Victor Orta insists Mark Jackson has earned the opportunity to take the next step after filling the vacant MK Dons managerial position. Jackson was announced as the League One side’s new head coach earlier today after making the decision to leave his coaching role at boyhood club Leeds United.
Jackson held a number of positions during his time with the club, starting in the academy before taking on the club’s Under-23s. He was promoted to the first-team set up in March by Jesse Marsch and he has played a key role since then, with set-pieces one of the responsibilities given to him by the American.
The MK Dons role will be Jackson’s first spell as a senior head coach and he starts with immediate effect with Forest Green Rovers set to travel to Stadium MK on Boxing Day. The Dons are struggling at the wrong end of the League One table at present and Jackson has been tasked with helping the club up the table and out of relegation danger.
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United’s sporting director Orta has followed Jackson’s development as a coach closely during their time together and he’s hailed his influence at Elland Road in recent years.
“Whilst I am sad to let Mark leave us, this is a great opportunity for him to go and experience being a head coach and he deserves to take this next step,” Orta told the club website.
“Not only has Jacko been instrumental in progressing many of our young players, but he has also been a really important part of Jesse’s team.
“We will always be grateful to Jacko and I am sure that the fans will always welcome him at Elland Road.”
Marsch echoed Orta’s sentiments, admitting Jackson’s absence will be felt at Thorp Arch after working closely with the head coach since his arrival earlier this year.
“Jacko has been outstanding during my time at Leeds United,” Marsch said. “He is a top coach, but more importantly a great person and he taught me and the other staff what it means to be Leeds.
“He will be sadly missed around Thorp Arch, but this is an opportunity he needs to take to grow. We will all be looking out for his results and hope he has great success.”
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