MK Dons sack Liam Manning with club second bottom in League One

Dec 11, 2022 1 min read
Liam Manning has been sacked as MK Dons boss (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Liam Manning has been sacked as MK Dons boss (Owen Humphreys/PA)

MK Dons have sacked manager Liam Manning after Saturday’s home defeat to Fleetwood left them second bottom of Sky Bet League One.

Daniel Batty scored a 90th-minute winner for the visitors, who came from behind to win 2-1 and leave the Dons level on points with basement side Morecambe, and six points adrift of 20th place.

Assistant coaches Chris Hogg and David Wright, and goalkeeper coach Darren Smith have also left the club.

Last season, Manning guided the Dons to the League One play-offs where they were beaten by Wycombe, but they have struggled to build any momentum this term.

In a statement, sporting director Liam Sweeting said: “Ultimately, given the position we find ourselves in, our decision now is to change the leadership and my full focus is on identifying and appointing the right person to, first and foremost, guide us out of this current situation, before then taking us forward. That process begins immediately.”

Chairman Pete Winkelman said: “It is with a real sadness that we have to make this decision. Liam and his team accomplished so much for us last season, providing some fantastic memories in a campaign we will never forget – for that we are all so grateful.”

Captain Dean Lewington will take interim charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday’s Papa Johns Trophy tie with Bristol Rovers.

Great! Next, complete checkout for full access to Football Mad! ⚽️.
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
You've successfully subscribed to Football Mad! ⚽️.
Success! Your account is fully activated, you now have access to all content.
Success! Your billing info has been updated.
Your billing was not updated.