Russell Martin insists only those with the right mentality and attitude will be coming through the doors this offseason.
MK Dons are busy working through the transfer market in a bid to bolster their squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
After two positive windows in terms of players brought in to the Club, Martin is confident this summer’s recruitment drive can be just as fruitful but knows that will only be the case if the players fit the culture that has been built at Stadium MK.
“It’s going to take players coming in with the same mentality and attitude as the ones we have currently, to strip away their ego and put the team first,” Martin said when asked about what it’s going to take to improve on last season.
“It’s going to take people to accept they may come in and feel vulnerable and may make mistakes, but they are never going to be punished for that.
“It’s going to take people coming in and trusting the process and enjoying the journey. Then we’re going to need those people to come together as a group.
“It’s up to us to bring the right people in. It is tough to identify players to play the way that we want to play because not many, at the levels we are looking to recruit from, play this way currently. It can take a little longer for us to find the players we want for that reason - Harry, for example, took a lot of work.
“We are confident that the people we’ve identified can improve us and it’s about making sure we do all we can to get them in as early as possible.
“Fortunately, a lot of the guys we’ve spoken to are eager to come here, because they’ve either played against us and witnessed what we do or they’ve spoken to others about it.”
Just as important to Martin will be retaining the services of his out-of-contract players, including the likes of Cameron Jerome, Andrew Surman and Josh McEachran, who all played key roles last term.
“We want to keep as many of the players we have in house already. There may be one or two that we end up losing but if we can the majority of the squad core that will be really important.
“The offers last a certain period of time but it’s not like we just leave it until that point to talk, it’s about staying in constant contact with them throughout and understanding what is involved in their decision.
“I’m aware of their issues and the reason why they haven’t signed already but hopefully we can keep them and they can continue to be a part of something.”
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Watch a season of football at Stadium MK for no more than £10 per game by purchasing a 2021/22 MK Dons Season Ticket!
The Club have made the decision, for one season only, to cap the maximum price of an Adult Season Ticket in all areas of the stadium at £230.
What’s more, concession prices in several areas of the stadium have been reduced to match the 2020/21 concession prices for the Family Area - the lowest priced area in the stadium. Under-12s will also continue to go FREE along with a paying adult*.
For more information click HERE, call 01908 622922 or visit the Box Office at Stadium MK.
