Ahead of the Dons’ inaugural Sky Bet Championship campaign, mkdons.com takes a look at the new sides they will face in 2015/16.
Next up is Brentford, who the Dons faced just two seasons ago in League 1.
QUICK HITS
Head Coach: Marinus Dijkhuizen
Key and notable players: Alan McCormack, Tony Craig, Andre Gray, Alan Judge, Jonathan Douglas
Former Dons: Will Grigg
Stadium: Griffin Park (12,763 capacity)
Nickname: The Bees
Kit: Red and white striped shirt, black shorts, black socks
HISTORY
Brentford, based in the London Borough of Hounslow, were founded in October 1889.
Their most successful spell came during the 1930s, when the club achieved consecutive top-six finishes in the First Division, including a high of fifth in 1935/36. They also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup during the same decade – a feat they’ve achieved three more times since.
Soon after their relegation from the top flight in 1947, the Bees slipped into the third tier and they spent the majority of their time thereafter at that level, except for some brief spells in the fourth tier and one season in the second.
That was until they were promoted from League One in 2013/14 and in their first season back in the Championship they reached the play-offs – only to lose in the semi finals to Middlesbrough.
LAST SEASON
Brentford enjoyed a terrific first season back in the second tier, finishing fifth in the table and qualifying for the play-offs.
Boss Mark Warburton led the side to 23 victories and 78 points as they completed league doubles over the likes of Reading, Leeds United, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers.
Pipping Wolverhampton Wanderers and Derby County to a spot in the top six, the Bees faced Middlesbrough in the semi finals but their hopes of back-to-back promotions were ended after a 5-1 defeat on aggregate.
THIS SEASON
Despite guiding them to a terrific finishing position in the table, Brentford parted company with manager Warburton at the start of the offseason and recently replaced him with head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen, formerly of Dutch side Excelsior.
Before Dijkhuizen’s arrival, the Bees released out-of-contract strikers Tommy Smith and Nick Proschwitz, while goalkeeper Richard Lee and club stalwart Kevin O’Connor both retired at the ages of 32 and 33 respectively.
The club also received bad news in the form of striker Scott Hogan, who will be sidelined until at least next April after suffering a second long-term knee injury – the 23-year-old sustained ligament damage last August after making just one appearance.
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
QUICK HITS
Head Coach: Marinus Dijkhuizen
Key and notable players: Alan McCormack, Tony Craig, Andre Gray, Alan Judge, Jonathan Douglas
Former Dons: Will Grigg
Stadium: Griffin Park (12,763 capacity)
Nickname: The Bees
Kit: Red and white striped shirt, black shorts, black socks
HISTORY
Brentford, based in the London Borough of Hounslow, were founded in October 1889.
Their most successful spell came during the 1930s, when the club achieved consecutive top-six finishes in the First Division, including a high of fifth in 1935/36. They also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup during the same decade – a feat they’ve achieved three more times since.
Soon after their relegation from the top flight in 1947, the Bees slipped into the third tier and they spent the majority of their time thereafter at that level, except for some brief spells in the fourth tier and one season in the second.
That was until they were promoted from League One in 2013/14 and in their first season back in the Championship they reached the play-offs – only to lose in the semi finals to Middlesbrough.
LAST SEASON
Brentford enjoyed a terrific first season back in the second tier, finishing fifth in the table and qualifying for the play-offs.
Boss Mark Warburton led the side to 23 victories and 78 points as they completed league doubles over the likes of Reading, Leeds United, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers.
Pipping Wolverhampton Wanderers and Derby County to a spot in the top six, the Bees faced Middlesbrough in the semi finals but their hopes of back-to-back promotions were ended after a 5-1 defeat on aggregate.
THIS SEASON
Despite guiding them to a terrific finishing position in the table, Brentford parted company with manager Warburton at the start of the offseason and recently replaced him with head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen, formerly of Dutch side Excelsior.
Before Dijkhuizen’s arrival, the Bees released out-of-contract strikers Tommy Smith and Nick Proschwitz, while goalkeeper Richard Lee and club stalwart Kevin O’Connor both retired at the ages of 32 and 33 respectively.
The club also received bad news in the form of striker Scott Hogan, who will be sidelined until at least next April after suffering a second long-term knee injury – the 23-year-old sustained ligament damage last August after making just one appearance.
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
