MILLEN’S GOT THE CHANCE TO STAKE MKCLAIM
MK DONS chairman Pete Winkelman says Keith Millen could put himself in the frame for the permanent position as manager if they can finish the season on a high.
Their relegation to League Two was all but guaranteed before the weekend after a disastrous season in which Robbie Neilson and Dan Micciche came and went as manager.
The latter lasted just 16 games at the helm before getting the boot – an appointment that Winkelman concedes was a failed gamble.
It means that Millen – who was the 38-year-old Micciche’s assistant – has stepped up to the top job as the Dons look to restore some pride.
And, while Winkelman is not sugar-coating what has been a horrendous campaign, there might be some consolation.
“I want to apologise to our supporters and the city of Milton Keynes – this is not what we expect,” Winkelman said.
“I thought going down from the Championship was bad. To be in this position is just unthinkable.
“None of us planned or expected to be here. It is probably the worst thing that has ever happened.”
Millen, 51, has been a caretaker boss at Crystal Palace on three separate occasions, as well as taking charge of Bristol City.
“If you were going to get a caretaker, you’d get Keith,” added Winkelman. “Let’s go down fighting.
“I’ve had to go to him and tell him what we did with Dan and I asked him whether he wanted the job for the last three games or whether he wanted to avoid it.
“He immediately stepped up and told me just to worry about what I need to do. That’s Keith Millen, he has been like that the whole way through.”
After their horror campaign, the club have cancelled awards for first team players at their awards night on Tuesday.