Milton Keynes Dons can confirm defender Shaun Williams has completed a transfer to Millwall for an undisclosed fee.
Williams, 27, travelled to The Den on the weekend to complete a medical and finalise personal terms on a two-and-a-half-year contract, after the two Clubs agreed a fee for the Irishman. The transfer was then finalised on Monday afternoon following clearance from The Football League.
This move comes just six months before Williams’ deal at stadiummk was due to come to an end and almost three years after the former Republic of Ireland joined the Football Club from Sporting Fingal in February 2011.
MK Dons manager Karl Robinson, the man who signed Williams, told mkdons.com: “(Shaun) is going to be a big loss to the Football Club. His contract was due to run out at the end of the season and although we offered him a new deal, he’s decided to move on and we’ve got to respect that.
“I remember the first time we spoke about Shaun. He’s someone who grew up knowing Damien Doyle and Neil Lennon, and Neil is the one who put me in contact with him. He was out of contract with Sporting Fingal and so we signed him just to train as he wasn’t able to play.
“But, even in those first few months we could see what a talented footballer he was. He is a very unique player, someone who has played in a number of positions for us, and every challenge I have thrown his way he has accomplished with grace.
“I’m just extremely grateful and thankful to Shaun for all he’s done for me and the Football Club and I wish him all the best in this new chapter of his career. He’ll always be welcome back at stadiummk whether that be as a fan or as a player.
“It’s my job now, along with Gary and the recruitment team, to find a replacement for Shaun. I do want to bring in a centre-half before the deadline and so it’s certainly something we need to press on with over the next few days.”
During his time in Milton Keynes, Williams made a total of 137 appearances and scored 25 goals, and became the club’s first choice penalty taker.
Originally signed as a central midfielder, Williams quickly established himself as one of League 1’s most talented centre-backs and his performances in the heart of the defence last season saw him named both MK Dons Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.
MK Dons would like to place on record it’s thanks to Shaun for his contribution during his time with the Club and wish him every success in the future.