New Dons boss could be in place by Tuesday's Chesterfield game

Caretaker manager Richie Barker believes a new manager could be appointed before Tuesday's game against Chesterfield - but has no idea who it might be.
Richie Barker will remain in the dugout for MK Dons on SaturdayRichie Barker will remain in the dugout for MK Dons on Saturday
Richie Barker will remain in the dugout for MK Dons on Saturday

While odds on retired duo Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have been slashed in recent days, Dons are seemingly no closer to making an announcement, with Barker taking charge of Saturday's game against Bristol Rovers.

However, the 41-year-old believes there may be some movement before the following game against Chesterfield on Tuesday night.

"I'll be taking Saturday - I found that out on Monday or Tuesday. In terms of Chesterfield at home, I believe there's hope someone will be at least appointed before that game. Whether that means they can take that game or take training on the Monday before, I don't know. That's what the hope is, but we'll have to wait and see.

"We've said it numerous times, but it's important they get the right person. I've only been in charge for two league games so far, so in the grand scheme of things, it's a small percentage."

Barker's future at Stadium MK also remains a mystery, with the man himself unsure whether he will be needed on Monday. However, he hopes his time in charge in the last four weeks will leave him in good stead when it comes to looking for a new job.

He added: "I'm hoping I'll have more than one offer in the next few weeks, and I'll be ringing around places, but I haven't started that yet because this job takes up so much of your time, and it would be wrong of me to be looking somewhere else when I don't really know how long I'm going to be here for.

"That wouldn't be right or fair or the way I'd do it. Whether that's with Karl or without him, so be it.

"It's not the first time I've been a caretaker manager, but every day is about learning. You get things thrown at you in this industry that you have to adapt to, take with you or park because it didn't go right.

"Whenever I leave, I'll leave a better coach, manager, football person and person in general. I've learned the importance of who is with you on this kind of journey."