Mike Williamson will have only two training sessions under his belt when he leads MK Dons out against Accrington Stanley, but the new Head Coach hopes to provide his players with enough information to be able to perform and come out victorious this Saturday and in the successive home matches taking place at Stadium MK next week.
Williamson was appointed Head Coach of MK Dons on Tuesday evening, leaving Gateshead after a successful four-year spell in the North East. The next morning, he was leading his first training session alongside assistants Ian Watson and Chris Bell and is now just hours away from taking charge of his first match – this weekend’s clash with Accrington.
“When things happen so quickly, people react in different ways and it can be difficult to embrace something new but the lads have been fantastic, and really open and receptive,” Williamson said in his first pre-match press conference.
“The first session was about drip-feeding rather than overloading, but ultimately we have a lot to get into them. We gave them a lot of information, but we had to streamline it ahead of three games in a week.
“I've been doing everything I can to watch as many hours as I can. It is a big squad, with a lot of options, but first and foremost, I want to get to know them, and focus on Accrington.
“It's a quick turnaround, so we're simplifying the message. Having three games with limited training time can be a daunting prospect but we can only prepare with what time we've got, and ultimately it's about the players on the pitch - we'll do everything we can to prepare them.
“(Accrington) will be really tough. They're energetic, very physical, and they have a manager who is hugely experienced and knows how to win games.
“Results are the outcome of good preparation, and if we can get a result it will be fantastic, and it will gives us all a boost.”
The Dons go into Saturday’s fixture without a win in their last eight Sky Bet League Two matches – a run of form which has seen them drop from second in the table to 16th.
“The boys have to play with bravery and courage, which can be daunting when things aren't going well so we want to take as much fear away as possible,” Williamson said. “Ultimately, they need to know that the outcome will always be on the head coach and that's fine.
“We're asking them to do things, and if they're not there straight away, we'll work with them. I don't think it will click instantly, but I want them to understand the process of what we're trying to build here won't change and it'll only increase and improve. So, in the meantime, if they make a mistake, that's on me.”
Finally, Williamson reserved a message to the MK Dons supporters, some of whom will be travelling to Lancashire to get behind the team this Saturday.
The Head Coach commented: “The relationship with the fans is really important - the fans are the club at the end of the day – and we want to do everything we can to get the fans onboard and to buy in.
“Fans just want to win, and I appreciate that. The outcome on the field can be uncontrollable, though. What we can control, and guarantee, are certain elements on the pitch - I want them to see good, honest people working extremely hard to do what they can.
“We want everyone aligned - the fans, chairman, the players - and when we are, that's when we'll become a force.”
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Accrington Stanley are now only available to buy at the Wham Stadium, priced at £20 adults, £15 over-64s/students, £10 12-17s and £5 under-12s. Tickets can be bought from the Away Ticket Booth at the entrance to the car park at the Wham Stadium.
Can't make the game? Supporters can LISTEN to this fixture live on iFollow MK Dons for £2.50 - to purchase an Audio Match Pass CLICK HERE!
