Mark Jackson left Leeds United towards the end of December to embark on his first stint as a manager at senior level but it has not gone to plan – ending in relegation and after just 25 games in charge, Jackson has been sacked.
Jackson, 45, left Leeds to start his own managerial career after impressing as the club’s Under-21 gaffer. He also worked alongside Jesse Marsch on the first-team coaching staff before his move to MK Dons on December 23.
Since then, Jackson has brought in Max Dean from Leeds to MK Dons – and has been tasked with keeping the club in the third tier. Three consecutive wins in March looked as though it would be enough to keep MK Dons up.
But it went wrong. With four teams being relegated from League One, MK Dons failed to win any of their last eight league games. Drawing 0-0 with Burton on the final day was not enough, and they have been relegated in 21st.
Subsequently, Jackson has been sacked as MK Dons manager following the club’s relegation to the fourth tier of English football. MK Dons confirmed his exit on Tuesday, also stating that parts of his coaching staff have also left.
Mark Jackson sacked by MK Dons after Leeds exit in December
A shame for Jackson, who is clearly a talented coach. But joining MK Dons midway through the season was always going to prove difficult. Even with the addition of five new players in January, including Dean, was not enough.
Dean only managed nine outings, scoring just once. So, now, Jackson is without a club and his managerial status in tatters. Renowned for being a Leeds fan, it will be interesting to see what next for Jackson – maybe, back to Leeds?
