
Steve Morison – 4/1
Leam Richardson – 5/1
Darren Ferguson – 8/1
Karl Robinson – 8/1
Peter Leven – 8/1
Brian Barry Murphy – 12/1
Richardson said after being axed by Wigan: “Iam incredibly saddened to have left Wigan Athletic Football Club and that together, we will not be able to finish what we started. I consumed myself with all departments of the club every single day and with the club still in transition, I felt we were making great strides, both on and off the pitch, to put Wigan Athletic in a place to return to the top end of the football pyramid, where it belongs.
“It has been an honour to manage and coach such a fantastic football club over the past five-and-a-half years. I have worked hard to represent myself and the football club to the best of my ability, to develop players and staff, and to build an environment and a culture that runs through the club, from the first team to the academy.
“There have been so many memorable moments. Breaking many records, gaining two promotions, FA Cup runs including the incredible victory against Man City, maintaining Championship status for the first time since relegation from the Premier League, and many others. Two of the most recent memorable days came at Hull City, avoiding relegation in a season spent mostly in administration and in the midst of a pandemic, with the fans watching from afar, and the Championship promotion game against Shrewsbury, that we were fortunate enough to share together.
“To have a stand named after me is very humbling for both me and my family and is something I will be forever grateful for. I can honestly say, the best success for me is not the trophies or medals, it is seeing many of the players grow and improve as people in their profession and develop into Championship, Premier League and international footballers.
“Although managing in some of the most difficult circumstances, I will forever look back on this period with pride and joy. I am not sure any football club has gone through such a transition, from administration, finishing with only three players and no support staff, to becoming champions of such a competitive league. It was an outstanding achievement for everyone involved. To be given the opportunity of helping to build this football club, with its proud heritage, from the ground up to where it now sits in the second tier of the English game is something that I am grateful for and I hope we made the football club, the fans and the town proud once again.
“I would like to sincerely thank and express my gratitude to Mr Al Jasmi, the Chairman Mr Talal Al Hammad and the Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to manage such a great club. A special mention to Mal Brannigan, who I enjoyed an excellent day-to-day relationship with, both as a friend and a colleague.

“Throughout my tenure, I have been fortunate to work with some excellent staff and as a collective, I would like to thank them all for their efforts, hard work and commitment to the football club and me as the manager.
“Thank you to the players for their application and attitude in everything we achieved and for creating such a great learning environment.
“Lastly, the heartbeat of the club, the fans who have supported unwaveringly at the best of times but most importantly, who have come together during the most trying times, for this you will always be successful.
“I will always be eternally grateful for the support given to me and my family, I wish the club and my successor every success in the future, as they have a fantastic group of people to work with. I look forward to seeing you all soon.”

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