Former Rangers defender Russell Martin has been named the new manager of MK Dons.

Paul Tisdale parted with the English League Two club over the weekend and they haven’t wasted time in appointing his successor.

Martin joined the club in a short-term deal in January and won Player of the Month in September but worked on earning his coaching badges over summer.

He told MK Dons website he was excited about the role as he looks to end the club's bad run of form after eight defeats in nine League One games.

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He said: "I’m excited and proud to have been given this opportunity to become manager of MK Dons.

"Football management is something that I’ve been preparing for, for a long time and this is an opportunity I’m ready to take on.

“I would like to thank Paul Tisdale for bringing me to the Football Club and for his hard work during my time here.

"We will always remember celebrating that special moment at the end of last season.

“I must also thank Pete Winkelman and the board for placing their trust in me. I accept their challenge to improve on the recent results and the current league position, and I will give everything I’ve got to repay their faith.

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“We’ve got work to do and we will need everyone working as one in order to achieve what we want to achieve – players, staff and fans included. We will turn this around together."

Martin, who was capped 29 times for Scotland, will face his first game in charge against Port Vale in the FA Cup first round tie next Saturday.

MK Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman said: "Ever since Russell joined the club, we recognised his potential to one day become a manager.

“It’s certainly happening faster than we expected but I’m excited to give Russell the chance and show us all what we can do.

“He’s taking over the club mid-season and faces an immediate challenge given recent form, but we have great confidence in his ability to turn this season’s fortunes around and head the club back in the right direction."