We are indebted to Miller’s fan Ian Bradley for agreeing to answer our questions this week. Interestingly another fan remarking on the problems with digital entry to stadiums. Plus, thanks for the heads up about your team, we have emailed it to Liam Manning, and we are so glad you are coming to us to have a go.
Many thanks to Ian, a very enjoyable and indepth interview, good luck to you and the Millers for the rest of the season………just not on Saturday.
1 – We are about a quarter of the way through the season, so how is it looking for your team so far?
Fairly pleased though like most fans I’d like to see a bit more consistency. We’re competitive in every game, competition for places is good & for once we’ve recruited well in the summer.
2 – We are noticing that some clubs are struggling with attendances, are you back anywhere near to your pre-Covid attendances?
We have the eighth highest average home attendance at 9,788 which is higher than 2019/20, the last time we were in League 1 with two 10k+ attendances so far, so I’m obviously well pleased with that.
3- We note that many clubs are going across to digital tickets and cashless stadiums and this has caused major problems for fans, is this something that has affected you as a fan, home or away?
The new QR code system we have installed ready for this season has been little short of a disaster with kick off for our successive home games with Wednesday & Doncaster delayed by 15 minutes due to delays in getting fans through the turnstiles.
4 – Every club has played about half the teams in League 1, who do you think is the best and the worst team you have played so far?
Firstly, I have to say that the quality of football in the third tier has improved tremendously since 19/20 & that has enhanced the fan experience.
Two North West teams have impressed me the most so far namely Accrington Stanley & Fleetwood Town.
Stanley are a big competitive unit who tend to impose themselves physically on their opponents but crucially possess ball players like McConville & Pritchard who can open up defences.
Fleetwood are a wily bunch with a manager in Simon Grayson who’s done that before & got the t shirt. The Cods worked out the fallibility of our 3-5-2 system, namely playing wing backs that can’t/won’t defend & attacked our flanks very successfully & in Callum Camps possess one of the best midfielders in the division & certainly the best single performance by an opposition player I’ve seen so far.
5 – In our forthcoming game what sort of style can we expect to see from your team?
Well, if you believe the Football media, we’re a route one team that bypass midfield & just lump the ball up to Michael Smith.
In reality (excuse the bias) but in Jamie Lindsay, Ben Wiles, Olly Rathbone, Dan Barlaser & Ben Wiles I believe we have one of the best midfields in the division, the only trouble is we can only select three CMs in the style of play we employ.
If you think we’ll be coming to Stadium MK to try & nick a point I’m afraid, you’ll be disappointed it’s just not in our DNA. In addition to the midfield, I have already mentioned we boast pace & good delivery from wide by the likes of Sadlier, Miller, Bola or the spring heeled Chieo Ogbene, once of Brentford.
Up front any two of Kayode, Grigg, Smith or Ladapo.
Defensively IMO we’re not as strong but are improving with skipper & Miller’s legend Richard Wood marshalling a back three that may or may not include Wes Harding, Wood himself, Angus McDonald, Michael Ihiekwe or Joe Mattock with fan favourite Viktor Johannsen in goal with experienced Josh Vickers in reserve.
Expect a high pressing attack-based game from us with 100% commitment.
6 – Is there any current MK Dons player that you would like to see playing for your team?
I like the look of Scott Twine who impressed at Swindon, also I’m an admirer of Ethan Robson & of course the evergreen Mr Lewington (how old is he?)
7 – Every lower league club fear that the big boys are monitoring their players, is there anybody in your team that is attracting unwanted attention, and might be lured away in January?
Michael Smith……nothing we did in the transfer market recruitment wise was half as important as keeping Smudge who is much, much, more than a striker & is integral to the way we play. Great in the air but crucially very good on the deck, his flick ons & assists are as important as his goals. Bristol City & Middlesbrough put in bids in the summer & seeing as he’s in the final year of his contract & has not yet resigned I expect they’ll be back especially if Smith continues his early season form.
8 – Is there anyone in your team that we should really fear as a potential game changer?
We have a few but if I was to pick one it would be Chieo Ogbene, a lightning-fast winger that can operate on either flank. His delivery could be better sometimes, but he is improving & he earns us a lot of set pieces in attacking areas.
9 – Can you predict where you think your club will finish at the end of the season, and where the MK Dons will finish?
Both sides comfortably top ten, if I was to choose, I’d say Miller’s 5th, MKD 6th
Wembley final anyone? We like those!!!
10 – Many thanks for taking part, all we need now is your prediction for the game?
A repeat of the 15/16 4-0 away win would be nice but I’m going fence sitting & a 2-2 draw.
