stadiummk was a hub of activity on Thursday morning as preparations for the new season continued to gather pace.

With the League 1 curtain-raiser at Walsall just 48 hours away, Karl Robinson's squad were in for their penultimate session in the build-up to the season, preparing for what supporters hope will be a memorable campaign.

But, before training could commence on the stadium's lush-looking surface, there were some pre-season formalities to fulfil - namely the annual official squad photograph with all players and staff.

Illnesses to striker Jabo Ibehre and defender Jude Stirling made the squad slightly lighter than usual, but spirits were high as the group completed a shoot that invariably means the business of league points is just around the corner.

Crew from BBC Sport's Football League Show, which recommences on BBC1 this Saturday night, were also in attendance, most notably reporter Mark Clemmit, who sported a full MK Dons strip for an element of the show to be featured in the coming weeks.

BBC Sport's Mark Clemmit was fully kitted out for the annual first team photocall.

The session that followed was predictably energetic ahead of Saturday's much-anticipated Banks' Stadium opener. With competition for places as hot as it's ever been in the Dons squad, several looked eager to impress with a view to securing a spot in Saturday's starting line-up.

Stay logged on to mkdons.com for more build-up to Saturday's League 1 opener.

CLICK HERE to see the 2010/11 MK Dons Squad Photo.