The Dons’ promotion-winning season has only just finished but Player of the Year Carl Baker is already itching to go again.
Baker, who moved to stadiummk last September as a free agent, played a pivotal role in the men from MK1 securing Sky Bet Championship football for 2015/16 and he was voted the standout player by the fans after netting 10 goals in 35 appearances.
The winger’s campaign was then capped off last week with the reward of a new one-year contract, which will keep him at Club until at least June 2016 and allow him to ‘Don the MK shirt’ in English football’s second tier.
“I honestly can’t wait for next season,” Baker told MK Dons Player. “I've been looking at the teams in the Championship that we’ll be going up against and some of the players we’ll be facing - it will be nice to get those big teams into the City.
“It’s an unbelievable league with some of the stadiums you go to and the pitches are nearly always immaculate. It’s physically tough and there are good teams, but our style of play should suit that league and I’m feeling confident that we can do a good job.
He continued: “It will be nice to play in the Championship with the lads next year. I love playing football here because everything is perfect for me - the style of play, the staff, the players, the location and the fans have been great to me too.
“My target when I signed here was to stay here for a couple of years, at least. The Gaffer said to me when I first came that if I get my head down and do well he’d look after me so it’s nice to be rewarded with a new contract.
“It’s probably been one of the most enjoyable seasons for me. I had a couple of good seasons at Coventry City but I don’t think anything will top this - to come here in my first season and get Player of the Year, score double-figure goals again and be part of a promotion-winning team – it’s unbelievable!”
The winger’s campaign was then capped off last week with the reward of a new one-year contract, which will keep him at Club until at least June 2016 and allow him to ‘Don the MK shirt’ in English football’s second tier.
“I honestly can’t wait for next season,” Baker told MK Dons Player. “I've been looking at the teams in the Championship that we’ll be going up against and some of the players we’ll be facing - it will be nice to get those big teams into the City.
“It’s an unbelievable league with some of the stadiums you go to and the pitches are nearly always immaculate. It’s physically tough and there are good teams, but our style of play should suit that league and I’m feeling confident that we can do a good job.
He continued: “It will be nice to play in the Championship with the lads next year. I love playing football here because everything is perfect for me - the style of play, the staff, the players, the location and the fans have been great to me too.
“My target when I signed here was to stay here for a couple of years, at least. The Gaffer said to me when I first came that if I get my head down and do well he’d look after me so it’s nice to be rewarded with a new contract.
“It’s probably been one of the most enjoyable seasons for me. I had a couple of good seasons at Coventry City but I don’t think anything will top this - to come here in my first season and get Player of the Year, score double-figure goals again and be part of a promotion-winning team – it’s unbelievable!”
for a full list of prices! click 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 -
“I’m looking forward to more of the same next year. I’m going to come back as fit as possible and we’ll see how it goes. I’m just really excited and it honestly can’t come quick enough.”
“I’m going away with the lads but once I get back it’s going to be down to business, working hard in the gym - Damo (Damien Doyle) has given us our fitness sheets that we’ve got to stick to in order to come back firing.
While Baker and his team-mates will have time to enjoy their success, the hard work will start again soon and the 32-year-old insists he’ll do his best to return in tip-top shape and ready to replicate this past season’s form. To sign up, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at thecentre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.
