Charlton were awful on Tuesday, but it is sometimes easy to forget that there are two teams on the pitch.
Robbie Neilson’s game plan was executed to perfection by his team, and they dominated proceedings for virtually the entire ninety minutes.
MK Dons took advantage of Charlton’s narrow midfield diamond that left Chris Sollly and Jay Dasilva exposed down the flanks.
Star man for the Dons was veteran midfielder, Darren Potter. Now in his sixth season with the club, Potter operated just in front of the back four, and started most of the visitors’ attack. His former manager, Karl Robinson, praised him for the bravery of his passing.
Potter is out of contract in the summer, and though now 32-years-old, he could be a possible target for Robinson.
Another player to impress was 19-year-old Leicester loanee, Harvey Barnes, who scored the second goal. He arrived during the January window, and was an astute signing by Neilson.
The Dons have a record of appointing young, hungry managers. Paul Ince cut his managerial teeth with the Buckinghamshire club, before being succeeded by Robinson.
When the Liverpudlian was dismissed earlier in the season, they recruited 36-year-old Hearts manager, Neilson. Tuesday’s win took the Dons into the top half of the table.
Robinson’s assistant, Richie Barker, is being strongly linked with a move to Rotherham.
Barker is thought to want to move back into management, though it seems likely he would only be on the coaching staff at the New York Stadium.
Barker was born in the area, so the Rotherham job is likely to appeal to him. The move could happen swiftly, and he may be gone before Southend visit The Valley on Saturday.
Robinson has used Johnnie Jackson in a coaching capacity, and the skipper could become more involved with the team’s preparation if Barker does move on.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic