Dons on deadline day: How deadline day played out for MK Dons

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
It’s transfer deadline day and MK Dons are in the market for new signings.

Keep to up date with the latest movements from Stadium MK before the deadline closes at 11pm.

MK Dons on deadline day

Key Events

  • Former Dons defender Tennai Watson joins Charlton
  • Joe Tomlinson is Dons’ first signing of the day, arriving from Peterborough
  • Reported Dons target Luke Armstrong looks to be heading to another League Two side
  • Signing of Ellis Harrison is announced five minutes after the deadline
  • Anthony Stewart returns on loan from Aberdeen

It’s deadline day... you know what that means!

Usually, it means a lot of waiting around, refreshing, rumours, failed bids and sometimes a takeaway later to help me power through. More on that later, probably.

But stick with us throughout the day for the latest in MK Dons’ pursuit of some additions.

What do MK Dons want?

Graham AlexanderGraham Alexander
Graham Alexander

After seeing his side in action for the first five games in League Two, Graham Alexander has a pretty good idea of what his side needs.

From the outside looking in, it’s clear he needs a physical striker to compliment the likes of Mo Eisa and Jonathan Leko. Dons are also short of full-back cover for the likes of Daniel Harvie and Cameron Norman, and perhaps some more cover at centre-back as well.

The head coach said he was keen to add ‘two or three’ before the window closed, so let’s see what they can cook up.

Who’s joined in the window so far?

Jack Payne has joined MK Dons on loan from Charlton Athletic. Pic: MK DonsJack Payne has joined MK Dons on loan from Charlton Athletic. Pic: MK Dons
Jack Payne has joined MK Dons on loan from Charlton Athletic. Pic: MK Dons
Joe Tomlinson, left, played for Posh on Tuesday night against Portsmouth. Pic: Joe DentJoe Tomlinson, left, played for Posh on Tuesday night against Portsmouth. Pic: Joe Dent
Joe Tomlinson, left, played for Posh on Tuesday night against Portsmouth. Pic: Joe Dent

Two names have ben linked with a move to MK Dons - Joe Tomlinson and Luke Armstrong.

Tomlinson is a full-back at Peterborough United, and has been tipped to make the switch from London Road, while Harrogate striker Armstrong has been linked with a big-money move to the League Two table toppers.

Both are positions Dons need bolstering.

Former Dons man on the move?

Tennai Watson spent two seasons at MK DonsTennai Watson spent two seasons at MK Dons
Tennai Watson spent two seasons at MK Dons

Dons and Charlton seem to be linked during this window, with the Addicks rumoured to be close to a deal with Tennai Watson.

The 26-year-old full-back left Stadium MK at the end of his contract in June, and is tipped to complete a move to The Valley.

Four players who can boast Charlton as a former club have joined Dons so far this summer - Alex Gilbey, Nathan Harness, Craig MacGillivray and Jack Payne (who has joined on loan from the League One side)

Dons have in-form strikers

Matt Dennis has scored twice this season. Pic: Jane RussellMatt Dennis has scored twice this season. Pic: Jane Russell
Matt Dennis has scored twice this season. Pic: Jane Russell

While they’re keen on adding a centre forward before tonight’s deadline, Graham Alexander can still look around his squad and see plenty of goals.

Mo Eisa has four, while Jonathan Leko, Matt Dennis and Max Dean have all scored twice this season as well.

What it’s like to make a deadline day move

Alex Gilbey signed for Dons from Wigan in 2017Alex Gilbey signed for Dons from Wigan in 2017
Alex Gilbey signed for Dons from Wigan in 2017

Back in 2017, Alex Gilbey arrived at the very last knockings of transfer deadline day from Wigan Athletic.

The move for the midfielder did not come about until late in the day, and it all came as a bit of a whirlwind for the player.

He explained what it is like being a part of a deadline day move to the Citizen recently

I signed at the very last knockings when I came here the first time. It’s exciting to be fair. I never expected anything to happen that day, and it came out of the blue and that was my first experience of it. It was exciting but it was all a bit of a rush!

I was at Wigan but it was the international break so we had time off, and I was down in Essex. Thankfully, I was at home for a few days, but as I pulled onto my drive, I got the call to turn around. Luckily, it saved me a bit of time coming down the motorway!

Alex Gilbey

Tennai Watson’s move to Charlton has been confirmed. The 26-year-old spent two years at MK Dons before leaving at the end of last season.

DON DEAL: Tomlinson joins MK Dons

Peterborough United full-back Joe Tomlinson has joined MK Dons on a permanent deal! The first completed transfer of the day - hopefully more to follow!

Related topics: