Former England Coach’s Legacy in English Football: A Personal Journey
At 40 years old, Dean Lewington is still going strong in the world of professional football. The defender, who made his senior debut for Wimbledon 21 years ago, is set to make his 939th appearance in a huge fourth-v-third clash when MK Dons host Mansfield today. With 814 appearances in the English league, Lewington sits fourth in the all-time list, a feat bettered only by Peter Shilton, Tony Ford, and Graham Alexander.
Lewington’s career began in the aftermath of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegation from the Premier League, and he was part of the team that controversially switched to Milton Keynes in 2004. While technically staying at one club, Lewington made 32 appearances for Wimbledon before their move to MK. AFC Wimbledon was subsequently created, gaining EFL status and building a new stadium at Plough Lane. Despite the split, Lewington harbors no animosity towards AFC and is glad to see them doing well. His focus remains on MK Dons.
Reflecting on his career, Lewington attributes his longevity to a combination of happiness and luck with injuries. He also acknowledges the benefits of modern training methods and nutritionists. While he experienced the drinking culture of old-school football in the early stages of his career, Lewington appreciates the advantages of improved training techniques and a healthier lifestyle.
Throughout his career, Lewington has endured both promotions and relegations. Last season, MK Dons suffered relegation to League Two, just a year after narrowly missing out on promotion to the Championship. Despite the ups and downs, Lewington describes his career as happy and fulfilling.
One of the highlights of Lewington’s career was winning promotion to the Championship in 2015 under manager Karl Robinson, with Dele Alli leading the way. The team’s success prompted Tottenham to sign Alli for £5 million. Lewington fondly remembers the period when the club was on the up, with the youth team producing talented players like Alli. However, their time in the Championship was short-lived, and MK Dons found themselves back in League Two two years later.
Lewington’s loyalty to MK Dons has been tested at times. In 2006, a swap deal involving Huddersfield’s Pawel Abbott fell through, and in 2017, he was frozen out by former manager Robbie Neilson. The latter was a low point for Lewington, as he was banned from the club and told he wasn’t wanted. However, Neilson’s departure changed the situation, and Lewington continued his career with MK Dons.
Throughout his career, Lewington has learned the importance of not taking managerial decisions personally. With his father, Ray Lewington, being a former football manager himself, Dean understands that managers have to make tough choices and select their best XI. He also credits current Southampton boss Russell Martin as his standout manager, describing him as someone who believes in what he does 100 percent.
As Lewington approaches his 40th birthday, he acknowledges that his time as a player will eventually come to an end. He plans to transition into coaching but intends to keep playing for as long as he can. While MK Dons may not have fulfilled chairman Pete Winkelman’s ambition of reaching the Premier League or staying in the Championship, Lewington believes that with the right investment and commitment, the club has the potential to achieve those goals.
Dean Lewington’s personal journey in English football is a testament to his longevity and dedication to the sport. Despite the challenges and changes he has faced throughout his career, Lewington remains focused on his love for the game and his desire to continue playing and contributing to the success of MK Dons. As he approaches this milestone birthday, the future looks bright for this seasoned footballer.