Sources close to EFL Hub have revealed that Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsey is set to become the new manager of MK Dons.
It’s believed the former Swindon Town boss is edging out former Tottenham Hotspur caretaker Ryan Mason, who was also on the shortlist. This latest development comes as MK Dons intensify their search for a new head coach following Mike Williamson’s departure to Carlisle United last week.
The Dons have identified Lindsey as their top choice to take the helm at Stadium MK, with sources indicating that a deal is nearing completion. Lindsey has reportedly been in advanced talks with the club, and an official announcement could be made in the coming days. The 52-year-old has built an impressive reputation during his time at Crawley, where he led the club to an unexpected play-off promotion last season and has since kept them steady in League One.
Lindsey’s ability to turn around underperforming teams has made him a standout candidate for MK Dons, who have struggled in League Two this season, currently sitting in 17th place. His track record of exceeding expectations and galvanising squads put him ahead of Ryan Mason, whose lack of experience at the EFL level was a deciding factor in the Dons’ final decision.
Lindsey’s managerial career has been steadily rising, having started in non-league football before gaining experience as a caretaker manager at Lincoln City. He went on to manage Chatham Town and later took the reins at Swindon Town before moving to Crawley in 2023. At Broadfield Stadium, Lindsey defied the odds and led Crawley to promotion during a season where they were tipped for relegation. This remarkable feat caught the attention of many, making him a highly sought-after figure in the lower leagues.
Now, MK Dons are hoping that Lindsey’s success in building resilient teams can be replicated in Buckinghamshire, as the club looks to climb out of their current mid-table struggles. With the January transfer window on the horizon, the Dons are betting on Lindsey to steady the ship and inject new life into a squad in need of revitalisation.
Should the deal be finalised, Lindsey would leave Crawley in a much stronger position than when he arrived. The Red Devils, despite losing key players in the summer, currently sit comfortably in mid-table in League One, defying pre-season predictions of relegation. For Crawley, however, Lindsey’s departure will be a significant blow, and the club will now have the challenge of finding a manager capable of maintaining the momentum he built.
Our View
For MK Dons, securing Scott Lindsey as their next manager would be a shrewd move. Lindsey’s success at Crawley Town, where he took a team expected to struggle and turned them into promotion contenders, is exactly the kind of leadership MK Dons need at this stage. His ability to maximise the potential of his squad with limited resources is likely what appealed most to the Dons’ board as they look to reverse their early season woes.
As for Crawley, Lindsey’s departure could be a significant setback. His tactical nous and motivational skills have been instrumental in Crawley’s steady rise, and losing him mid-season might disrupt the stability he brought to the club. Crawley’s ability to find the right replacement will be crucial if they hope to maintain their form in League One and continue their push towards safety.
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