The former MK Dons boss discussed his exit from the club five years ago ahead of his return with Leicester City

Russell Martin admitted he should not have taken charge of MK Dons’ League Cup game against Bournemouth in 2021 as he was being lured into taking the Swansea City job.

Rumours swirled around the head coach on the eve of the 21/22 season, linking him with a move to the Welsh Championship side.

An official approach was lodged on the morning of the game after a week of stories linking the former Scottish international with the job, but he stood on the Dean Court sidelines, drawing ire from the travelling Dons supporters.

Before the day was out, he was on his way to Swansea, and has been the subject of fans’ dislike since.

Speaking ahead of his return to Stadium MK with Leicester City on Saturday, Martin admitted the circumstances surrounding his exit were muddied and that he should not have taken charge of his final game.

However, he still holds Dons, who gave him his first opportunity in management, close to his heart.

“I don’t know how they feel about me, because my exit was difficult,” he said. “I don’t know what reception I’ll get because I left, and I took a game I probably shouldn’t have. It wasn’t a nice experience, that last game.

“But I remain grateful and I’m looking forward to going back. My kids have fond memories of that place too, they’ve never been back since.

“I loved it there, I love that place. I loved Pete, I loved Andrew Cullen, I loved the staff, I loved the players. For my first role, and for the faith and the trust they showed in me, it was incredible and I’ll be forever grateful for that.

“When I left, there was more to it than just jumping at the first opportunity. I had turned down offers to leave before that, because I felt and believed so much in what we were doing at the time. But Swansea were one of the only clubs at that time who could drag me away. There was a lot to take into account.

“Hopefully we have a good day, and that’s what it will be about.”