The latest interview in the “The Floor is Yours” is from Dons Action supremo Ollie Charnock aged 18. I think many of you will know the name, so here is a chance to get to know the person behind the idea. Many thanks to Ollie for taking part, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we hope to see you again very soon. We have a few more of these interviews lined up, but we would really like to hear from some of our older generation as well. If you are interested, please send us a quick email to mediamkdsa@yahoo.com and we will get right back to you with the questions.
Tell us a little bit about how you became a Dons fan and what was your first game?
My Dad took me to watch us play Leyton Orient back in 2009, I started going every now and again for a few years after that and then started to get really into it in around 2013.
What were your expectations for us pre-season, and have you changed your mind on what you have seen so far?
My expectations changed pretty much every week in pre-season. The ups and downs of the transfer window definitely didn’t fill me with optimism, though my faith in Russ and “the process” never went away. If I’m honest, I’m not surprised by where we are now and would’ve taken it at the start of the season. Would love for us to win the EFL Trophy as well and I definitely think we have a chance.
Who has been your breakout player this season so far?
David Kasumu – He has come so far under Russ and is a completely different player this season. I would not be surprised if he is playing in the Championship next season and as much as I’d love him to stay part of me hopes he gets the opportunity at a higher level sooner rather than later.
Who has been the Dons best signing this season and Why?
Scott Fraser – I mean, do I need to say anymore?
What is your most favourite Dons moment?
I think, other than the obvious ones everyone has heard before, the Lincoln City game at home last season will always be one of my favourite games. The atmosphere for the second half was everything I’d hoped Block 11 would be like when we first started to promote it that summer. So, it was just nice to see everything come together as quickly as it did.
Who is your all-time favourite player and why?
Right now, I would probably say Luke Chadwick, the first player I ever saw score for us and was always scoring when I first started coming. That said, I think Chuks Aneke had a good chance of taking that away from him, never felt more confident in a player than I did Chuks. Unplayable for most of his time here and deserves more respect.
Who is a good tip for promotion and relegation?
Promotion wise, I think Sunderland will be the ones to really walk away with this. A team and a manager far too good for this league.
I think Wigan will be lucky to avoid the drop this year, embarrassing that the EFL has allowed this to happen again.
Where do you think MK Dons will finish up this season?
Mid-table. Anyone who says that isn’t a successful season really hasn’t got on board with what Russ is aiming for as it clearly isn’t a one-year project. Took 5 years for Robbo to get it right.
What was the was the idea behind forming Dons Action and have you got any plans when we finally return back to the stadium for good?
To be honest, DonsAction wasn’t all my idea. A friend Liam and I joined ideas together and went from there. The aim was to just to create an atmosphere at Stadium MK as it was becoming more and more clear that people were getting frustrated by the lack of one.
As for when we come back properly, it’s tough to say what we have planned. We rely on donations from fans and I don’t feel now is the right time to be asking people for money after what has been a difficult year for many financially. I’m sure we’ll think of something closer to the time.
What’s your opinion of the MKDSA?
Where to start… Being serious for a second though, the MKDSA have received criticism from me in the past and some of it was deserved. However, the not so new people running it have created the most engaging and active MKDSA I can remember.
When we are back in the ground what changes would you like to see to improve your experiences?
I just want more people to create an atmosphere…. We’ve got 20,000+ seats we need to help the club fill most weeks and atmosphere is such an important part to the match day experience to so many people.
