Exclusive: Sky pundit drops exciting Paul Warne, MK Dons prediction after his Derby County exit | OneFootball

Wycombe Wanderers legend and pundit Joe Jacobson spoke exclusively to FLW about MK Dons' recent appointment of Paul Warne

League Two strugglers MK Dons have turned heads with the end-of-season appointment of Paul Warne, less than three months after he was relieved of his duties with Derby County in the Championship.

Warne, a League One specialist with four third-tier promotions under his belt, guided Derby back to the Championship in second-place just last season, but an alarming drop-off in form following a strong start to the campaign saw him dismissed as the Rams sought out John Eustace from Blackburn Rovers.

The ex-Rotherham United manager, however, has not wasted time in making his way back into the dugout. Despite being linked with vacancies at both Barnsley and Huddersfield Town, Warne decided to drop down to League Two for the first time in his managerial career by taking the job with MK, signing what is only described as a "long-term contract".

It would be fair to say that Warne's appointment at Stadium MK has sprung a surprise. Warne has arrived as the club's third manager of the current campaign, with both Scott Lindsey and Mike Williamson having been dismissed from their positions this term.

MK have struggled this season after losing in the play-offs last time out, and are languishing in 19th position ahead of their home fixture against Newport County on Good Friday.

Joe Jacobson's verdict on MK Dons, Paul Warne appointment

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Wycombe Wanderers defender Joe Jacobson lauded the appointment of Warne.

Jacobson was surprised by the news given Warne's record a division above in League One and the stylistic contrast between the ex-Derby boss and recent managers at MK, but believes there is much cause for excitement heading into the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

"I am surprised about Paul Warne," Jacobson told FLW.

"He's got a good reputation recently of getting teams promoted from League One, so it's a bit of a coup for MK Dons to manage to get someone like him in.

"I'm a bit surprised as he plays a different style of football to what they've had with Mike Williamson and Scott Lindsey, he's a bit more robust and direct, a little bit what MK Dons need.

"They're going to be a force to be reckoned with next season. It's good timing to get him in before the summer to have a look at the players.

"It wouldn't surprise me if they have a bit of a go in the summer and then do well next season."

Paul Warne has a lot to sort at MK Dons

Right now, the focus will simply be on seeing out the remainder of the campaign, with MK set to go neither up nor down, and then truly initiate the project in the summer.

Warne, of course, will already be running the rule over the new squad he has inherited, but it's one which was assembled to play a patient, possession-based brand of football.

As Jacobson says, Warne is known for being very pragmatic and direct, which may prompt something of a squad rebuild at MK.

The squad has also, quite simply, failed to perform under two previous managers now, and the 51-year-old will hope to be backed in the transfer market this summer as he looks to propel them back to League One.