With Russell Martin's future at MK Dons looking uncertain, club captain and stalwart Dean Lewington spoke to the media after their pre-season friendly against Bournemouth in the 35-year-old's place.

The defender, who has accumulated nearly 700 appearances for the Milton Keynes-based club since his debut in 2004, was an unused substitute during the 90 minutes but faced questions about his manager's future.

Martin has been linked with the vacant manager's role at Swansea City, following Steve Cooper's exit from the club last month.

Martin was handed the managerial position with The Dons in November 2019 after Paul Tisdale's departure. During the 2019/20 campaign, the 35-year-old guided the Buckinghamshire club to a 19th-placed finish, before securing 13th spot last time out.

Lewington spoke to the MK Citizen after yesterday's 5-0 defeat in the EFL Cup about the situation at the club.

"We were made aware of it last night," he said. "It was on social media and we saw the odds and then we saw the statement this morning too. You get a weird feeling around the squad sometimes when you hear these things.

"We love working with him and the team, and we don't want it to happen. There is a lot of apprehension. I don't want to make excuses but it's a sad changing room.

"The timing is terrible. As players, we have no control over these things. We have to get on with whatever the circumstances and do the best for the club. Players come and go, managers come and go, the club is the be all and end all. It's up to us to deal with it and keep moving forwards."

The verdict

Russell Martin has done an excellent job at MK Dons thus far and has embarked on a project that has excited fans of the Buckinghamshire club.

He has laid down the foundations to build on, and the signings he has made this summer puts the club in a very strong position regarding next season.

This is no doubt a major disruption to the club's preparations for this upcoming campaign - whatever his future is.

There is no real shock that Swansea are casting their eyes over Martin. He has made a brilliant start to his managerial career and his style of football, and the way he operates matches Swansea's philosophy.