Keith Millen was pleased that MK Dons could sign off their 2017/18 campaign with a victory and give the supporters something to smile about heading into the offseason.
Millen’s side beat third-placed Shrewsbury Town 1-0 at the Montgomery Waters Meadow courtesy of Kieran Agard’s second-half penalty.
While the result did little to affect the Dons’ fate, it did provide a moment of delight for the travelling supporters, which was the Millen’s aim for the afternoon.
“I told them to forget about the season for today, go out there and show some pride in themselves,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“Shrewsbury are quite rightly in the play-offs and we had to try and match them- we did and I couldn't ask any more from them.
"I thought, in difficult conditions, we could have been sloppy and flat but we were excellent. Our game plan worked well, we had a threat up front, we had pace and movement and we looked very solid.
“It doesn't mask the season - nothing has changed after today except being a little happier because we won but at least I can go in there and tell them well done.
"Hopefully today will help not just for the players but also the fans - it is a nice way to finish.”
Here’s what else Millen had to say to the media...
On the team selection...
“I tried to pick a team of players who will be here next season. I didn't think it was right to play all the youngsters because we knew it would be a tough game and we didn't want to just throw them in there. I wanted to get Sam [Nombe] on the pitch so we put him on at half-time and he proved to be a threat. He has to learn the game but he’s a good prospect. David [Kasumu] is a good prospect too.”
On using the victory as motivation for next season...
“To the ones coming back, I told them to make sure to be ready. We want them to be like Shrewsbury with their endeavour, work-rate, pace and quality. If we can do that, we will be very strong next year.”
On the defensive showing...
“We've not won enough first contacts in the box this year but today, even when they did win the first ball, we won the second ball. It was good to get a clean sheet for Wieger [Sietsma] - it will give him a bit of confidence.”
On the plan moving forward...
“I'll go home for a few days, see my family then come back in on Tuesday. I'm waiting to sit down with the chairman to know when the process will kick in and when it's my turn to present to them. I'm ready to do that. The good thing is I've been here for three months so I know what's right and wrong - that has to be a help. We'll see what develops.”
On wanting the job...
“Yes [I want the job]. It's a good club. We have to turn things around and I know what needs turning around. I know success and I know what good looks like. I know what is needed and I'll be putting it to the board and we'll see what they say.”
