Di Matteo – We Will Survive

Roberto Di Matteo, the MK Dons manager, has insisted that his side will not fall apart now that Keith Andrews has completed his dream move to Blackburn Rovers.

Andrews, 27, yesterday finally ended his summer-long battle to move to the Premier League side, and agreed a three-year contract with Paul Ince’s men.

The fee has not been disclosed, and is rumoured to be in the region of £1m, although it is not yet known whether the bulk of that will be paid upfront, or in later installments based on the midfielder’s success at Ewood Park.

Di Matteo, speaking to the club’s official site, revealed, ‘Keith’s going to be a big loss for the team and the club, he’s done fantastically for MK.’

‘It’s a bit of a shame but that was the player’s wish, his dream, so we wish him good luck.’

The Italian also denied reports that he was pressured into letting go of his skipper, insisting the deal was right for the club.

‘As long as the deal is right for the Club we will never stand in a player’s way of developing,’ he continued.

‘Keith did very well last season, but it wasn’t just him – the whole team did extraordinarily well.’

Di Matteo remains hopeful that at least some of the Andrews cash can be used in the next couple of days, as he attempts to bring in one or two more new faces to bolster his squad.

‘The transfer window closes in a few days so I’ll have a chat with the Chairman and we’ll see what we can do,’ was all the manager was willing to say.

However, Di Matteo was eager to emphasise that the show must go on, adding, ‘Football is a team sport so I guess we’ll survive after Mr Andrews.’

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