Dons bid farewell to kit man Lanning

After 1,019 games, Ian Lanning called time on his time in football on Sunday afternoon.

The Dons Kit Operations Manager arrived at Stadium MK in 2016, but bows out of the game after 20 years, having reached his 1,000th game landmark at a snowy Rochdale in February where he donned just shorts and t-shirt to raise money for charity.

Manager Russell Martin praised the departed Lanning, who has already started in his new career, saying: "What a character - he will be missed, the little idiosyncrasies he has! We all love him and his little quirks. He has been great, he's really good for the group, he makes us laugh a lot sometimes without even realising.

"He has sacrificed a lot and given everything to football over the last 20 years and has decided it's time to spend time with his family.

"There's a perception in football that you get in, play a bit of five-a-side and head off in the afternoon. But there are those who know the hours you have to put in, travelling on the road, getting things organised. It's not just with the kit, but the logistics of everything, booking hotels and going the extra mile with certain other things. He has been brilliant and he will be missed.

"He's welcome back at any time. He has already offered up his free time to come and help the new guy, Harry, which is a sign of his character.

"I messaged him earlier, it's his first day in his new job and he goes with all of our best wishes and I'm sure he'll be back at a few games next season to have a catch-up."