Ahead of the 2018/19 Sky Bet League Two campaign, mkdons.com takes a look at the teams MK Dons will face next season.
Next up is Stevenage Football Club, who placed 15th during the 2017-18 season during their fourth season back in Sky Bet League Two.
CLUB
Founded: 1976
Nickname: The Boro
Stadium: The Lamex Stadium (Capacity 6,722)
Home colours: White shirt, red shorts, red socks
Website: https://www.stevenagefc.com/
Twitter: @StevenageFC
Facebook: Stevenage Football Club
FIRST-TEAM
Manager
Former Stevenage Borough striker Dino Maamria currently occupies the hot seat at The Lamex Stadium having replaced Darren Sarll in March 2018. Having taken the job after the Boro had picked up just six points from eight games, Maamria immediately changed the Club’s fortunes as they went four games unbeaten as they recorded wins over both Barnet and Newport County.
The 47-year-old made over 300 appearances during his professional career featuring for the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Burnley, Stevenage and Southport. Born in Tunisia, Maamria also turned out for AS Marsa and CO Transports during the formative years of his career before making the move to England. His job at Stevenage is his fourth as a manager having occupied the gig at Northwich Victoria, Southport and Nuneaton Town previously.
Key and notable players
Former Don Alex Revell currently turns out at The Lamex Stadium having arrived from Northampton Town in January. Since his move the striker has netted an impressive six goals in 12 games. That tally isn’t enough to make him top scorer for The Boro, however, that accolade goes to Danny Newton (pictured below) who scored 16 goals in all competitions last season after arriving from Tamworth in the summer of 2017.
Experienced defender Ronnie Henry missed just six Sky Bet League Two games last season. Finally, 29-year-old Joe Martin provides a threat down the left with the former Millwall defender chipping in with two goals last season.
Last season
Under the stewardship of Darren Sarll, Stevenage went unbeaten for the first five games of the season, winning three and drawing a further two. While their start to the season was positive, the Club suffered a change in fortunes at the start of October as they’d win just two games out of a 14-game span between October and December.
Danny Newton took home three trophies at the Club’s End of Season Awards as he was named Player of the Year, Supporters Player and the Year and Player’s Player of the Year, while Ben Wilmot claimed the Young Player of the Year Award.
Transfers
It’s safe to say Stevenage have had a very busy summer transfer window with the Club recruiting seven new faces during the off-season. Luther Wildin left Nuneaton Town for Stevenage, in the process he reunited with his former manager Maamria, who had previously managed him during his time with the National League North side. The Boro continued their recruitment from the lower leagues of English football with James Ball signing on from Stockport County.
Former Luton skipper Scott Cuthbert and former Jamaican international Jamal Campbell-Ryce (pictured below) also signed on at The Lamex Stadium, with Michael Timlin and Paul Farman following suit. More recently, Emmanuel Sonupe arrived at Stevenage from Kidderminster Harriers.
Tom Conlon, Fraser Franks, Jamie Gray, Jack King, Alex Samuel and Chris Whelpdale were all released from the Club while highly rated defender Ben Wilmott joined Watford and Matt Godden left for Peterborough United.
HISTORY WITH THE DONS
Head to head
Dons wins: 4
Last Dons win: 3-2, 22 Mar, 2014 (The Lamex Stadium)
Biggest win: 4-1, 28 Sep, 2013 (Stadium MK)
Draws: 2
Last draw: 0-0 (Checkatrade Trophy after 90 Minutes) 3 Oct, 2017 (Stadium MK)
Stevenage wins: 2
Last Stevenage win: 2-1. 8 Oct, 2013 (The Lamex Stadium)
Biggest Stevenage win: 4-2, 24 Jan 2012 (The Lamex Stadium)
Former Dons
Nathan Abbey, Chuks Aneke, Dean Bowditch, Drewe Broughton, Ben Chorley, Craig Dobson, Tom Flanagan, Tom Hitchcock, Albert Jarrett, Charlie MacDonald, Filipe Morais (pictured below), Bondz N’Gala, Jay O’Shea, Richard Pacquette, Jude Stirling, Ed Upson.
2018/19 FIXTURES
The fixtures for the 2018/19 Sky Bet League Two campaign will be announced at 9am on Thursday 21st June.
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Watch MK Dons take on Stevenage at Stadium MK, as well all their other 22 home league matches in 2018/19 by signing up for a Season Ticket!
Adult Season Tickets are priced from £30.55 a month; over-65s from £19.64 a month and the newly-introduced under-25s category from £13.45 a month while under-18s are able to enjoy the full 2018/19 campaign from only £2.73 a month. Price based on one month's payment up front and the remaining cost spread over 10 months - click HERE for full prices!
To sign up, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Click HERE to download the 2018/19 Season Ticket Brochure!
