Ahead of the Dons’ inaugural Championship campaign, mkdons.com takes a look at the new sides they will face in 2015/16.
First up is Birmingham City, who are one of 11 teams the men from MK1 will compete against for the first time in a league setting.
QUICK HITS
Manager: Gary Rowett
Key and notable players: Paul Caddis, David Cotterill, David Davis, Clayton Donaldson, Demarai Gray
Former Dons: Stephen Gleeson
Stadium: St Andrew’s (30,016 capacity)
Nickname: Blues
Kit: Blue shirt, white shorts, blue socks
HISTORY
Birmingham City were formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance before adopting their city's name in 1905.
Arguably their most successful season came in 1955/56, when they achieved their highest finishing position of sixth in the First Division and also reached the FA Cup Final.
The Blues rhen won their first major trophy - the League Cup - in 1963, beating Aston Villa 3–1 on aggregate. They won the same competition for the second time just four years ago, in 2011, when they defeated Arsenal 2-1.
The 2010/11 season was bittersweet, however, as the Midlands club also lost their Premier League status – something they haven’t regained since, despite reaching the play-offs in 2012.
LAST SEASON
Birmingham finished 10th in 2014/15, despite teetering around the relegation places during the first half of the season.
Lee Clark was the man in charge of the Blues at the start of the year but after leading them to just one league home win before October, he was replaced by current boss Rowett. The former Burton man steered the side to eight wins in his first 12 matches, before helping secure a top-half finish for the first time in two years.
Clayton Donaldson ended the campaign as City’s top scorer with 16 goals, with all-but one of those strikes scored in league matches.
In terms of cup competitions, Birmingham reached the fourth round of the FA Cup and the second round of the Capital One Cup.
THIS SEASON
While City have yet to add to their squad, captain Paul Robinson has committed his future to the St Andrew’s club by penning a new one-year deal.
Rowett has also offered new contracts to defender Jonathan Spector, winger Koby Arthur and goalkeeper Nick Townsend.
In terms of departures, the Blues have released eight players including Serbian international Nikola Zigic and defender Gavin Gunning.
Colin Doyle, Matt Green, Callum Reilly, Olly Lee and Will Packwood have also been let go while goalkeeper Darren Randolph has turned down the chance to stay as he looks for a move to the Premier League.
*Cost over 10 months with two-months payment up front
To sign up, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at thecentre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.
for a full list of prices! hereWatch every home match of the Dons’ first season in the Championship by signing up for a 2015/16 season ticket. Adult prices start from £32 a month* and under-18s from just £3.50 a month*, while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership - click
QUICK HITS
Manager: Gary Rowett
Key and notable players: Paul Caddis, David Cotterill, David Davis, Clayton Donaldson, Demarai Gray
Former Dons: Stephen Gleeson
Stadium: St Andrew’s (30,016 capacity)
Nickname: Blues
Kit: Blue shirt, white shorts, blue socks
HISTORY
Birmingham City were formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance before adopting their city's name in 1905.
Arguably their most successful season came in 1955/56, when they achieved their highest finishing position of sixth in the First Division and also reached the FA Cup Final.
The Blues rhen won their first major trophy - the League Cup - in 1963, beating Aston Villa 3–1 on aggregate. They won the same competition for the second time just four years ago, in 2011, when they defeated Arsenal 2-1.
The 2010/11 season was bittersweet, however, as the Midlands club also lost their Premier League status – something they haven’t regained since, despite reaching the play-offs in 2012.
LAST SEASON
Birmingham finished 10th in 2014/15, despite teetering around the relegation places during the first half of the season.
Lee Clark was the man in charge of the Blues at the start of the year but after leading them to just one league home win before October, he was replaced by current boss Rowett. The former Burton man steered the side to eight wins in his first 12 matches, before helping secure a top-half finish for the first time in two years.
Clayton Donaldson ended the campaign as City’s top scorer with 16 goals, with all-but one of those strikes scored in league matches.
In terms of cup competitions, Birmingham reached the fourth round of the FA Cup and the second round of the Capital One Cup.
THIS SEASON
While City have yet to add to their squad, captain Paul Robinson has committed his future to the St Andrew’s club by penning a new one-year deal.
Rowett has also offered new contracts to defender Jonathan Spector, winger Koby Arthur and goalkeeper Nick Townsend.
In terms of departures, the Blues have released eight players including Serbian international Nikola Zigic and defender Gavin Gunning.
Colin Doyle, Matt Green, Callum Reilly, Olly Lee and Will Packwood have also been let go while goalkeeper Darren Randolph has turned down the chance to stay as he looks for a move to the Premier League.
*Cost over 10 months with two-months payment up front
To sign up, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at thecentre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.
for a full list of prices! hereWatch every home match of the Dons’ first season in the Championship by signing up for a 2015/16 season ticket. Adult prices start from £32 a month* and under-18s from just £3.50 a month*, while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership - click
