Russell Martin: My methods are rubbing off at MK Dons despite cup loss

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2019 by PA

Russell Martin insists his methods are already rubbing off at MK Dons, despite his first game in charge ending in a 1-0 FA Cup first-round loss to Port Vale.

The 33-year-old quit playing to take over from Paul Tisdale on Wednesday but David Worrall’s 20th-minute header meant his tenure started in defeat.

However, Martin hailed the Dons’ spirit and believes results will improve quickly if they maintain a positive attitude.

“Of course we are disappointed to lose in a game I think we have dominated, but I enjoyed it and what I saw from the lads was totally different from last week,” he said.

“We have had three days of work together, and I saw today what we have been working on – a willingness to win the ball back, and to dominate the ball and play out from the back.

“We need to be a bit more patient and calmer around the six-yard box, but I was pleased with what I saw today and it is a good foundation to build on.

“I was pleased with the resilience we showed after their goal, and we dominated the game in the second half and pretty much played in their half.

“There is loads to be pleased about and lots to work on. I’m not naive and I know there are things we still need to work on, but the players should be proud of themselves today.

“There is lots to be positive about.”

Vale bossed much of the first half and should have scored more than just one but manager John Askey was just happy to see Worrall hit the target.

The striker has been urged to deliver the goods more often and Askey insists his hard work is paying off after he grabbed his second of the campaign.

“I have spoken to David Worrall about scoring more goals and getting in better positions – hopefully that will continue because it will make a big difference if he starts to get goals,” he said.

“It was a really well worked goal, we shifted it from one side to the other, and scored an excellent goal and well deserved.

“We did not know what to expect coming here today. They have just changed their manager and you worry that it would give them a big lift, but once we got into the game, we settled down.

“I am really pleased, I thought we played really well in the first half and should have probably gone in 2-0 up.

“We had to dig in in the second-half and – although they had a lot of possession – they did not really trouble us.

“It is another clean sheet and I am really pleased that we have managed to make it through to the next round.”