Chairman pays tribute to Portsmouth-bound Cullen

"We are still bitterly upset to see him leave to a Sky Bet League One rival"
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Pete Winkelman has paid tribute to departing Executive Director Andrew Cullen who will take over as Chief Executive at Portsmouth.

Mr Cullen leaves after 12-and-a-half-years at the club after arriving from Norwich City in 2008.

Chairman Winkelman confirmed Dons would be receiving compensation from Fratton Park for Cullen's services, and wished him success in the future.

He said: “Not only has he made an enormous contribution in a professional sense, dedicating virtually every minute of the past 12-and-a-half years to MK Dons, but, on a personal level, his incredibly well-mannered and warming personality has helped us build strong connections with our peers throughout football and with the Milton Keynes community.

“While we will be compensated for his departure, we are still bitterly upset to see him leave to a Sky Bet League One rival. Nonetheless, we wish him nothing but success and good fortune moving forwards in his career, and we look forward to welcoming him back to Stadium MK in the new season.”

The chairman also said the club is not looking to directly replace Cullen in his role, instead opting to divvy up his responsibilities among those already at the club.

Winkelman added: “Whilst this news has come as a shock, with change also comes opportunity.

“We are fortunate to have many exceptionally talented individuals working across our football operation and I have no doubt that, together, we can use this moment to continue our progression as a football club, for our supporters, club partners and sponsors, and the people of Milton Keynes.”