Dean Lewington (Def)

Role: Caretaker 

Date Of Birth: 18th May 1984

Appointed:

1st August 2021 - 13th August 2021

11th December 2022 - 23rd December 2022

20th September 2024 - 24th September 2024 

 

As player:

Signed: Continuation from Wimbledon FC 

Squad number: 3

Previous Clubs:

2003–2004 Wimbledon

2004–2025 Milton Keynes Dons

 

Appearances: 791

Goals: 21 

A dependable left-back and later centre-back, Lewington became club captain in 2008 and remained a constant presence through some of the most important moments in the Dons’ history. He won the EFL Trophy and League Two title in 2007/08, helped MK Dons reach the Championship for the first time in 2014/15, and was captain when the club secured promotion back to League One in 2018/19.

Lewington also captained the side during the famous 4-0 League Cup victory over Manchester United in 2014, one of the biggest results in the club’s history.

His greatest achievement, however, was his extraordinary longevity. In December 2023, Lewington made his 771st league appearance for MK Dons, surpassing John Trollope’s 40-year EFL record for the most league appearances for a single club. He eventually finished his playing career with 917 competitive appearances for the Dons, an EFL record.

After retiring in 2025, Lewington stayed at Stadium MK, taking up a role as an Individual Development Coach with the MK Dons Development Squad. Having completed his UEFA B Licence, he has continued working towards his UEFA A Licence and a career in coaching.

Dean Lewington’s legacy is inseparable from MK Dons. More than two decades, three promotions, major cup successes and a record-breaking 917 appearances made him not just the club’s longest-serving player, but one of the defining figures in its history. In 2026, he was honoured with the prestigious EFL Sir Tom Finney Award.