"I'm surprised" - Reaction given as Derby County player exit is confirmed | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County fan pundit believes Nathaniel Mendez-Laing will enjoy success with MK Dons next season

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has been backed to succeed in League Two with MK Dons next season.

The club officially announced that the 33-year-old will reunite with former Derby County boss Paul Warne at Stadium MK after three seasons with the Rams.

The Guatemala international played 41 times this term for Derby, and helped the club avoid relegation back to League One with a final-day draw against Stoke City.

Some were surprised to see the forward drop down two divisions, after featuring so prevalently in the Championship last year.

However, FLW’s Derby County fan pundit, Shaun Woodward, wasn’t too shocked to see Mendez-Laing make the move due to Warne’s involvement.

Verdict issued on Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s MK Dons move

“I'm surprised he's dropped down to League Two,” admitted Shaun. “I do believe he could still do a job in League One. However, he did really struggle in the Championship last season, and he barely made an impact for Derby.

“He scored a great goal against West Brom when he came off the bench at the end of the season, but that's pretty much his only highlight of the year. He's now been reunited with Paul Warne, who arguably got the best form out of him during his career.

“He was made captain and he's clearly loved by Paul Warne. He is stepping down to a level where he's more than capable, for a manager that really does think a lot of him.

“MK Dons will give him a couple of good years and have a great stadium to play your football in, great facilities and aspirations to be at the top of the league fighting for promotion.

“It might be a good end to his career, with him now being 33, so it probably isn’t a bad move for him because I don't think he can handle the Championship anymore.

“I'm surprised it's League Two, but not shocked when you consider who the manager is. I wish him all the best because he did play a massive part in getting Derby promoted back to the Championship.

“I don't hold any grudges from him leaving and wish him all the very best.”

Mendez-Laing could set Stadium MK alight

Last season was one to forget for MK Dons, finishing 19th in League Two and just 10 points clear of relegation.

Ambition is at the forefront of the club’s ethos, and under Warne will expect a huge improvement next term.

Acquiring Mendez-Laing will certainly help with that, as a Championship-quality player isn’t a luxury many clubs in the fourth-tier can afford.

It is clear the 33-year-old hasn’t just moved in search of a pay day, and in actual fact, has the drive to contribute massively to MK Dons’ future.

"I'm buzzing, happy to finally get this deal done. It's a project that I'm really excited about, and I can't wait to get going," Mendez-Laing said to the club website.

"I've always kept in touch with the gaffer, he's someone I highly respect.

"When the conversation happened, there was instant interest from my side. He's a great and honest man."