Out-of-contract Dons will be told of their futures in the coming weeks
There are some difficult conversations on the horizon at MK Dons despite this season’s success
Paul Warne is not relishing the thought of some difficult conversations on the horizon to let some of the MK Dons squad go at the end of the season.
It is understood that 13 players are out of contract at the end of the season, with several of them having played prominent parts in the course of the promotion and potentially title winning campaign.
Stepping up to a higher division next season, Warne has already had meetings with the club’s owners and board to discuss potential recruits for the sides return to League One after three years, with some players having to make way for new faces.
While Saturday’s game against Fleetwood Town could be their last for the club for many of the squad, Warne said he wants the dust to settle on the celebrations before having to have the more difficult but necessary conversations about the future.
“I don’t intend to speak to the lads until a week after the season,” he said. “I don’t want to be making knee-jerk decisions, even though I’ve watched them for ten months.
“I like to let the season die down, I’ll speak to the board and the hierarchy, the lads are going on a trip and when they come back, I’ll speak to each individual. And it’s the same for the lads under contract too. If there are players I don’t think will play a part next year, I’d rather tell them now and give them the opportunity to look for something else.
“It’s sad but inevitable at every club up and down the country, success or no success.”
Asked about the emotional side of those conversations, Warne said releasing players does affect him and makes it even harder to have to do.
He continued: “I do get emotional because I am that guy. I remember reading about Sir Alex Ferguson talking about doing the double and being on the bus back from Wembley while his players were celebrating, knowing he would have to rip it apart. There is no joy in that.
“I’d like to pretend it was an emotion-less thing, saying goodbye to players, but it is done with a heavy heart. It’s not something I enjoy.
“I’m already thinking about some of those conversations I have to make, and I know the buck stops with me but that doesn’t make it any easier.”