After accepting a position as MK Dons’ first team coach, Carl Magnay, 35, reconnected with Mike Williamson. In 2009, Magnay joined Roberto Di Matteo’s team on loan from Chelsea, playing just seven minutes against Cheltenham Town.
He played under Williamson for Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United, Spennymoor Town, and Gateshead before turning to coaching at the International Stadium, where he worked under Rob Elliot, Williamson’s replacement, in the final season of his playing career. However, a knee injury ended his playing career.
Fifteen years after his initial stint, Magnay returned to Stadium MK and expressed his excitement about the job ahead. I’m thrilled about the possibility, as I finished playing in October.
“I took over as First Team Coach at Gateshead after Mike and Ian left, and I worked with a fantastic group of guys.” I gained a lot of confidence in the role and experienced a fantastic learning curve.
“Having a happy work environment is extremely important, and I’m working with people that I know really well.”
“As a staff, we know Carl well from our time at Gateshead and feel he can add another dimension to our coaching this season. I’m really pleased to have him with us and excited to see what he can achieve with our players,” Williamson commented. “I really want to develop some strong relationships with the players; my style of coaching is really to get on a human level with each individual.”
