Lewie had to be patient to get his new Dons contract

The coronavirus pandemic delayed Dean Lewington signing a new contract for several months, but the captain admitted there was little chance of leaving MK Dons this summer.

Lewington, 36, confirmed his new contract this morning (Thursday) with a new one-year deal at the club as he sets his sights on making 800 appearances for Dons in the near future.

But while his future was unlikely to lie away from Stadium MK for next season, the skipper admitted it took longer than anticipated to get the contract signed because of Covid-19.

He said: "It was offered back in November, but with everything going on around us, it got delayed and we had to wait for a while but it was never really in doubt.

"I think I was the top appearance maker last season so I've been earning my money! Might be a bit different if I was only playing five games and they were doing me a bit of a favour, but I feel like I'm contributing on the pitch, and I've got a good relationship with the people at the club.

"I've really enjoyed working with Russ, we're playing food football. Russ has surrounded himself with the right people, good people. Luke Williams is one of the best coaches I've ever worked with, so I've enjoyed playing football for him."

Reaction on social media from team-mates past and present showed the impact Lewington has on the club, and he admitted: "It's nice to hear that sort of thing from team-mates and old team-mates too! I've been here long enough to go from one of the youngsters, to one of the cool ones to the Grandad! But it's good to hear that sort of thing."