Morris' return to MK Dons signals their intent

A huge piece of Russell Martin’s 2020/21 puzzle has fallen into place with the signing of Carlton Morris on loan from Norwich City.

A deal for the striker was announced on Friday, bringing Morris back for a second spell after his popular first earlier this year.

While his goals ratio is not stellar - two in 10 appearances - it was the influence Morris had on and off the field which made him so popular amongst the MK Dons squad and the fanbase alike.

Prior to his arrival, Dons’ striker problems had seen them drop into the relegation zone, and ultimately cost Paul Tisdale his job.

Russell Martin’s appointment also saw the returns of Joe Mason, Sam Nombe and Rhys Healey to fitness, but the new boss wanted characters as well as ability in his dressing room, and it’s what he got.

Having worked with the young striker while playing at Norwich, Martin managed to lure him away from Rotherham - a team who would ultimately secure automatic promotion - to sign for a club battling against relegation.

Having scored on his debut for the club away at Coventry City - the eventual League One champions - in a 1-1 draw, Morris made an immediate impact.

His arrival though also brought about a change in style, which was Martin’s first real opportunity to do so. His physical ability allowed players like Healey and Alex Gilbey to thrive while he was on the pitch, turning around Dons’ fortunes as they edged away from the relegation scrap.

Martin also praised Morris’ work-ethic, even after his red card against Portsmouth, where the striker tracked the entire length of the pitch to try for a last-ditch tackle.

His character off the field too was an essential factor for Martin to bring Morris in, and indeed back to the club. A big personality in the dressing room, Martin called for leaders to unify the group after he took over and Morris was one of the big ring leaders amongst the players and a popular figure too.

Morris' signing is one which will not only keep the spirit in the squad high heading into the new campaign but one which will also delight the fanbase and signals the club's intent to have a far better outcome than their 19th place finish last time out.