Expect more players to leave MK Dons this summer

He may have released nine players last week, but Russell Martin expects other players to depart this summer.

As the manager looks to put his stamp on the MK Dons squad this summer, Martin offered three contracts to the 14 players whose deals were up at the end of June, while taking up the option on youngster Jay Bird for another season.With squads likely to shrink after the coronavirus pandemic, Martin says there is very little room in the dressing room for players who are not a part of his immediate plans. Players like Kieran Agard, Jordan Bowery and Hiram Boateng are all signed up for the 2020/21 season, but none played beyond January 7 under Martin's regime and could be on the list of players the manager looks to part with to make room for new signings.

"There will be a few players who haven't played a lot for us who might have to move on and play for their own careers," said Martin. "There is a lot that goes into that. We have to make some finance available, so we might have to lose more players, but we do not need to sell key players. There's not a fire sale.

"I'm sure there will be movement, people moving on and people coming in, but that might be later on in the summer."

Martin has already highlighted his desire to bring Norwich City striker Carlton Morris back to the club next season, but said his side need quite a few new faces to make Dons a League One contender.

He added: "We need quite a few guys to come in and help get us where we want to go. Of course, there will be new signings. We've been working like dogs, watching players relentlessly so we can look at players who can help us next season.

"We're open to anyone who improves us. There are obvious positions we will need to strengthen and improve."