No anxiety for Houghton despite Dons release

The midfielder is excited for his next challenge
Jordan HoughtonJordan Houghton
Jordan Houghton

Jordan Houghton believes his pedigree and experience at League One level will help him find a club after he leaves MK Dons at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old has spent three seasons at Stadium MK after leaving Chelsea, helping Dons to promotion from League Two in his first campaign. Russell Martin praised the midfielder, saying he was one of the most important players in his side when he first took over in November 2019 playing at the base of the midfield - a position which has become integral for Dons this season.

Houghton has racked up more than 200 appearances in his career already, 107 of which have come for Dons and most have been in League One. And with that level of experience already, he believes he stands in good stead for finding new pastures.

"I've got a pedigree at this level now," he said. "I've played more than 200 games and I'm coming towards the prime of my career. It's not all doom and gloom. Being a free agent in the summer may help in some ways. I'm in a good place and I'm looking forward to the next challenge.

"There is uncertainty when you're normally out of contract, let alone with everything else going on. It adds an extra anxiety I suppose, but I've come back from injury, I feel fit, I've done well from the bench and I'm ready to push on now. I don't see any worries in terms of myself. Somethings you can't control, but I've learned things you can't control you don't have to worry about. Worrying won't get you anywhere.

"We'll see what happens in the summer. I'll have time to chill with my new family and then I'll start my off-season programme and be ready for what happens next."

Far from leaving under a cloud though, Houghton said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Stadium MK, working with Russell Martin and is excited for a new challenge.

He said: "Most people will look at it as a negative thing, leaving the club, but I'm leaving a club I joined in League Two, we got promoted and I'm leaving the club in a better place.

"It has been a really good three years for me. I've grown as a player and a person, I feel I've stepped up another level since I arrived, and I feel like I'm ready to go on to the next adventure wherever that is.

"We've had various chats over the last few months. Russ has been open with me and vice versa, and that's where our relationship is really good and it will be for the rest of our lives. There's no animosity, we've had a good time, he's brought me on as a player and I've helped him as a manager transitioning into the job.

"It's not a negative thing in my head, I've achieved a lot in the last three years and I've really enjoyed my time here."