MK Dons manager Mike Williamson has responded to claims that he is set to become the new boss of Carlisle United indicating that he has not heard anything regarding an approach from their League Two Rivals.
Reports emerged yesterday from Alan Nixon that Carlisle United were set to make a “shock” attempt to persuade Williamson to leave MK Dons to replace Paul Simpson following his dismissal after a 2-1 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers.
Williamson, despite the rumours took charge of his side yesterday evening as they were beaten by Danny Cowley’s Colchester United in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy after goals from Anthony Scully and Fiacre Kelleher overturned Dean Lewington’s opener.
The reports came as a surprise as the MK Dons boss was facing his own pressure after being routinely dispatched by arch-rivals AFC Wimbledon 3-0, which led to calls for him to be replaced. The club are among the favourites for promotion to League One this season, but their disastrous start have left them occupying 20th position, just a few spots above the relegation zone. Whilst the season is still early, to lose ground on the leading pack this soon could be detrimental to their aims.
There has been a huge amount of change behind the scenes at MK Dons, with a new CEO coming in from Bolton Wanderers and a new ownership group taking over from Pete Winkelman, who has owned the club since its controversial relocation in 2003.
What has been said?
After last night’s defeat by Colchester United, Williamson responded to the rumours in quotes provided by the MK Citizen:
“Since I came in, there has been speculation. I’ve been linked with two, three or four jobs. I’ve not heard anything on it, so I’m just focused on the boys, and from a really good performance, I want to watch the game back. I want to make sure we’re better for Saturday.”
“I’m proud of the performance. We’re going through a period at the moment where we’re not getting what we deserve out of games. It was a ludicrous penalty decision and then a set-piece has been our downfall. We’ve missed numerous chances too.”
“But if we turn up with that intensity on Saturday and with that belief and conviction we’ll be fine.”
“We did the simple things really well, especially in the first-half. We lost a bit of discipline in the second-half because they care so much, they wanted to win the game, to try and create something.
“For me, it’s a difficult moment for the boys again, we’ve got a curse away from home but there are so many positives.”
Are the reports about Williamson from MK Dons to Carlisle United Accurate?
There will be some truth in it, whether it is a case of the club actively pursuing a deal, of which Alan Nixon is firmly implying they have on Twitter, describing the deal as “very active” and suggesting all Carlisle need to do is “pay the compensation” to get it over the line.
This could mean that Williamson is lying regarding a potential deal, in his position it would be a natural approach to take, or it could be that it is not as advance as it is being made out to be and it has not yet reached the door of the MK Dons boss for him to make a decision.
With pressure growing and the new management likely wanting to put in place their own man to guide the club into the future it could be beneficial for all parties if a deal did happen.