All Dons transfers are approved by Martin

Russell Martin has said he has the final say on transfers in and out of MK Dons after news of Alex Gilbey's move to Charlton broke yesterday.

Gilbey, who was into the final year of his contract, was understood to be undergoing a medical at The Valley ahead of a move to the recently relegated League One side on Thursday. The two-time Player of the Year's potential move away, pending Charlton's transfer embargo being lifted, was met with widespread negativity from the Dons supporters with some questioning whether this was a move from the board to sell from under Martin's nose.

But speaking after the club signed defender Richard Keogh, Martin said all decisions involving his squad are rubber stamped by him.

"Everything that happens, in and out, will be on me," he said. "We have to be brave, patient and hold our nerve, and some will happen which will raise their eyebrows. There is nothing emotional about it. The board have been so supportive in what I want to do, and the trust the board have shown me to do what we want in terms of the squad, people in and out, is incredible. I just want us to be better on and off the pitch."

Though initially a confusing decision to sell Gilbey, who netted five goals after Martin took over from an attacking midfield role and appeared to be a key man in convincing Carlton Morris to return to Stadium MK for next season, the manager continued: "I'm really pleased with the guys' mentality, the ones who have shown a real desire since coming back to still be here. That stands for a huge amount.

"We only want people in the building who will be desperate to play for MK Dons. I've spoken to players over the summer who are great on the pitch but aren't keen enough to come here. Those people quickly go out of my thoughts."