Tom Flanagan saw his game-time limited in 2014/15 but the defender is eager to fight for his place in the line-up after penning a new one-year deal at stadiummk.
Flanagan, a product of the Dons’ Academy set-up, was held to just nine appearances behind Kyle McFadzean and Antony Kay last season as the men from MK1 secured promotion to the Sky Bet Championship.
And while the Northern Ireland U21 international understands the reasons behind his lack of opportunities in 2014/15, he is looking forward to the start of pre-season and having another chance to stake his claim for a place in Karl Robinson’s first XI.
“Hopefully it will be a level-playing field when we come back,” Flanagan told MK Dons Player. “I’ve been working hard so far this off-season and I’ve just got to make sure I come back flying.
“If you look at the way Kyle and Kaysy played last season – they got to such a high level and didn’t let that drop. They did do really well and that’s what hindered me a bit, although I felt I did well when I came in - the manager said that I did as well.”
In order to get games under his belt, Flanagan spent the month of January on loan at Sky Bet League 2 side Plymouth Argyle and the 23-year-old believes that spell in Devon helped him earn to his new deal.
He said: “I wasn’t too bothered where I went as I just wanted to play games but fortunately I went to a good club. (Karl) watched a few games and I got a really good report back from John Sheridan too - I imagine it gave the manager here confidence.
“(Karl) sat me down when I got back and said that he wanted to keep me. He outlined what he wanted for me, which helped as I was able to work on parts of my game on the training ground.”
Watch 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 here for a full list of prices!
To sign up, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at thecentre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.
**the FREE under-12s offer is no longer available in clubRed – click here for more information
*cost over 10 months with two months payment up front
And while the Northern Ireland U21 international understands the reasons behind his lack of opportunities in 2014/15, he is looking forward to the start of pre-season and having another chance to stake his claim for a place in Karl Robinson’s first XI.
“Hopefully it will be a level-playing field when we come back,” Flanagan told MK Dons Player. “I’ve been working hard so far this off-season and I’ve just got to make sure I come back flying.
“If you look at the way Kyle and Kaysy played last season – they got to such a high level and didn’t let that drop. They did do really well and that’s what hindered me a bit, although I felt I did well when I came in - the manager said that I did as well.”
In order to get games under his belt, Flanagan spent the month of January on loan at Sky Bet League 2 side Plymouth Argyle and the 23-year-old believes that spell in Devon helped him earn to his new deal.
He said: “I wasn’t too bothered where I went as I just wanted to play games but fortunately I went to a good club. (Karl) watched a few games and I got a really good report back from John Sheridan too - I imagine it gave the manager here confidence.
“(Karl) sat me down when I got back and said that he wanted to keep me. He outlined what he wanted for me, which helped as I was able to work on parts of my game on the training ground.”
Watch 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 here for a full list of prices!
To sign up, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at thecentre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.
**the FREE under-12s offer is no longer available in clubRed – click here for more information
*cost over 10 months with two months payment up front
