New Season, New Teams takes a look at the six teams that will be joining EFL Sky Bet League Two for the 2018/19 season.
Today we take a look at MK Dons, who suffered relegation from League One last season.
About MK Dons:
- Founded: 2004
- Stadium: Stadium MK
- Nickname: The Dons
MK Dons were formed in 2004 following Wimbledon FC's controversial relocation to Milton Keynes from south London, when it adopted its present name, badge and home colours.
In 2007 the club won both the League Two title and Football League Trophy under the management of Paul Ince.
The club then spent seven seasons in League One before gaining promotion to the Championship in 2015 under Karl Robinson. However they only lasted a season in the second tier and since find themselves in League Two for the 2018/19 season.
The Manager:
Paul Tisdale
Someone who needs no introduction to Exeter City supporters. Paul departed St James Park after 12 seasons in charge in June after deciding not to sign a new contract. Paul left the club in a great position and was instrumental in leading the club to what it is today.
Paul joined MK Dons on June 6 on a long-term contract and is tasked at getting MK Dons back to League One at the first time of asking.
The Ground:
Name: Stadium MK
Capacity: 30,500
Year opened: 2007
Address: Stadium MK, Milton Keynes, Stadium Way, MK1 1ST
Stadium MK is a 30,500 all seater purpose built stadium, opened in 2007.
The stadium is a modern enclosed bowl with a high roof which allows more natural light to reach the pitch.
Away supporters are usually housed in the upper tier of the stadium in the North East Corner, where around 3,000 fans can be accommodated.
One to Watch:
Chuks Aneke
Young-midfielder Chuks joined the Dons in 2016 from Zulte Waregem.
The former Arsenal youth product scored his first goals for the club in a 5–3 home win over Northampton Town in January 2017.
He would finish the 2017/18 season as MK Don's top scorer with 10 goals in all competitions, as well as registering 10 assists.
2017/18 Season In Review:
- Position: 23rd (Relegated)
- Average Attendance: 9,202
- Top Scorer: Chuks Aneke - 10
After two seasons back in League One, MK Dons were relegated to League Two, finishing in 23rd place.
Since January the Dons had been hovering in and around the relegation places and were unable to pull themselves away from danger. Relegation was confirmed on April 28 after a 2-0 defeat at home to Sunthorpe.
Previous Meetings:
MK Dons 3 Exeter City 0: March 10, 2012
MK Dons strengthened their grip on a play-off position with a routine win over a struggling City side.
Mathias Doumbe opened the scoring from long-range, before Charlie MacDonald doubled their lead.
City would go close through Jamie Cureton and John O'Flynn, but sub Jabo Ibehre raced clear to complete the 3-0 win.
Exeter City 0 MK Dons 2: August 13, 2011
MK Dons ended City's five-match winning run at St James Park, with victory coming thanks to a Jabo Ibehre strike and a last minute effort from Dean Bowditch.
Head to Head:
- Exeter City wins: 0
- Draws: 2
- MK Dons wins: 6
Fixture release day is on Thursday, June 21, tune in from 9am to find out when City will face the Dons in 2018/19.