Josh McEachran has signed a new deal to remain with MK Dons.
The midfielder’s contract was set to expire at the end of June but he has now put pen to paper on fresh terms to continue his Stadium MK career.
McEachran, 29, joined the Dons in March 2021 and has so far totalled 57 club appearances, including 42 starts.
Last season, he ranked third amongst his teammates for assists with six while his 57 passes per 90 minutes also ranked third across Sky Bet League One.
“It was a no brainer for me,” McEachran told iFollow MK Dons after signing his new contract. “I am glad to get it sorted before pre-season and I am really looking forward to continuing my career here.
“We are all just looking to build on the positives of last season. Unfortunately we just missed out but we’ve still got a young and talented squad and the experiences we’ve been through will only help us out moving forwards.
“Having a full pre-season will be massive for me as it’s something I haven’t had for a little while. It’s an exciting time of year and I’m ready and raring to go.”
Born in Oxford, McEachran joined Chelsea’s Academy at the age of seven and helped the Blues win the FA Youth Cup in 2010. That same year, he made his senior debut as a substitute in a UEFA Champions League tie with Zilina.
The midfielder went on to make 22 appearances for Chelsea, 11 in the Premier League, while also enjoying loan spells at Swansea City, Middlesbrough, Watford, Wigan Athletic and Vitesse Arnhem.
In July 2015, McEachran joined Brentford for a reported £750,000 and played 102 games for the Bees before moving to Birmingham City where he spent the next two seasons. He then joined MK Dons in January 2021 after leaving St. Andrews.
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said: “We are really pleased to have Josh back with us. His form throughout the second half of the season was excellent and he played a major part in some great results for the club.
“More than just his ability on the pitch is the increased leadership role he is playing off the pitch and this will be crucial for our young squad as we’re looking to continue our journey and compete this season.”
Head Coach Liam Manning added: “Josh made a huge impact last season, playing a number of games and taking on a lot of responsibility in the middle of the park, particularly during the second half of the campaign.
“In a young squad, Josh’s experience is vital and he will have a role to play moving forwards in terms of leadership and support for the younger players. I am sure he will embrace that but, most importantly, continue to put the performances in, himself, on the pitch.”
