League One preview: MK Dons

League One preview: MK Dons

MK Dons are next to be previewed

League One Preview:

 

Next on our list of League One previews is Milton Keynes Dons. After finishing off the pace in eighth place last season and four points off the Play-Offs young manager Karl Robinson will be hopeful of a successful 2013-2014 season.

 

Team: Milton Keynes Dons

 

Milton Keynes Dons will be starting their sixth season in League One after being promoted in 2008. Over the past five seasons MK Dons have finished third, twelfth, fifth, fifth and eighth last season.

 

They are guaranteed to be competitive next season as they look to jump up to the second tier of English Football.

 

Players:

 

So far this summer the Dons have been quiet in the transfer market. Notable exits include Mason Spence who has joined Colchester United on a free transfer. Also heading for the exit door is former Plymouth Argyle defender Mathias Doumbe who had been with the club since 2009.

 

New contracts have been offered to Gary MacKenzie, Jon Otsemobor, Adam Chicksen, Dean Lewington and Ian McLoughlin.

 

Manager:

 

At the age of 32 Karl Robinson is one of the youngest managers in the Football League.

 

Robinson started at the Liverpool Youth Academy and later worked as a coach at Blackburn Rovers.

 

Robinson began his MK Dons career as assistant manager under previous manager Paul Ince, the Dons manager is also the youngest person to ever acquire a UEFA Pro Licence.

 

His first season saw the Dons finish in fifth place and a Play-Off spot.

  

Key Man: Alan Smith

 

It is not very often that you see a former England international playing in League One, the former Leeds United, Manchester United and Newcastle United striker who has now converted himself into a midfielder has seemingly overcome his injuries at MK Dons.

 

Smith has been plagued by injuries ever since suffering a broken leg against Liverpool playing for Manchester United.

His experience at the highest level will no doubt be a huge asset to MK Dons as they look to finally secure promotion.

 

Promotion Odds: 7/2