Ahead of the Dons’ inaugural Championship campaign, mkdons.com takes a look at the new sides they will face in 2015/16.
Next up is Bolton Wanderers, who are one of five clubs the men from MK1 will face for the very first time next season.
QUICK HITS
Manager: Neil Lennon
Key and notable players: Adam Bogdan, Neil Danns, Lukas Jutkiewicz, Tim Ream, Liam Feeney
Former Dons: Rob Hall
Stadium: Macron Stadium (28,723 capacity)
Nickname: The Trotters
Kit: White shirt, navy shorts, white socks
HISTORY
Bolton were originally formed as Christ Church Football Club in 1874 before adopting its current name in 1877.
Founder members of the Football League, the Trotters were a successful cup side in the 1920s, winning the FA Cup three times - they also won the cup a fourth time in 1958.
After a 15-year spell outside the top flight, the club regained top-flight status in 1995 and in a period of relative success, they qualified for the UEFA Cup twice, reaching the last 16 in 2007–08.
Bolton were relegated down to the Championship in 2012 but they boast more seasons in the top division than any other club outside the current Premier League.
LAST SEASON
Bolton finished 18th in the Championship last season, just 10 points clear of safety – it was the second campaign in a row that they ended the year in the bottom half of the table.
Dougie Freedman began 2014/15 as manager but he was dismissed in early October after leading the side to just one victory. Neil Lennon then took control and guided the Trotters to five wins in his first eight games – eventually doing enough for the remainder of the campaign to keep them in the second tier.
Adam Le Fondre finished the year as top goalscorer with eight strikes to his name, all of which came in the league. Former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen also contributed seven goals after moving to Macron Stadium in December.
Outside the league, Bolton took Premier League side Liverpool to a replay in the FA Cup – holding Brendan Rodgers’ men to a 0-0 draw at home – while in the Capital One Cup they were knocked out by eventual English champions Chelsea.
THIS SEASON
Following the completion of their season, Bolton released 13 of their players including Matt Mills, Craig Davies, Andrew Lonergan, Jermaine Beckford and Keith Andrews, who spent the second half of 2014/15 on loan at stadiummk.
They did, though, offer contracts to Darren Pratley, Adam Bogdan and veteran strikers Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey while defender Quade Taylor agreed a new deal.
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*, under-18s from just £3.50 a month*, while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership - click
*cost over 10 months with two months payment up front
QUICK HITS
Manager: Neil Lennon
Key and notable players: Adam Bogdan, Neil Danns, Lukas Jutkiewicz, Tim Ream, Liam Feeney
Former Dons: Rob Hall
Stadium: Macron Stadium (28,723 capacity)
Nickname: The Trotters
Kit: White shirt, navy shorts, white socks
HISTORY
Bolton were originally formed as Christ Church Football Club in 1874 before adopting its current name in 1877.
Founder members of the Football League, the Trotters were a successful cup side in the 1920s, winning the FA Cup three times - they also won the cup a fourth time in 1958.
After a 15-year spell outside the top flight, the club regained top-flight status in 1995 and in a period of relative success, they qualified for the UEFA Cup twice, reaching the last 16 in 2007–08.
Bolton were relegated down to the Championship in 2012 but they boast more seasons in the top division than any other club outside the current Premier League.
LAST SEASON
Bolton finished 18th in the Championship last season, just 10 points clear of safety – it was the second campaign in a row that they ended the year in the bottom half of the table.
Dougie Freedman began 2014/15 as manager but he was dismissed in early October after leading the side to just one victory. Neil Lennon then took control and guided the Trotters to five wins in his first eight games – eventually doing enough for the remainder of the campaign to keep them in the second tier.
Adam Le Fondre finished the year as top goalscorer with eight strikes to his name, all of which came in the league. Former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen also contributed seven goals after moving to Macron Stadium in December.
Outside the league, Bolton took Premier League side Liverpool to a replay in the FA Cup – holding Brendan Rodgers’ men to a 0-0 draw at home – while in the Capital One Cup they were knocked out by eventual English champions Chelsea.
THIS SEASON
Following the completion of their season, Bolton released 13 of their players including Matt Mills, Craig Davies, Andrew Lonergan, Jermaine Beckford and Keith Andrews, who spent the second half of 2014/15 on loan at stadiummk.
They did, though, offer contracts to Darren Pratley, Adam Bogdan and veteran strikers Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey while defender Quade Taylor agreed a new deal.
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*, under-18s from just £3.50 a month*, while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership - click
*cost over 10 months with two months payment up front
