MK Dons finished 19th in the EFL League Two last season, finishing just outside the relegation zone. Now, with a new season inevitable, Dons will be looking to improve and push on up the table in the upcoming campaign.
Ahead of their opening fixture against Oldham on the 2nd of August, I sat down with Lower Tiers writer and MK Dons fan Jacob Beecher (@Beechball530 on X) to talk all things Dons in a MK Dons interview.
Before we start, I would like to thank Jacob for taking part in this MK Dons Interview. His responses were informative and aim to give you an insight into MK Dons as a club currently.
The MK Dons Interview
Question 1: The Dons Finished 19th Last Season. But, How Would You Summarize The Season?
“I’d summarise last season as a transitional period at the club. We had many changes through ownership and managers. The team wasn’t gelled as we brought in big names, but had not been given the time to work. The constant changes in management (5 different managers, including 2 interim and warne on the final few), we couldn’t build any momentum at all.”
Question 2: What Was Your Favourite Moment Of Last Season?
“My favourite moment of last season was our 3-2 comeback win against Cheltenham, where
Lawrence Maguire scored in front of the fans. Everyone went nuts, and fortunately, I got to meet him later on that day.”
Question 3: What Would You Rate MK Dons’ Transfer Window Out Of 10?
“I’d rate our transfer window an 8/10. With some fantastic additions including Aaron Collins, Nathaniel Mendez Laing, and recently Patterson after he left Wednesday. It’s been a really big window for us. But we still miss depth in those certain positions, including left back.”
Question 4: Who Has Been Don’s Best Signing So Far?
“I think our best signing so far would be Mendez Laing. Although out of favour at Derby. To come back to Warne and drop two divisions, even when I thought he could play high-end League One football, he will be very special for us.”
Question 5: Which Area Of The Squad Do Dons Need To Improve The Most And Why?
“The area we need to improve most positionally is at Left back. I love Tomlinson; he’s a brilliant player, but was caught out too many times last season in transition, playing at wing-back. A more traditional left back who stays back may be pivotal in allowing us to play against the opposition.”
Question 6: Are MK Dons Prepared For Next Season?
“I think we are very prepared for next season. Players brought in for our weakest areas, and a tactically amazing manager. It’s hard not to think we are prepared for the campaign.”
Question 7: What Do You Think Of The Club Currently?
“I love the club a lot currently. After the last 2 seasons of a lot of pain, it’s great to see us move away from “the MK way” and bring in a more communal approach. Our kits display that. They aren’t the same thing every year for each kit, and the new badge allows us to experiment with how we use it (was not a fan to begin with)”
Question 8: Can Paul Warne bring success to MK Dons next season?
“Without a doubt, Paul Warne can bring us success this season. Even if we’d brought in these players without him. It’s hard to see another manager at the helm and bring the lads together. He isn’t against using our recent academy graduates into the squad also! The likes of Charlie Waller have been given the chance in Preseason whilst limited last campaign through management.”
Question 9: Who is the club’s Best Player Currently?
“To say the best player is hard, seeing the personnel we have at our disposal. Names like Gilbey fly out as a role model for the lads. Playing last season through injury to help try and salvage what we had. Collins, I expect to be a powerhouse up top. But don’t forget Sanders and Maguire at the back, who can really help us.”
Question 10: What Is Your Prediction For How MK Dons Will Do Next Season?
“My prediction for next season is 2nd. As much as I’d love to put us first, I worry that there will be an injury crisis somewhere along the way, and we lose momentum but still stick strong for autos.”
Thank you for reading the MK Dons interview if you have any feedback, please let us know in the comments below.
