The ex-MK Dons prospect could be heading to the boardroom

Once thought to be the replacement for Dean Lewington, former MK Dons defender Ben Tilney is exploring a route into football ownership in Latvia.

The left-back made 11 appearances for Dons in 2016/17, but was accused by then manager Robbie Neilson of ‘losing his desire’ to play football, prompting a loan spell to Brackley before leaving the club at the end of the season.

His departure sparked a move to Ireland with Lorne, and over the next seven years has carved a strong career on the Emerald Isle. While playing for Carrick, the 29-year-old was a stand-out performer for Stuart King’s side before suffering a knee injury which kept him out for more than a year.

Without a club for a lot of his rehab, he returned signed for Ballymena & Provincial League outfit Welly Rec and made his on-field return recently, but his time out of the game sent him towards a new career - that of football club ownership.

Last year, Tilney was appointed to the leadership group for Latvian side FK Cesis following their takeover by Kevin Doyle - a Floridian executive who had previously been involved at Carrick.

The opportunity has opened up the football boardroom to Tilney, an experience he has enjoyed a lot since embarking on the journey.

“They're doing some fantastic things and pushing to get into the top-flight of Latvian football,” he told News Letter. “I've been helping assist with things behind the scenes, some recruitment, growing their academy, starting up a women's team, so it has been really interesting.

“I've known Kevin for a long time. He asked for my help and advice, and while I wasn't playing as much, I was able to spend more time looking at that.

“I've seen the game in a different way and had a look behind the scenes in how a football club runs and operates.

“It has been really interesting for me to see that, still be involved in the game, and experience a different style of football and culture.

“I do a lot of it remotely and have been out to Latvia a couple of times to see the team play and get a feel for it... I have loved it. It's a fantastic set-up.”