The most productive transfer window for MK Dons in years

Business went right down to the wire but MK Dons have had one of their most potentially successful transfer windows in a long time this month.

While six players departed in January, Russell Martin securing the signings of Ethan Laird, Charlie Brown, Harry Darling, Matt O'Riley, Zak Jules and Will Grigg has added a new breath of life into the squad for the final four months of the campaign. There have also been contract extensions for keeper Andrew Fisher, who has established himself as the number one since October, and experienced midfielder Andrew Surman as he extended his stay to the end of the season. And defender Warren O'Hora's loan spell from Brighton has been made permanent too.

While Laird and Grigg are loanees from Manchester United and Sunderland respectively, the remainder are permanent signings and are signal of intent for the future. Darling, Laird and O'Riley have all impressed in their showings so far, while Brown's cameos show signs of what is to come from the youngster, formerly of Chelsea. Deadline day signing Jules arrives having played regular football at Walsall, and Grigg's exploits at Stadium MK are well-known.

Two out-and-out starters were among the players to leave - Carlton Morris was recalled by Norwich to be sold to Barnsley, while Richard Keogh was sold to Huddersfield Town - but Baily Cargill, George Williams, Ste Walker and Regan Poole were already seeing their starting roles limited by those in front of them in the pecking order.

Martin said the January window - notoriously slower paced than it's warmer counterpart - felt more like a summer window given the amount of business the club conducted, and it certainly feels like the squad has a new look heading into the second half of the season. It also feels the club has prepared for next season too well in advance, giving them a great opportunity to pick up the extra pieces they might need when the summer window opens to look to the next campaign with momentum and a team already gelled.

With the amount of change, it may take Dons a few weeks to find their feet, but realistically speaking, this isn't a season with much expectation resting upon it. Dons sit 16th for good reason, despite some impressive displays and upsets along the way. But while the chance of a push for the play-offs is remote, the threat of relegation is also easing with every point they pick up - now nine clear of the drop zone after beating AFC Wimbledon 2-0 on Saturday.

Though their aim for the rest of the season will be to finish as high as they can mustre, Martin's biggest achievement may just be what he has managed to do this month.