A double helping of TRASH TALK this week from Accy Stan courtesy of 62 year old Peter Leatham, that’s Peter below in charge of an impressive bit of silver ware. Please pass on our regards Peter to your secretary for such a sterling job to the degree our Editor couldn’t find a single mistake, not even an out of place full stop. All the best to you and all the Stanley fans, and good luck with your push for the playoffs
We are now well into the season, has it gone about how you thought it would for your club this season so far?
Its generally gone probably slightly better than expected however we have a backlog of matches which will put massive pressure on the squad as the season progresses. As is usual with Stanley we have surprised a few only to slip up against some of the lower teams in the table.
Where do you think your club will finish up in the league this season?
At the start of the season, with one of the lowest playing budgets in League 1, most fans would settle for anywhere outside the bottom four. However, we tend to underestimate the work of our management team who have perfected the method of producing the proverbial silk purse from a sows ear, this season is looking like no exception.
The squad is as good as we have had and is performing well so we have an outside chance of the play-offs, in my opinion, providing we can keep players fit and on the pitch,
What has been your best result this season, and of course your worst?
The early season comfortable home win over the much fancied Posh, 2-0, set the scene for the early season and the Sky TV 2-0 win at The Valley was impressive. On the flip side the early season 4-1 home loss to Oxford wasn’t great and similarly the 4-3 loss at Wigan, from 3-0 down was a surprise.
Do you think your club has acted well towards the fans in terms of compensation, offers and discounts for season ticket holders?
The club has a very close relationship with its supporters and has been first class, being one of the first to offer refunds, mainly rejected by supporters and the monies left with the club. Our Supporters Trust works with the owner and MD to ensure we have a policy that is more than fair and accepted by the fanbase.
Which opposition team that you have played has impressed you the most this season?
Personally, I was impressed by Lincoln in the home draw with them, they have a strike force who always look dangerous and on the flip side we hammered a Bristol Rovers side that forgot to turn up on the night. As the league progresses however it become more evident that there are no stand outs and anyone is capable of getting a surprise result especially given the rigors of a punishing Covid driven fixture list.
Which player has stood out for your team this season, and which player has come through the ranks and looks a real prospect?
Strikers always tend to catch the eye and Dion Charles has kicked on this season. He came from non-league and had an average first season, however he is starting to look a handful and has a good partnership with Colby Bishop up front.
Ross Sykes has come through the academy and was a regular in the first part of the season and certainly looks destined to progress higher up the ladder. He has been injured recently and is unlikely to feature much again this season.
Which MK Dons player stands out to you as a game changer in our clash?
The defence will certainly have to be on its game to cope with the threat of Cameron Jerome who has made a great contribution to your season. With his pedigree he is definitely a great asset at this level.
What style of play can we expect to see from your team?
We have generally employed a 3-5-2 but can easily switch it to a standard 4-4-2 or even with a diamond midfield dependant on the state of the game. One thing that has changed this season is the height available in the defence with the typical starting line up having three at 6ft 3 or so which has definitely never been the case previously. John Coleman always advocates getting the ball on the floor and playing and will never set up not to win a game.
Have you ever been to Stadium MK, if so, what’s your opinion on it?
It was one that I was looking forward to visiting but have been thwarted by the pandemic but will hopefully make the trip next season if we are still in the same division.
Where do you think the MK Dons will finish in the league table?
I am sure there will be more twists and turns as the season progresses and the fixtures pile up, however comfortable top half looks quite likely.
From what you have seen, who are your tips for the league title, promotion, and relegation?
Its very tough to call but I guess the top clubs will be Hull City, Lincoln City, Peterborough United, Portsmouth and possibly Doncaster Rovers with Burton Albion, Northampton Town, Swindon Town and probably either Wigan Athletic or Bristol Rovers heading the other way.
Can you give us your match prediction?
I would hope for an entertaining game and perhaps a 1-1 draw.
