Chairman Backs Top Experienced To Shine Next Season Despite Barnsley Rumours.
In recent days, rumours have circulated associating Mike Williamson with a transfer to Yorkshire.
Chairman Pete Winkelman has backed head coach Mike Williamson to lead MK Dons to promotion next season, despite reports of a League One club pursuing his services.
According to internet rumors, the former Newcastle United defender has piqued Barnsley’s interest as they seek promotion to the Championship after failing to make the play-offs this season.
Williamson, who took over with the Dons in 17th place in League Two, helped turn the club’s fortunes around this season, finishing fourth, but was humiliated by an 8-1 defeat to Crawley Town in the playoffs.
Winkelman, who recruited Graham Alexander this time last year but fired him in October to replace him with the ex-Gateshead manager, believes Williamson would have guided Dons to a second-place finish if he had been in charge all season and deserves a full season to demonstrate his abilities in MK1.
“I think Mike would have got us automatically promoted had he had that time at the beginning of the season,” said the chairman. “I think we would have finished second. Some excellent decisions have been taken, and we have, as always, fully supported the management.
“We have to give Mike the opportunity to lead us over the entire season, and I’m delighted about that. When you look at what Mike has accomplished, we’ve done really well. He has changed the way we play; we now resemble Milton Keynes, we play respectable football, and when we do it right, we look great. When things go wrong, we might be on the wrong side of dreadful, and we must figure out how to be better.
With thoughts already moving to next season, Winkelman said the allure of working with Williamson and his club has proven to be more appealing than he anticipated when it comes to recruiting players.
He went on to say, “He’s an exciting manager, and we’re having no trouble attracting players while playing this style. Mike is a youthful manager who is already well-respected. I know from the guys we’ve spoken with how valuable he is in attracting the proper type of player to our club. I have no difficulty doubling down on it.
“If we can refresh this team and have a few more eyes on the goal, let’s see if we can achieve promotion next year.”
