HEAD-TO-HEAD: Final hurrah for Richie Barker?

Caretaker boss Richie Barker is set to take charge of his final game at MK Dons when they play Norwich City U23s tonight in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Richie Barker expects the game at Norwich to be his final game in charge.Richie Barker expects the game at Norwich to be his final game in charge.
Richie Barker expects the game at Norwich to be his final game in charge.

Barker has taken charge of two games since the departure of Karl Robinson two weeks ago, most recently leading Dons to their first home win in eight months after seeing off Spennymoor Town 3-2 in the FA Cup.

But with a new manager expected to unveiled this week, Barker said he would likely step aside after the dead rubber against the Canaries.Having already booked their spots in the next round with wins against Barnet and Peterborough, neither side have anything to play for at Carrow Road. However, under competition rules, Dons must play at least five first team players or risk a £5,000 fine, while Norwich can field whoever they want.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While Norwich U23s have been in the goals in the tournament so far this season, scoring 11 in their two games so far - with former Dons loanee Josh Murphy scoring five of them - Dons have a strong record against the Championship side. In fact, in five meetings between the sides, Dons have lost just once - a League Cup outing at the National Hockey Stadium in 2005, thanks to a Leon McKenzie goal in the 120th minute as the sides were heading towards penalties.

Norwich's Josh Murphy was on loan with MK Dons last season.Norwich's Josh Murphy was on loan with MK Dons last season.
Norwich's Josh Murphy was on loan with MK Dons last season.

Last time they met was back in 2011 in the League Cup. Despite the divisional gulf between the two sides, Dons ran out sensational 4-0 winners, with a brace from former Canary Luke Chadwick and Sam Baldock's final goal for the club before moving to West Ham.

Related topics: