Similarities to earlier regimes may aid in getting Williamson’s message across.
Some MK Dons players may need to familiarize themselves with the new head coach’s ideas.
Returning to a familiar style of football for some of the players should help Mike Williamson get MK Dons playing his way, according to the head coach.
Williamson was hired in primarily to develop Dons into a more possession-based side, akin to the days of Russell Martin or Liam Manning.
While hardly many players from the Russell Martin era are still at Stadium MK, more than two years after his departure to Swansea City, Williamson feels those that are can assist speed up the transition with the current squad.
“It takes a want from the lads to do it, and we’ve got lads in there who want to take that responsibility,” he went on to say. “If you’ve been in and around it, or if you’ve done it in an academy, it helps get the details across.” We must strike the proper balance.
“We have experienced players, but some of them will not have played in these areas or formations.” And we’ve got to make sure the younger guys have all the information they need.
“Because we’ve got such a receptive group, it’s there for us.”
Daniel Harvie, one of precious few players to have been brought in by Martin still at the club, said his understanding of that previous regime could be beneficial, adding: “I think there’s only a couple of boys who are still here from when Russ was here, there have been a lot of changes. But the way the new gaffer wants to play are very similar.
“For us as players who were here, we can help some of the others from what we’ve been through.
“It’s a nice style to play in, it’s attacking, and it’s enjoyable.”
Williamson thought there had already been adjustments to the way the side played, commencing at Accrington on Saturday, despite having little time to interact with the players other than in the lecture theatre this week, with three games in short succession since he took over last week.
“We’re seeing incremental improvements and are moving in the right direction,” he said. I have no doubt that we have the potential in the dressing room to climb the table and challenge where we believe the club should be challenging and striving to get out of the league. However, it will require work in the rehearsal room and on the practice field.”
