More signings and possibly exits likely before Dons take on Accrington
The January transfer window is in full swing
The ink had barely dried on two new signings at MK Dons but Paul Warne predicts he could have a couple more before they take to the field next.
Both Ben Wiles and Jay Matete signed ahead of Friday night’s FA Cup third round game with Oxford United, with Wiles starting and Matete getting nearly an hour as he came on in the second-half and played through extra-time, even putting away a penalty in the shoot-out.
With a week before Dons are next in action, taking on Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium next Saturday, Warne said he hopes he can bring in further additions to the side before heading to Lancashire.
“I would expect something before Accrington,” he aid. “With a week to work, I would be fairly confident we could get another body or two in. We’ve got a job to do, but we’re not in the position we want to be in.”
Warne also did not rule out players leaving either, admitting at least a couple potentially eyeing moves elsewhere where they would likely feature more heavily than they would at MK1.
“The ones on the periphery who aren’t getting game time, you’re further out when I sign new players,” Warne admitted. “And players themselves, via their agents, will speak to me over the next week or so to maybe go and play elsewhere.
“There are a couple who will play somewhere else, but that doesn’t mean they won’t give everything to this club. Anything can happen in football, one minute you’re leaving and then you’re staying.”
On his new additions, Warne spoke of his impressed he was that both Wiles and Matete came in and did not look out of place in the heart of the Dons midfield against a strong Oxford side.
He added: “I know Wilesy, I think he’s a cheat code at times. He can run past people, he can travel with it, pick a pass and has a rocket shot. The more comfortable and confident we can get him, the better. He has his best years ahead of him.
“Jay isn’t match ready I don’t think. We felt he could play 25 minutes, but I wasn’t expecting him to play 55. It might do him some good. He had some good touches, he played well in the middle with Dan Crowley and they complimented each other on the pitch.”