How MK Dons really feel about Paul Warne after shock appointment, including ‘ambitious’ plans for next season

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Paul Warne has been brought in as the new MK Dons manager, and we can exclusively reveal how those inside the club have reacted to the appointment.

Having lost his job at Derby County back in February with the Rams on a disastrous run of form that left them embroiled in the Championship relegation battle, it was unclear when we would see Paul Warne in management again.

Just days ago, Warne was thought to have rejected MK Dons, who were keen to bring the former Derby man down to League Two.

However, we exclusively revealed last night that Warne was ready to accept the offer after much persuasion, and as expected, the announcement was officially made shortly after.

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MK Dons wouldn’t ‘take no for an answer’ with Paul Warne

Now, in another EFL Analysis exclusive from Graeme Bailey, we can reveal what the internal noise at MK Dons has been like since Warne was appointed.

Bailey said: “MK’s new owners are ambitious and that has been underlined by Warne’s appointment, they focused on him and they would not take no for an answer.

“It is a major coup to land Warne – he left Derby earlier this season but he was not doing an awful job, indeed getting them up was a significant achievement. But to get him to drop down to League Two, is really impressive.”

Turns out, MK Dons were not the only club chasing Warne, but he was lured in by the long-term goals at the League Two outfit.

Bailey added: “I am told there was interest from within League One in Warne but MK have persuaded him with their plans – which include immediate promotion next term.”

MK Dons are currently down in 19th place in League Two with four games to go. A strong start to the campaign made way for a disappointing slide in the last few months, but they will be aiming to bounce back next year.

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Derby County expert shares thoughts on Paul Warne

We also spoke to EFL Analysis’ resident Derby County expert, Luke Thrower, to offer some insight into how Warne’s time at Pride Park was perceived, and he suggested Warne should still be celebrated as a key figure in Derby’s recent history.

He said: “Paul Warne’s time at Derby was viewed as a mixed one by fans. An incredible run when he first came in 2022 was halted as a late slide in form saw the Rams miss out on the playoffs in 2023 on the final day. A poor start to the next season had fans calling for his departure, while his playing style failed to win over many.

“Wins flowed after, with set-pieces a particular strength for the team. In the end, promotion was built off of a strong backline with just enough in attack to win matches. Warne put an emphasis on his team running for everything, with his man management a particular strength.”

Warne led Derby to promotion last season, but struggled to help the Rams adapt to life back in the second tier and looked destined to get them relegated.

Thrower added: “The jump to the Championship wasn’t too bad at first, but a sticky period from December to February sealed his fate as questions over style reared their head again. While Warne may count himself unlucky to have left when he did at Derby, there was a clear separation from fans.

“His stint at Derby is likely to be looked upon more fondly as time passes by, with him playing a crucial role in the club rebuilding from near ruin.”

Fans have since seen John Eustace perform a ‘miracle’ in guiding Derby out of the relegation zone in recent weeks. Suffice to say, they’re in a better place now, but it sounds like supporters will come to appreciate Warne’s influence in time.