The ex-MK Dons head coach has had huge success managing overseas since leaving Milton Keynes

Former MK Dons boss Mark Jackson has not let the language barrier stand between himself and success in the Thai League.

Since taking over Buriram United at the start of the season, Jackson has led his side to 14 wins out of 17, suffering just one defeat, and a mighty 12 point lead atop the division already.

Life after MK Dons has been very successful for Jackson. While his short five-month spell at MK1 ultimately ended with the club relegated to League Two, the former Leeds United coach thrived in his next job Down Under. Joining Central Coast Mariners in Australia, Jackson led the side to the treble, winning the A-League and the Grand Final, as well as the AFC Cup - the equivalent of the Europa League in Asia.

But after seeing funding significantly cut for the following season, Mariners limped to a tenth place finish, with Jackson walking away from the club at the end of the season.

Pastures new beckoned for the former Scunthorpe defender though, with Thai side Buriram seeking his services in Thailand, bringing him to the 32,000 seater Chang Arena.

Despite the language barrier, Jackson has helped his side to dominate the campaign so far as they pass the half-way stage, on course for the club’s 12th Thai title.

“There are different ways of communicating with players,” Jackson told X account Southeast Asia Footballers’ Club. “Of course there’s verbal but I use a lot of ways. I use visuals, videos, we use tactics boards, and I’m very open to exploring different avenues of communication.

“The players have been really receptive to what we’re asking them to do, and we’ve got some really experienced players in the dressing room and they’ve got really open minds to what we want to implement. They’ve done extremely well.”

It was no easy decision for Jackson to move to the other side of the world in 2023 when he took on the job in Australia, and he said the transition fed his desire to learn more about other cultures, helping him in taking up the offer from Buriram when it came.

“When the opportunity came, I didn’t think twice,” he continued. “I was looking forward to a new challenge in a new country, with a different language and a different culture. I always want to challenge myself, not just in terms of football but culturally as well.

“I was over in Australia, and had huge success by winning the treble in my first season. Going over to Australia opened my eyes to the wider world of football. We competed in the AFC Cup, and the Champions League so I knew of Buriram, I played against them and I was really well-informed of what sort of club they are. They’re a massive club, with big resources and a passionate chairman and president.

“The fans at Buriram are fantastic, everywhere we go they’re there. I really enjoy the pre and post match connection we have with them is really important. I try to connect with the fans, because players, managers, they come and go but the fans are always there. I’m really impressed by the support they’ve given all of us.”

He added: “I never had the opportunity to play abroad, and this is only my second job abroad. I’d have encouraged myself to do it earlier, but it’s all about opportunities and I’m really fortunate to have this opportunity to manage this club. I’m really privileged. I want to leave my mark on the team and improve, I’m excited to continue the journey with Buriram.”