Brittain sale will help keep Dons afloat

The sale of Callum Brittain to Barnsley, announced on Saturday, will help keep MK Dons in business according to manager Russell Martin.

The Tykes met the release fee for the 22-year-old to take him to Yorkshire and Championship football after establishing himself in the MK Dons squad via the academy.

With fans still not allowed into Stadium MK to watch games, and with cashflow an ongoing issue throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Martin said the money will be vital in ensuring the club can survive the uncertain future they and other clubs are currently facing.

"We've sold three players for a lot of money that the business needs," he said. "Every club is the same. We've sold three players for good money after finishing 19th in the league. There's only one reason for that – because of what we're doing and how we're playing.

"It's testament to what we're building that other clubs are taking note. I received a lot of calls over lockdown about our players."

Brittain had left the club in summer when his contract expired, but with clubs understood to be baulking at the compensation fee Dons would be due by signing him, he returned to Stadium MK with a new contract, which featured a more reasonable release clause.

Martin admitted he was disapppinted to lose out on the defender, but wished him luck at Oakwell.

He said: "I was surprised because I expected someone to take him in summer. He better physically and mentally than I have ever seen him before, he put a lot of work in. It's testament to the work we are doing.

"I'm pleased for Callum, I'm disappointed to lose him and I really hope it goes well for him."