The defender has found a new home in League Two

Laurence Maguire has reunited with former MK Dons coach Ian Watson after signing for League Two side Rochdale.

The defender was released at the end of his contract at Stadium MK this summer after a difficult two year spell in Milton Keynes. Limited to just 30 appearances in his first season, courtesy of injuries hampering his progress, the start to the second too was delayed.

Falling down the pecking order, Maguire made just ten appearances for Paul Warne’s side last season, and did not appear at all in 2026, with his final outing coming in the 1-1 draw with Cambridge at Stadium MK in December - a game he limped out of after 28 minutes.

Not registered to feature in the second-half of the season as a result of Dons’ big squad-size, Maguire had to wait patiently on the sidelines while the side secured automatic promotion before departing at the end of his deal.

But he has found a new home in League Two, joining newly promoted Rochdale, now led by ex-Dons coach Watson.

“It’s been going on for quite a few weeks, maybe even months, so I’m delighted to be here,” he said. “I know quite a lot about the club, and as soon as Ian came in, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. The chats have been really good, really positive, and it’s time for me to get down to business.

“There’s a great group of lads here, and the staff have been brilliant.

“It’s a club that’s on the up, and we want to have another good year back in the EFL. I’ve been in this league a few years now, and it’s a tough one, but we’ll definitely be ready for it.”

Watson added: “I’m delighted to get Laurence’s deal over the line. He’s someone I’ve worked with previously and is a winner, having been promoted from League Two twice.

“His mentality is second to none, he helps to drive the group and is an amazing person.

“He has a lot of qualities on the pitch that we require. Laurence will be a real strong signing for us.”