The MK Dons academy graduate was tipped for big things at Stadium MK
Tom Flanagan, who was once tipped to be the captain of the MK Dons, is no longer with Shrewsbury Town and is a free agent.
The 32-year-old played in just 11 games for Salop this season, but in his 2.5 years with the Shropshire team, he collected 67 appearances.
After graduating from Stadium MK’s academy, Flanagan was widely anticipated to have a bright career at MK Dons. Despite being a key member of the U18 team when he made his debut in February 2010, the centre back was never able to firmly establish himself in the starting lineup.
After making an impression while on loan at Gillingham and Barnet, where the Gills won promotion that same season, Flanagan was predicted by former Dons manager Karl Robinson to become the next club captain.
However, once the team was promoted to the Championship in 2015, Flanagan left MK1 for fresh pastures after having brief loan stints at Stevenage and Plymouth Argyle as well. Only 44 more appearances for the team would Flanagan make in the five years after his debut.
After joining Burton Albion at Pirelli Stadium, Flanagan would play frequently for the first team in the Championship, making 82 appearances for the Brewers during his three years there. Additionally, he would gain prominence on a global scale upon being called up to the Northern Ireland team.
In 2018, he relocated to Sunderland, where he lived for four years until relocating to Shrewsbury in January 2022.
Along with Flanagan, two other former Dons who were released and now become free agents this summer are Laurie Walker (Barnet) and Stuart O’Keefe (Aldershot).
Along with Flanagan, two other former Dons who were released and now become free agents this summer are Laurie Walker (Barnet) and Stuart O’Keefe (Aldershot).
