Former Leeds United coach Mark Jackson has hailed Jesse Marsch and his predecessor Marcelo Bielsa for the coaching experience they gave to the newly appointed MK Dons boss.
Jackson departed Leeds earlier this week to become MK Dons new head coach, leaving his boyhood club in the process.
The 45-year-old had a huge impact behind the scenes at Elland Road, with Marsch even claiming the Whites would have been relegated last season had it not been for Jackson's influence.
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A former Leeds player, Jackson has played a pivotal part in the development of some of the Whites young stars, including Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville and Sam Greenwood.
He worked his way through the coaching age ranks at Thorp Arch, eventually earning a promotion to first team coach under Marsch earlier this year.
And speaking to MK Dons official club website, Jackson hailed the experience he picked up working under the current Leeds boss Marsch, and the one who preceded him, Marcelo Bielsa.
"I’ve had some fantastic experiences, particularly over recent years working under the two managers that were there, most recently Jesse," said Jackson.
"I've worked with some world-renowned managers and, as a person who wants to better himself and learn everyday, I’ve always look to draw from those experiences. I've got a lot of valuable experience dealing with young players and playing in a way which kind of fits with the identity of this Club.
"Ultimately, being a Head Coach is what I’ve always wanted to do and my time studying at Leeds, working through the Academy and ultimately then the first team, is the journey I’ve been on to get me here.
"I feel the time is right for me to have this next step and to have the challenge of being a head coach, and I feel this Club is right for me too - the identity and everything about the Club fits with me perfectly."
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