Milton Keynes Dons have announced today that the club has parted ways with head coach Liam Manning and his staff.
Manning took charge of the Dons after the sudden departure of previous manager Russell Martin at the start of last season, guiding the team to a third-place finish in League One, falling just shy of automatic promotion, and ultimately suffering defeat in the playoff semi-finals against Wycombe Wanderers.
This season, however, with recruitment geared more towards the future rather than the immediacy, Manning and his staff were unable to get the same kind of results and leave the team with the Dons sitting second-bottom in the league.
Manning departs Stadium MK along with Assistant Head Coach Chris Hogg, Assistant First-Team Coach David Wright and Goalkeeper Coach Darren Smith will also depart the Football Club.
Speaking of Manning's departure, Sporting Director Liam Sweeting commented: "Liam, Chris and David have worked tirelessly over the last 16 months and we are hugely grateful for their dedication as well as what they were able to achieve on and off the pitch, particularly last season."
"As well as being thoroughly professional and dedicated, they have represented the club impeccably throughout their time with us. Our thanks as well to Darren, who stepped in to help us during a difficult period."
"Ultimately, given the position we find ourselves in, our decision now is to change the leadership and my full focus is on identifying and appointing the right person to, first and foremost, guide us out of this current situation, before then taking us forward. That process begins immediately."
Chairman Pete Winkelman said: "It is with a real sadness that we have to make this decision. Liam and his team accomplished so much for us last season, providing some fantastic memories in a campaign we will never forget – for that we are all so grateful."
Dean Lewington will take interim charge of the team while the search for a new manager, or head coach, progresses.
