Former Ipswich Town midfielder Tom Carroll has turned down the offer of a new contract at Exeter City to move to League Two promotion hopefuls MK Dons.
The 32-year-old has linked up with Mike Williamson’s side ahead of the new season after departing League One Exeter City, despite the offer of a new deal. He appeared 45 times for the Grecians in all competitions scoring twice and assisting three times.
Prior to his move to Exeter, Carroll had a spell on the sidelines. Ipswich Town opted to release the player in July 2022, and he remained without a club for the entirety of the 22/23 season. He proved his fitness however to become a mainstay in the third tier in the 23/24 campaign.
He has previously had spells at QPR, Swansea City, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County and Leyton Orient. He boasts 94 Premier League appearances, 82 Championship appearances as well as 15 Europa League appearances in his career to date.
What does this mean for MK Dons?
With the addition of Crawley Town promotion winner Liam Kelly, the Dons are heading into the season with some serious midfield reinforcements. The club may have been disappointed to miss out on target Jack Payne to Colchester United, but the business they have done to this stage is hugely impressive.
I wouldn’t bet against Mike Williamson guiding them back to the third-tier next season. The former Gateshead manager explains that the player has been brought in to bolster and support the senior leaders in the dressing room, and his experience will help push some of the more inexperienced signings develop further.
What’s been said?
Speaking to the MK Dons website, Carroll discussed his delight at joining:
“I spoke to the manager, and I think we see football in a very similar way, I think the style of play is going to suit me and the group that the staff are getting together looks like it’s going to be really strong.
“Hopefully, we can have a good season, and there’s no hiding away from the end goal which is promotion.”
“I’m 32 now, I’ve been through quite a lot in my career and seen most things so I definitely bring that experience with me and I want to bring leadership to the group.
“Being available to the young lads so if they have anything to ask me they can fire away.”
“I’ve been lucky enough to play here a couple of times, but when you walk out there you realise how much potential this Club has. I’m looking forward to it and seeing the fans.
“Hopefully, we can put in some good performances, and it will be special year come the end of it.”