Warne still hopes business gets done before Oxford FA Cup clash
New faces are not likely to feature against Oxford but there could still be signings
Paul Warne is not expecting to have new players available in time to place Oxford United on Friday, but he has not ruled out having them signed before the end of the week.
The opening of the January transfer window pitches MK Dons into the market keen to build on the squad which has seen them reach fifth place in League Two.
Eager to bring in new faces this month, the head coach had hoped to have new signings in place ahead of Friday night’s FA Cup third round game against the Championship U’s. However, speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Warne said the chances of getting someone in in time to be able to feature in the FA Cup is now looking remote.
However, he did not rule out having new signings in place entirely.
“It’s looking less likely than more likely, I think,” he said. “Whether we do get bodies in by kick-off, it might be a case of them being paraded on the pitch to wave like the Queen. I don’t think they’d be in in time to get the medicals done, to get through training and to be with the squad in time.
“I’ve got Facetimes with players, it is a constant cycle of trying to improve the squad. If we’re fortunate enough to get a couple of fresh faces in, which I am anticipating, they won’t be involved on Friday.”
Discussing the window, Warne said a lot of eyes are on Dons this month to do big business, but he anticipates there will be others in League Two trying to do the same.
He continued: “It’s hectic, it’s exciting, and you know you’re alive! I know my phone works as well! It is a crazy time for managers and players too. Players can feel unsettled.
“Everyone is looking at us to do a load of business, but listening to the rumour mill, there are a lot of clubs doing a lot of big business this window to get promotion. It’s a bit chaotic.
“The window for us is to look at what we think we’re missing, and there are certain things in the squad which have become more evident to me in the last few weeks. I just want a bit more here and a bit more there.”