Warne used Lewington as motivation for MK Dons in win over Crewe
The former MK Dons captain was a source of motivation for MK Dons at Crewe on Saturday
Dean Lewington’s EFL lifetime Award was used as a source of motivation for MK Dons ahead of their win over Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
The former Dons skipper, who racked up more than 900 career games for the club before hanging his boots up last summer, was surprised on TV ahead of the game with the Sir Tom Finney Award for his remarkable career achievements, and will receive the award at a ceremony in London on Sunday night.
Told of his award at around midday, Dons boss Warne had his players watching the broadcast as Lewington was told of his accolade.
Dons went on to beat Crewe 3-1 at Gresty Road, all-but securing their automatic promotion spot with a consummate performance in Cheshire, with Warne using Lewington as a source of motivation ahead of kick-off.
He said: “I got the heads up that it was happening on Friday. So before the game, I kept all the lads in and we watched it on the TV, so it was quite touching that they told him and he didn’t know anything about it.
“I used that in the team talk, about how amazing his career was. He played over 900 games for one team, which is Ryan Giggs-esque. He said he enjoyed his career but it’s soon over, and that’s what I told the lads really. It doesn’t matter what you did last year or the year before, it’s about what you do now. Live for the moment.
“Hopefully the lads do that for two more games and it might make Lewie smile, if nothing else!”
Warne handed Lewington his final career appearances last season, and has been working with the former defender in his role in the development squad this season.
Speaking about the achievement, Warne said: “I’m pleased for him, it’s a massive honour. As honours go, it’s right up there, and it’s thoroughly deserved. For anyone to play 900 games for one team and win that many free-kicks that weren’t free-kicks is a massive credit to him!”