The MK Dons manager bring an update about a MK Dons player departure

MK Dons are delighted to announce the signing of defender Luke Offord as the Club’s second permanent transfer of the summer window, subject to League and FA clearance.

24-year-old defender Luke Offord makes the first permanent move of his career as he arrives at Stadium MK.

An academy product of Crewe Alexandra, Offord has represented the Railwaymen for the past seven years of his senior career since making his debut in a 2-0 victory over Leyton Orient in January 2020.

Following his debut, Luke featured a further 8 times as he contributed to Crewe’s second-place finish during the 2019/2020 campaign, which secured promotion to the third tier of English football.

With experience in both League One and League Two, the centre-half has amounted a total of 170 appearances whilst he also earned the honour of the captain’s armband on several occasions.

Former Crewe Manager David Artell hailed the praises of the young defender saying, ‘Offord has all the credentials to become a captain’. This would later come to fruition as Luke was named Club captain ahead of the most recent campaign.

On making the first-ever permanent move of his career, Luke said “’I’m really excited to join the Club! It’s a massive Club. Driving here to this huge stadium, I just can’t wait to go out there and play in front of the fans.

“The meeting I had with Mike and hearing him explain how he wants his players to play out of possession and in possession, I think it was something that appealed to me a lot.

“Obviously, I’m far from home, but I wanted to make that next step, be at this Club and hopefully get promoted in the upcoming season.”

Luke also shared an insight into the type of player that can be expected to arrive at Stadium MK “Every game I give 100%, I think that’s a given.

“I’m a young defender that’s come through the Academy at Crewe Alexandra. I’m quite an aggressive defender, I try to win the ball back quickly and when I have the ball at my feet, I like to think I’m quite calm and I want to play out.

“I like the style of the play the gaffer wants to put in place here and being brought up playing football at Crewe I think it will suit me quite well.”

Finally, Offord reflected on his time at the Club he’s been a part of since he was seven years old “17 years is a long time at a Football Club, and they have made me the player I am today.

“I might not have got this opportunity to come to a massive Club like MK Dons if it wasn’t for them. I can’t thank them enough. All the staff, the gaffer and all the players I have played with so a massive thank you to them.”

Mike Williamson shared his thoughts after capturing the second summer signing:

“First and foremost, Luke is a winner. At such a young age he’s gained promotion in his debut season at Crewe and that alone is impressive.

For 24, he’s an incredibly versatile defender and has already played a lot of football in both League One and Two while also being trusted with the captaincy of his former team.

We’re excited about the quality Luke is going to bring and we’re thrilled to get him through the door.”