After his contract at Chesterfield expired, defender Laurence Maguire signed for MK Dons, which they are happy to announce.

After earning promotion to League One while on loan at Crawley Town the previous season, the gifted centre back has joined the Dons.

Subject to League and FA permission, the 27-year-old now joins Luke Offord and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans as MK Dons’ third summer addition at Stadium MK.

The central defender, a graduate of Chesterfield’s academy, debuted for the first team in an EFL Trophy match against Wolves U23s in 2016.

After that, in 2017, he would spend some time on loan with AFC Fylde, where he would acquire useful experience in the National League North.

After moving back to Chesterfield, the defender established himself as a vital member of the Spireites, making 167 appearances overall and chipping in with nine goals from defence.

Maguire represented England C, the non-League side that represents England, while he was a player in Derbyshire.

The centre back signed a loan agreement with Crawley Town in August 2023, which was later extended until the end of the season. The deal was initially set to expire in January.

Maguire would play a major role for the Reds, making 39 appearances in a season that saw them gain promotion and score three goals.

On joining MK Dons, Laurence stated, “It’s been fabulous really, it’s something that as soon as I spoke to the manager I wanted to get done as soon as possible, it’s been a whirlwind over the last three weeks after the playoff final, but yeah I’m so delighted to get it done and be at this fantastic football club.”

Laurence gave the following description of his style of play: “I’m a defender first and foremost; I like to keep clean sheets, but obviously, coming into this club, I’d like to say I’m a possession-based center-half.” I’m hoping I can jump right in because, well, I’m from Crawley and the play is pretty similar.”

“I had a meeting with Mike last week and we had a really positive chat about the way we want to play and the intention of what we want to do this year, there’s only one target and that is to get promoted,” the centre back stated when asked about his goals for the season.

“Laurence is a hugely talented defender,” MK Dons Head Coach Mike Williamson remarked, announcing Maguire as his third summer addition. He has every physical attribute a center-back needs to be successful at this level. He has a keen footballing mind and is also quite calm when he’s on the ball. Seeing what he can accomplish with an MK Dons shirt excites me.

Luke Molyneux has signed a new three-year contract with Doncaster Rovers, the club announced on its official website, despite rumours of interest from Gillingham and MK Dons.
The winger’s services have been retained by Doncaster Rovers by deflecting interest from other parties. After losing to Crewe Alexandra in the play-offs semi-final, they are gearing up for another season in League Two.

The 26-year-old Molyneux’s previous contract allowed him to become a free agent in late June. Reporter Pete O’Rourke on X claims that Gillingham and MK Dons were aware of him this summer.

But now they will have to search elsewhere for their prey. According to the attacker’s statement on Donny’s official club website, “I’m excited to be here and resign.” I’m glad it’s finally over since I’ve been in continual communication with Cliff Byrne and the gaffer, Grant McCann. At the end of the season, you can see how good we were. We must undoubtedly do that again the following year, and I’m excited to see how it turns out.

MK Dons finalise an agreement to sign Gillingham and MK Dons
Doncaster Rovers will benefit greatly from keeping hold of Molyneux as they aim to undertake another promotion push into League One the following season.

Since joining them two years ago, he has made 101 appearances and scored 14 goals, 11 of which came during the previous season.

The man, who was born in the North East, progressed through Sunderland’s academy system before joining the Championship team.
He played regularly for the Black Cats at several different youth levels and made 13 appearances for the first team while still a young player. He also had loan stints at Hartlepool United and the Stadium of Light in order to gain experience.

In 2019, the latter signed him permanently, and he went on to establish himself as a vital member of Victoria Park’s team.

During his tenure with the Pools, Molyneux scored 18 goals in 111 games and assisted them in winning promotion from the National League in his third season.

What comes next for MK Dons and Gillingham?
In an attempt to recruit more players, Gillingham has selected former Cambridge United manager Mark Bonner to succeed Stephen Clemence. Under Bonner’s leadership, the club has acquired Elliott Nevitt, a striker, from Crewe Alexandra through the transfer market.

Like Doncaster Rovers, MK Dons also advanced to the play-offs but were defeated by eventual winners Crawley Town.

As a substitute for Molyneux, they have acquired Connor Lemonheigh-Evans following his departure from Stockport County.