Carlton Morris is not surprised that his former teammate Russell Martin has made a seamless transition into management.
Morris joined MK Dons on loan from Norwich City last week, becoming Martin’s first signing since taking over the reins at Stadium MK.
The 24-year-old striker says it was the opportunity to work under Martin that was a big draw for him when deciding his next move.
“I know Russell [Martin] very well,” Morris told Red Dot in an exclusive interview which can be read in Saturday’s edition of the matchday programme.
“Obviously, the club is a really attractive place anyway, because we’ve got a fantastic stadium, with impressive facilities and a new training ground on the horizon but I’ve had a relationship with Russell since the early days of my career.
“It was obviously scary coming through the Academy of a big club such as Norwich, but Russ made it so easy for me to integrate into the first-team and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
“We got on really well and clicked straight away. Russ is that type of person - he’s really easy to get along with.
“He’s made a really good transition into management and that was always something I could see him doing. He’s always had them leadership skills that are vital if you want to be a good manager so it was no surprise to me that he went down this path.
“He’s picked up some good results and that’s good to see. I think he’ll be really successful because he has that mindset that you need to be able to kick on.”
Morris could make his home bow this Saturday when MK Dons welcome Sunderland to Stadium MK for their latest Sky Bet League One encounter. The Norwich City loanee, who scored on his debut last weekend at Coventry City, is looking forward to the occasion.
“I can’t wait,” he said. “It’s a fantastic stadium and if the support is anything like it was at Coventry away then it’ll be an experience that I’m definitely excited for.
“Sunderland are a very good team but we are confident as a team that we’ve got quality in our changing room to give anyone a game. I think we need to take that mentality into this game and every game.
“I love playing games where something is on the line – that’s when you separate the boys from the men. It’s something I’m looking forward to being involved in with the boys.
“We’ve got a good squad full of characters and they are all up for the fight too. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
“Yes, Sunderland are a very good team. That said, we are confident as a team that we’ve got quality in our changing room to give anyone a game. I think we need to take that mentality into this game and every game.”
“I can’t wait. It’s a fantastic stadium and if the support is anything like it was at Coventry away then it’ll be an experience that I’m definitely excited for!”
Read the full interview with Carlton Morris in Saturday's edition of Red Dot, which will be available from sellers around Stadium MK and the Box Office for just £3.
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Tickets for Saturday's Stadium MK clash with Sunderland are priced at £22 adults, £17 seniors and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with an accompanying adult. Supporters can upgrade to premium seats in the East Centre for a £5 premium while an upgrade to clubRed is just £10 more.
MK Dons will be hosting a Fan Zone for home supporters, which will open at 12.30pm inside the Marshall Arena. The Premier League clash between Watford and Tottenham Hotspur will also be shown on the big screen with bars will be open serving alcohol. There will also be a host of activity for children.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
