Lewington: Rhythm, management and why Shilton's record is safe

On July 31 2021, prior to their Carabao Cup first-round trip to Bournemouth, MK Dons released a statement that revealed Swansea had made an approach for head coach Russell Martin.

Posted on the club's official website, it read: "To our extreme disappointment, this was received less than 24 hours prior to our first competitive fixture of the season. To minimise disruption to our players and our match preparation, it was decided that this would be discussed after today's game."

A 5-0 humbling preceded the confirmation of Martin's departure the following day, which made for one of the most miserable, forgettable 24-hour periods in the club's short history.

The timing was as far from ideal as one can imagine - and it thrust captain Dean Lewington into the spotlight.

With a week before the start of the 2021/22 curtain-raiser away at Bolton, a temporary plan was drawn up and, as the most senior member of the squad - having been with the club since its inception in 2004 - he was asked to step up to steer the ship.

We knew Russ was going and I spoke to [sporting director] Liam Sweeting and he asked if I'd be able to take the team the following week, just for training, until they could find someone else to come in," the 37-year-old says, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

"I knew I'd be ticking things over for that week, so I was just trying to plan the week and do the right things for the boys to prepare for the first game on the Saturday.