Lewington stays with Dons in development role

Dean Lewington made his English Football League debut back in 2003

Long-serving defender Dean Lewington is to stay with MK Dons in a coaching role with the club's newly-formed development squad.

The 40-year-old had been considering his future after deciding to retire at the end of the season following 917 appearances.

He will work with first-year professional and schoolboy-level players as an individual development coach from the beginning of pre-season.

"Lewie has been an integral part of this football club from day one, achieving something that I think we all agree will never be seen again," said sporting director Liam Sweeting.

"We have been so fortunate to lean on Dean's wisdom on the pitch, but his new career path provides an excellent chance to pass on some of his experience to those aspiring to reach the senior level of football, and for Dean to enter the next chapter of his career as a coach."

Lewington, who has acted as interim boss on three occasions, already has a Uefa B coaching licence and is now studying for his A licence.

Holders of an A licence are eligible to coach men's teams up to and including the second tier.

Lewington began his playing career with Wimbledon FC and stayed with them when they made the move to Milton Keynes in 2004.

Lewington was involved in many of the club's biggest moments, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2008, beating Manchester United 4-0 in the League Cup in 2014 and winning promotion to the Championship in 2015.

His final appearance as a player came as a late substitute in their season-ending game away to Swindon Town on 3 May.