The January Transfer Window slammed shut on Friday night, with MK Dons making one Deadline Day signing to take their total number of incomings to four this month.
Hours before the deadline, Russell Martin secured the services of sought-after goalkeeper Andrew Fisher on loan from Blackburn Rovers. The 21-year-old will spend the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign at Stadium MK, competing alongside Lee Nicholls and Stuart Moore for the number 1 shirt.
Fisher’s arrival took the Dons’ number of signings in January to four, following the earlier arrivals of Carlton Morris, Ben Gladwin and Louis Thompson.
Striker Morris, who will spend the season on loan from Norwich City, has already scored two goals in four games for Martin’s men, including the equaliser in Tuesday’s come-from-behind win over Rochdale.
Morris’ arrival was soon followed by the capture of midfielder Ben Gladwin on a free transfer. Gladwin, who left Blackburn Rovers at the start of January and spent the weeks before his signing training with the Dons, has also featured in four matches.
The Dons’ third signing of the window was another midfielder – Louis Thompson – who joined Canaries teammate Morris in joining on loan from Norwich City. The 25-year-old made his first start for Martin’s side in midweek.
“It’s been a successful window for us,” Martin told mkdons.com. “I said all along that I was happy with our squad and we’ve been able to add to it with four players arriving.
“People have already seen the quality of player that we’ve brought in. This month was about adding character as well as ability and I believe we’ve done that. We’ve brought in a lot of experience and a lot of leadership.”
He continued: “This is the first window of hopefully many for me here at the Football Club. This window was the most short-term we’ll be in terms of our signings, because our sole aim is on staying in this division.
“We have to make sure we stay in this league but planning has already begun for the summer and making sure we have a squad next season that fits the vision of me, the staff and the Chairman. Hopefully that will unable us to move forward as a Football Club.”
In terms of outgoings, the Dons saw one player depart Stadium MK this month - Brennan Dickenson, who joined Sky Bet League Two side Exeter City on a permanent deal.
On the size of the squad, Martin said: “We have a big squad and that means that some players won’t play as much as others but that’s the nature of football.
“The ones who haven’t played as much recently have been spot on in terms of their attitude. They are working hard and willing to be a part of this squad.
“We will need them over the next few months – everyone has a job to play in making sure we are where we need to be at the end of the season.”
