Lewington set to be offered a new Dons deal

Dean Lewington's playing days could go on another season, with manager Russell Martin eager to get him signed up for next term.

Lewington will mark 18 years since his debut this April and shows no signs of stopping just yet, having racked up 31 appearances already this campaign.

Playing in an unfamiliar position too in the new formation, at centre back, Martin says Lewington has improved since he took over at the club in November 2019, and said he wants the captain to be a part of his team for next season and beyond.

"I want to Dean to stay next season in the capacity he is now. He's shown this season how much he has to offer. Ling-term, we'd like him to keep playing but to become more involved in the process, which he is doing with the young guys in the defensive unit – whether that's with analysis or on the training pitch.

"This club has to keep someone like Dean Lewington. It's easy when you're so long at a club for people to take you for granted but we don't do that."

Despite the signing of Zak Jules - a left-sided defender - on deadline day, Martin says the pair can easily play alongside each other but both know they have a fight on their hands.

He continued: "Dean's given us so much and I know he's the type of guy who won't feel threatened by Zak, but will try and help him because that's the guys he is.

"Zak will embrace that, he's hungry to improve. If you play professionally at any level, you have to fight and scrap for your place and to prove yourself.

"Every summer, someone comes in to try and replace you with someone better. You have to be up for that challenge, and I think Deano has done that about 25 times!"