Milton Keynes Dons have today announced that goalkeeper David Martin has officially returned to the club in a player-coach capacity.
The 36-year-old is well-known to the Dons, having been a member of the inaugural team in 2004 before a move to Liverpool in 2006 as well as his long and successful spell between 2010 and 2017 that saw him help the team to second in League One in 2014-15 and named the team's Player of the Year in 2015-16.
After leaving the Dons for a second time, Martin played for Millwall and boyhood club West Ham United, making his Premier League debut for the team in 2019 - earning a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over Chelsea.
After being let go by the Hammers, Martin has been training with the Dons and recently stepped up to help the team in a coaching capacity while goalkeeper coach Lewis Price receives treatment for cancer.
Now, Martin has officially signed on for a third spell with the Dons as a player-coach for the season and will provide valuable depth and experience while continuing to oversee the Dons' goalkeeping department.
Speaking of his official return, Martin commented: "It’s brilliant being back. MK Dons is a massive part of my career, I’ve been here for a number of years and we’ve gone through a lot together."
"It’s been no secret that I have been around the place for the best part of a couple of months now - credit to the Gaffer and the coaches for letting me come and train at the start of the season to keep sharp and fit."
He added: "It’s a unique situation, obviously in difficult circumstances. I still want to play but this is an opportunity for me to step in and help a Club that means a lot to me."
"It’s my responsibility to take care of the department and the other goalkeepers here but, at the same time, I want to stay competitive as a player within the group."
He concluded: "Pricey has been unbelievable for me, which is testament to his character considering what he’s going through. He cares so much about the Club, the staff and the players here and he’s been there to help me, just like we will all continue to be there for him."
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said: "We are delighted to have David back with us. As many are aware, he has been training with us for a period of time and it became clear the qualities and characteristics he could bring to our group."
"He joins us in a unique role which will see him register as a player first and foremost, but then also be responsible for the coaching provision of our First Team Goalkeeper group whilst Lewis Price gets the treatment and time he requires."
"David is incredibly well respected by our Goalkeepers at the club and had been completing his coaching education outside of playing. We look forward to having him available for us and the positive impact he will inevitably make amongst the goalkeeper group."
Head Coach Liam Manning added: "David is someone who knows the Club inside and out and his experiences, both here and throughout his playing career, will be invaluable to the squad. He is also a fantastic character and brings some excellent qualities on and off the pitch."
"He has made it clear that he wants to continue playing and he will have an opportunity to compete to do so here, but this is also an opportunity for him to lead the Club’s goalkeeping department while we are without Lewis Price."
