Football Season Guide

MK Dons have become known as League One's 'nearly' side, but their previous season was below their usual standards, as they failed to reach the Play-offs and finished 8th. Despite the disappointing finish, Karl Robinson's job never seemed to be under threat, as the young manager has the full backing of the board, who are not investing a lot of money into the club, and he also had the valid excuse of seeing several of his key players missing a lot of playing time due to injuries last season. Robinson had his biggest summer wish fulfilled by the board, as striker Patrick Bamford, who spent time with the club on loan last season, was snapped up on a loan deal that will expire in January. Robinson talked highly about Bamford last season and admitted that he sees him as the 15-20 goal striker that the Dons so desperately need. The other arrivals include midfielders Jason Banton and Been Reeves, who both sign on loan from Premier League sides, while Lee Hodson signs as a free agent after being released by Watford. Hodson, who has plenty of League One experience with Brentford, is expected to fill the boots of departed utility man Adam Chicksen, who left to join Brighton. Gary MacKenzie, who joined Blackpool on loan near the end of the previous campaign, is also gone, while Matt Doumbe and Ryan Lowe, who both failed to impress last season, were allowed to leave. All in all, the Dons seem to be similar in strength to the last season's side, that definitely underperformed. If they can keep their key players healthy, improve on their disciplinary record and get a solid number of goals out of Bamford, the Dons will be one of the teams to watch next season.