Ahead of the 2016/17 Sky Bet League One campaign, mkdons.com takes a look at the teams MK Dons will face next season.
Next up is recently-promoted Oxford United, who the Dons will face in a competitive environment for the first time this season.
CLUB
Founded: 1893 (as Headington United)
Nickname: The U’s
Mascot: Olly the Ox
Stadium: Kassam Stadium (capacity 12,500)
Home colours: Yellow shirts, blue shorts, blue socks
Website: www.oufc.co.uk
Twitter: @OfficialOUFC
Facebook: Oxford United Official
FIRST-TEAM
Manager
The 2016/17 campaign will be Michael Appleton’s third as Oxford United’s Head Coach, having taken on the role in July 2014.
The 40-year-old, who led Oxford to promotion from League One last season, has previously managed the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Portsmouth – his first managerial role.
As a player, Appleton began his career with Manchester United before enjoying spells with Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion.
Key and notable players
Oxford United were the leading scorers in League Two last season, which is largely due to the performances of striker Kemar Roofe and midfielder Liam Sercombe, who found the net a combined 44 times in the league.
They also conceded the fewest amount of goals in the division – goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, Joe Skarz among those who played a pivotal role in their impressive defensive record.
Other key performances for the U’s include midfielder John Lundstam and wingers Alex MacDonald and Callum O’Dowda.
Last season
Oxford were promoted to League One as runners-up in 2015/16, finishing the year on 86 points.
The U’s, who lost just eight times all season, ended the campaign as the leading scorers in the division, while they also conceded the fewest amount of goals.
Appleton’s side enjoyed a reasonably strong start to the year and after climbing into third place in early October, they never relinquished their place in the automatic promotion spots.
Transfers
Oxford were dealt a blow early in the summer when striker and last season’s Supporters’ Player of the Year Danny Hylton rejecting the U’s offer of a new contract, in favour of a move to Luton Town.
He was joined at Kenilworth Road by Johnny Mullins, who was one of five players let go by Appleton at the close of the season. They are also still waiting to hear of a decision from forward Chris Maguire, who was offered a new contract at the end of the 2015/16 campaign.
In a bid to replace the departing Hylton, Oxford signed striker Wes Thomas on a two-year deal following his release from Birmingham City. They have also added defenders Aaron Martin and Christian Ribeiro to their ranks on similar deals.
HISTORY WITH THE DONS
Head to head
No previous meetings
Played for both
Keith Andrews, George Baldock, Jake Forster-Caskey, Lewis Guy, Rob Hall, Zeli Ismail, Peter Leven, Dean Morgan, Giorgio Rasulo, Jude Stirling.
2016/17 MATCHES
The U’s will visit Stadium MK for the very first time on Saturday 17 September, while the return fixture in Oxfordshire is set for Saturday 11 February 2017.
Watch MK Dons take on Oxford United at Stadium MK in 2016/17, as well as 22 other home League One matches, by becoming a Season Ticket holder.
Adult Season Tickets are priced from £28 a month while under-21s can enjoy the full campaign from just £12.34 a month. Under-18 Season Tickets are priced from only £2.50 a month and under-12s can go FREE with a Young Dons membership.
To purchase a Season Ticket visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. You can also download an application form and post it to Box Office, Stadium MK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST.
CLUB
Founded: 1893 (as Headington United)
Nickname: The U’s
Mascot: Olly the Ox
Stadium: Kassam Stadium (capacity 12,500)
Home colours: Yellow shirts, blue shorts, blue socks
Website: www.oufc.co.uk
Twitter: @OfficialOUFC
Facebook: Oxford United Official
FIRST-TEAM
Manager
The 2016/17 campaign will be Michael Appleton’s third as Oxford United’s Head Coach, having taken on the role in July 2014.
The 40-year-old, who led Oxford to promotion from League One last season, has previously managed the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Portsmouth – his first managerial role.
As a player, Appleton began his career with Manchester United before enjoying spells with Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion.
Key and notable players
Oxford United were the leading scorers in League Two last season, which is largely due to the performances of striker Kemar Roofe and midfielder Liam Sercombe, who found the net a combined 44 times in the league.
They also conceded the fewest amount of goals in the division – goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, Joe Skarz among those who played a pivotal role in their impressive defensive record.
Other key performances for the U’s include midfielder John Lundstam and wingers Alex MacDonald and Callum O’Dowda.
Last season
Oxford were promoted to League One as runners-up in 2015/16, finishing the year on 86 points.
The U’s, who lost just eight times all season, ended the campaign as the leading scorers in the division, while they also conceded the fewest amount of goals.
Appleton’s side enjoyed a reasonably strong start to the year and after climbing into third place in early October, they never relinquished their place in the automatic promotion spots.
Transfers
Oxford were dealt a blow early in the summer when striker and last season’s Supporters’ Player of the Year Danny Hylton rejecting the U’s offer of a new contract, in favour of a move to Luton Town.
He was joined at Kenilworth Road by Johnny Mullins, who was one of five players let go by Appleton at the close of the season. They are also still waiting to hear of a decision from forward Chris Maguire, who was offered a new contract at the end of the 2015/16 campaign.
In a bid to replace the departing Hylton, Oxford signed striker Wes Thomas on a two-year deal following his release from Birmingham City. They have also added defenders Aaron Martin and Christian Ribeiro to their ranks on similar deals.
HISTORY WITH THE DONS
Head to head
No previous meetings
Played for both
Keith Andrews, George Baldock, Jake Forster-Caskey, Lewis Guy, Rob Hall, Zeli Ismail, Peter Leven, Dean Morgan, Giorgio Rasulo, Jude Stirling.
2016/17 MATCHES
The U’s will visit Stadium MK for the very first time on Saturday 17 September, while the return fixture in Oxfordshire is set for Saturday 11 February 2017.
Watch MK Dons take on Oxford United at Stadium MK in 2016/17, as well as 22 other home League One matches, by becoming a Season Ticket holder.
Adult Season Tickets are priced from £28 a month while under-21s can enjoy the full campaign from just £12.34 a month. Under-18 Season Tickets are priced from only £2.50 a month and under-12s can go FREE with a Young Dons membership.
To purchase a Season Ticket visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. You can also download an application form and post it to Box Office, Stadium MK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST.
