Some of MK Dons’ released players have found new homes already this summer

Dons boss Paul Warne admitted he would have signed Joe Tomlinson and Aaron Nemane if he were to take over at a League Two side this summer.

The pair played regular football for MK Dons last season during their promotion run but were released at the end of their contracts and have since signed for Cheltenham Town and Rotherham United respectively.

Luke Offord has also agreed a deal to return to Crewe Alexandra, while the likes of Scott Hogan and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans are in conversation with several clubs regarding their futures.

Warne also said Jonathan Leko is training with League One side Notts County following his release.

Remaining in close contact with plenty of his former players from Rotherham and Derby County, Warne said knowing the likes of Nemane and Tomlinson were available on the free market would have sorely tempted him had he been managing a League Two side this summer, and gave both glowing references to their new employers to help get their deals over the line.

He said: “I spoke to both managers and told them if I was taking another League Two job and saw they were available, I’d have no hesitation in taking them.

“Aaron kindly sent a picture of me in the foyer at Rotherham, and one of Richie in the press room! So that’s good. I spoke to Brucey (Alex Bruce, Rotherham boss) a few times about him.

“Offy has also signed at Crewe - massive shock there! Every time we played Crewe, they all spoke to him, but he was happy with that.

“I think Leks is training with Notts County, there are still a few clubs speaking to Scott Hogan, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans is talking to a few clubs too.

“I told all of them to use my name as a reference, and I’ll give glowing references.

“Normally, when players go up, you can see they’ve been a part of a winning culture and promotion, so they know what winning means. They always bring something.”