Welcome to the latest edition of Trash Talk, and we are extremely grateful to Swindon fan and Treasurer of the club Tim Keen (Pictured Below) aged 53 for helping us out with our new set of questions. We would also like to point out that these questions were asked before the new Tier 4 restrictions were announced on Saturday afternoon. On behalf of the MKDSA we would like to thank Tim for taking part in this week’s Trash Talk and wish him a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Can you tell us a little-known fact about your club?
There is a Rolex clock behind the goal at the Stratton Bank end of the pitch, this is the only Rolex clock at a football ground in the world.
We have spoken to fans from many clubs this season regarding how clubs have compensated those that have purchased season tickets this year and last, how has your club compensated fans?
We haven’t been compensated – other than season ticket holders having priority in the recent ticket ballot following lifting the Covid-19 ban on football fans in stadiums.
Slowly but surely fans are returning to grounds with reduced attendances, how has your club gone about allocating tickets?
It’s been done via a ballot – with fans from Tier 1 and Tier 2 addresses able to apply for a ticket. Season ticket holders are given priority – with those season ticket holders missing out on the ballot getting a guaranteed ticket for the next game. To be fair to the club, this has been professionally managed and communicated.
How has the season gone for you so far, as expected, better, or a bit underwhelming?
Massively UNDERWHELMING – and disappointing, first with the budget being hit by Covid-19, then with Richie Wellens losing most of the best players from last season and signing poor replacements, and this quickly followed by Richie leaving for Salford FC and being replaced by John Sheridan.
What has been the best result and the worst so far this season?
Without doubt wining away at our local rivals Oxford United – we genuinely hadn’t beaten them for 19 years! Scoring in injury time made it even more satisfying! Worst so far is difficult – so many to choose from! But probably losing 2-4 away at Crewe, having taken a 2-0 lead after 37 mins.
Who has been your best player so far this season, and perhaps another player we should keep an eye on?
Simple answer – Matt Smith – 100% the best player this season. Absolute engine in midfield and able to spot and thread a pass through the proverbial eye of a needle. Keep an eye on any of our defenders or goalkeeper, one of them is likely to make a howler at some point during the match, we’ve given away so many soft goals this season.
Where do you see your club in the league table at the end of the season?
Bottom 4 right now with John Sheridan in charge – after the progressive attacking football from Richie Wellens and his engagement with the fans, this really feels like a big backwards step.
Have you ever been to Stadium MK, if so, what was your impression of it?
Yes, been there 3 times – pretty impressive to be fair (although a little empty), best visit was in February 2019 when we beat you 3-2 in proper thriller!
What player do you fear the most in the MK Dons team?
Cameron Jerome, with the track record of our defence, he’s going to have a good chance of scoring!
Who is your tip for promotion and relegation?
Definitely Peterborough and probably Portsmouth for promotion. Other than ourselves, it’s not looking good for Wigan or Burton
