There will be a welcome sight for the MK Dons faithful this weekend as Dean Lewington returns to Stadium MK for the first time since November and it’s safe to say - he’s more than happy to be back amongst it.
“I’m very happy to be back - it’s been a long few months away from the Club,” Lewington told iFollow MK Dons.
“Obviously with the new staff coming in - I’m excited to be part of that venture as well.”
Last weekend’s defeat against Northampton Town saw the Dons drop into the relegation zone for the first time this season - something Lewington is eager to change.
“I think first and foremost we need to get ourselves out of the position we’re currently in and get to the target of 52 points. After we’ve reached that we can start looking up the Sky Bet League One table and looking at what is possible.
“I think we have to realise that we’re in a relegation battle and at the moment - it’s all hands on deck to get us out of it.”
Lewington added that his experience in similar situations can only help the younger players who may not have been involved in a relegation battle before.
“You need that blend of young and old in the dressing room. The squad is really young this year and a few older faces always help as we’ve got the experience.
“I think the advantage we’ve got this season is that we’ve got the quality to get out of it. I think in previous season we probably lacked the quality, the heart and effort was there - but we lacked the quality.
“This year when I look around the dressing room - we’re underperforming. There are a lot of good players in there and if we can get them going, we can do something. We need to make sure we’re organised, getting a game plan together and then going out there and doing it.”
Lewington will act as player-coach alongside Assistant Manager Keith Millen, and Manager Dan Micciche - a duo he’s looking forward to working alongside.
“Dan is a proper MK man, he’s been here before and helped install the Club’s philosophy. He likes to play exciting football in the oppositions half, score goals and he wants to be more vibrant than what we’ve been this season. I’m excited to be part of it and as a player-coach - I will help wherever I can.”
Lewington concluded his interview with a message for the fans who continue to impress him with their fantastic support.
“I think the fans have been great and have been loyal to the team considering what has been happening. I just ask them to support what we are trying to do, no one has a magic wand, it’s not going to happen overnight.
“We will be trying our utmost to bring back the good times here and get us playing attractive football. If they can stick with it, encourage the boys, and get behind the lads that’s all we ask.”
