We have decided to throw out an invitation to you the Dons fans to see where it all began for you, what has attracted you to keep coming, and to add a few more bits an pieces that seem relevant. We won’t be running this feature every week, probably once a month or something, but if you want to get involved please send Tom Lazenby a PM and he will get you started.
For our first ever interview we hooked up with well-known Dons fan Ollie Welch star of MK Dons Fan TV who is 26 years old.
When was your first game, and what hooked you to continue coming?
The game that got me hooked was at the Hockey Stadium, which was my first ever visit, and was on the last day of the season in May 2005. Tranmere at home was the big game where it was the Gareth Edds show to keep us in League 1, although I do recall it was only because Wrexham had 10 points deducted. The noise of that day and staying up were unbelievable memories to last me a lifetime and I knew from then that this was the team for me.
What were your expectations for us pre-season, and have you changed your mind on what you have seen so far?
Not going to lie, I had doubts about our gaffer Russell Martin when he was appointed to replace Paul Tisdale. I couldn’t believe it at the time because I thought Russell was very consistent in our defence, but he proved people like me wrong and I’m liking that he’s appreciated the love and support of the fans and understands Milton Keynes just like Karl Robinson did in his time. When we sold key players I was frustrated and annoyed, but in the times that we are currently facing with the Covid 19 pandemic, these tough choices had to be made, but my feeling is we can still stay up and do it comfortably.
Who has been your breakout player this season so far?
Intriguing question that, I always believe with our club being such a great set up in our youth system and having such past great talents as Ojo, the Baldock brothers, Danso, and who else but Dele Alli, and look how well they’ve all done with spells in the Premier League. The breakout star this season for me is between two, David Kasumu or Matty Sorinola, but for me Sorinola just edges it with his quick feet, loves to get forward, and creates the odd chance, and you can’t deny there some similarities to Callum Brittain who is now doing well at Barnsley.
Who has been the Dons best signing this season and Why?
Tough one that, there’s a few that have been playing well and consistently throughout the early part of the season, but if I have to pick one its Scott Fraser. When he became a free agent I felt he was destined for a Championship club, so when signed him I was stunned, and right now you can see the class the way he holds the ball up well, dominates the midfield and is eager to get forward, he has the eye for a pass and can score goals, definitely the man in form, and a great signing.
What is your most favourite Dons moment?
I’ve been blessed to witness some unbelievable moments in my time as a Dons fan like going down to Loftus Road against Harry Redknapp’s QPR who were in the Premier League at the time and winning 4-0 after 50 odd minutes, and to go on to win 4-2. The heel of God goal beating AFC in the FA Cup when it was televised as the game that should never take place, the atmosphere was unreal. Getting promoted on the final day to the Championship in spectacular style thanks to Preston being bottle jobs and Colchester surviving just to name a few examples, but there’s only one winner for me, 26th August 2014.
The night for me I will take to the grave when the Lord says it time up for me playing one of the biggest teams in English football Manchester United at home in front of a packed stadium and the watching world, plus a team full of stars and a new manager in Louie van Gaal. I was thinking going into the game if we get one goal I’d be happy, but to beat them convincingly 4-0 I will never ever forget, and in my opinion we will never see it ever again, just unbelievable.
Who is your all-time favourite player and why?
We have had so many great players at the club, Ben Chorley, Peter Leven, Sam Baldock, and Aaron Wilbraham just to name a few, but for me it’s Dele Alli. It was the FA Cup 1st Rd Replay vs Cambridge City where he picked the ball up just over halfway, took a few touches and took aim and in it went top bin of the goal leaving the keeper with no chance. From that moment on he was absolute class on the ball, knew how to find the back of the net on many occasions and for me Robbo made the right choice to keep him on loan to get us promoted. With him Grigg and Afobe it’s was a special season indeed and I was gutted when he finally went to Tottenham, but we all knew deep down he was destined for greatness.
Who is a good tip for promotion and relegation?
Relegation, If I was to be biased, it has to be AFC, thanks for coming, and go back down to League 2, lol. But seeing other teams the way they are playing at the moment for me Rochdale will go down, they have been too inconsistent the last few years and losing Ian Henderson a good player who knew how to find the back of the net I don’t see it ending well for them. sorry to Rochdale but League 2 is calling. Promotion, well I could state the obvious with the big teams in the division, Sunderland, Pompey, Hull and Ipswich etc, but I’m going to throw a little curveball out there and go for a team that I have a soft spot for with links to a great MK fan who I miss loads Gareth “Bean” Whiteside, and his dad also works for the club so I’ll say Fleetwood, The last few years they have been up there in the playoffs and have a great side with some top players in Paddy Madden, Barry McKay, Charlie Mulgrew, and Wes Burns just to name a few and they have dominated some good teams in League 1, don’t underestimate them this season.
Where do you think MK Dons will finish up this season?
At first with the transfer window we had I was worried that we would be in a relegation battle, but I do think we can get away from the drop even with this being Russell’s first season as manager. I would be happy with a midtable maybe top of the bottom half of the table finish but you never know with us, if Russell can believe we can go better I will happily eat my words and say I got it wrong, but for me midtable and I would be happy.
Are you an MKDSA member? If yes, what do we do well and what would you like to see from us? If no, what can we do to entice you to join?
Must admit I’m not sure although I think I am unless someone from the MKDSA knows something I don’t (he’s not we checked). I like the way it brings all age ranges of fans together to bring the best experiences they can for everyone. Hopefully, we can have more events in the future when the new normal world we are in ends and hopefully sooner rather than later.
When we are back in the ground what improvements would you like to see to improve your experiences?
All pretty decent.
