Ahead of the 2016/17 Sky Bet League One campaign, mkdons.com takes a look at the teams MK Dons will face next season.
Next up is Rochdale, who the Dons have beaten four of the last five times they’ve met, including that memorable 3-2 triumph at the end of the 2014/15 campaign.
CLUB
Founded: 1907
Nickname: Dale
Mascot: Desmond the Dragon
Stadium: Spotland (Capacity 10,249)
Home colours: Blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks
Website: www.rochdaleafc.co.uk
Twitter: @RochdaleAFC
Facebook: Rochdale Afc
FIRST-TEAM
Manager
Keith Hill is in his second spell in charge of Rochdale, having previously managed the Spotland outfit between 2006 and 2011.
Hill, who re-joined Dale in 2013 after a stint at Barnsley, has led the Manchester club to two promotions during his time as boss.
As a player, he made over 150 appearances for Rochdale while also enjoyed time at Blackburn Rovers, Plymouth Argyle, Cheltenham Town and Morecambe.
Key and notable players
Goalkeeper Josh Lillis was named Dale’s Player of the Year by the supporters last season, with midfielder Callum Camps received the Players’ Player accolade.
Lillis was one of only two players to make over 40 appearances for the Spotland side in 2015/16, along with defender Jim McNulty.
Forward Ian Henderson, who was one off 40 games, was Rochdale’s leading goalscorer last year with 13 to his name. Behind him in the list were Joe Bunney and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
Last season
Rochdale finished five points adrift of the Sky Bet League One play-off places last season.
Hill’s men endured a difficult start to the campaign and won only five of their first 16 matches but their form picked up over Christmas and they ended the season in great form.
In terms of the cup competitions, Dale were knocked out at the second-round stage of the FA Cup, League
Transfers
Following the close of the season, Dale offered contracts to Calvin Andrew, Ashley Eastham, Olly Lancashire and Josh Lillis, although Eastham opted reject the deal and join Fleetwood Town.
They also exercised the options in the contracts of Jamie Allen, Joe Bunney, James Hooper, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Donal McDermott and Joe Rafferty.
Dale followed their re-signings up by capturing a pair of defenders – Nial Canavan from Scunthorpe United and Sheffield United’s Harrison McGahey on two-year deals.
There have also been outgoings at Spotland, with the likes of Rhys Bennett, Grant Holt, Reuben Noble-Lazarus and Michael Rose all set to depart the club following the expiry of their contracts.
HISTORY WITH THE DONS
Head to head
Dons wins: 5
Last Dons win: 3-2, 25 Apr 2015 (Spotland)
Biggest win: 4-1, 5 Mar 2011 (Spotland)
CLUB
Founded: 1907
Nickname: Dale
Mascot: Desmond the Dragon
Stadium: Spotland (Capacity 10,249)
Home colours: Blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks
Website: www.rochdaleafc.co.uk
Twitter: @RochdaleAFC
Facebook: Rochdale Afc
FIRST-TEAM
Manager
Keith Hill is in his second spell in charge of Rochdale, having previously managed the Spotland outfit between 2006 and 2011.
Hill, who re-joined Dale in 2013 after a stint at Barnsley, has led the Manchester club to two promotions during his time as boss.
As a player, he made over 150 appearances for Rochdale while also enjoyed time at Blackburn Rovers, Plymouth Argyle, Cheltenham Town and Morecambe.
Key and notable players
Goalkeeper Josh Lillis was named Dale’s Player of the Year by the supporters last season, with midfielder Callum Camps received the Players’ Player accolade.
Lillis was one of only two players to make over 40 appearances for the Spotland side in 2015/16, along with defender Jim McNulty.
Forward Ian Henderson, who was one off 40 games, was Rochdale’s leading goalscorer last year with 13 to his name. Behind him in the list were Joe Bunney and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
Last season
Rochdale finished five points adrift of the Sky Bet League One play-off places last season.
Hill’s men endured a difficult start to the campaign and won only five of their first 16 matches but their form picked up over Christmas and they ended the season in great form.
In terms of the cup competitions, Dale were knocked out at the second-round stage of the FA Cup, League
Transfers
Following the close of the season, Dale offered contracts to Calvin Andrew, Ashley Eastham, Olly Lancashire and Josh Lillis, although Eastham opted reject the deal and join Fleetwood Town.
They also exercised the options in the contracts of Jamie Allen, Joe Bunney, James Hooper, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Donal McDermott and Joe Rafferty.
Dale followed their re-signings up by capturing a pair of defenders – Nial Canavan from Scunthorpe United and Sheffield United’s Harrison McGahey on two-year deals.
There have also been outgoings at Spotland, with the likes of Rhys Bennett, Grant Holt, Reuben Noble-Lazarus and Michael Rose all set to depart the club following the expiry of their contracts.
HISTORY WITH THE DONS
Head to head
Dons wins: 5
Last Dons win: 3-2, 25 Apr 2015 (Spotland)
Biggest win: 4-1, 5 Mar 2011 (Spotland)
Biggest Rochdale win: 5-0, 27 Jan 2007 (Spotland)
Last Rochdale win: 1-0, 26 Jan 2008 (Stadium MK)
Rochdale wins: 3
Last draw: 2-2, 25 Nov 2014 (Stadium MK)
Draws: 2
Watch MK Dons take on Rochdale at Stadium MK in 2016/17, as well as 22 other home League One matches, by becoming a Season Ticket holder.
Adult Season Tickets are priced from £28 a month while under-21s can enjoy the full campaign from just £12.34 a month. Under-18 Season Tickets are priced from only £2.50 a month and under-12s can go FREE with a Young Dons membership.
To purchase a Season Ticket visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. You can also download an application form and post it to Box Office, Stadium MK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST.
The Dons will visit Spotland on Saturday 20 August before hosting Dale on Saturday 11 March at Stadium MK.
2016/17 MATCHES
Paul Butler, Kevin Long, Donal McDermott, Clive Platt, Scott Taylor.
Played for both
Adult Season Tickets are priced from £28 a month while under-21s can enjoy the full campaign from just £12.34 a month. Under-18 Season Tickets are priced from only £2.50 a month and under-12s can go FREE with a Young Dons membership.
To purchase a Season Ticket visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. You can also download an application form and post it to Box Office, Stadium MK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST.
The Dons will visit Spotland on Saturday 20 August before hosting Dale on Saturday 11 March at Stadium MK.
2016/17 MATCHES
Paul Butler, Kevin Long, Donal McDermott, Clive Platt, Scott Taylor.
Played for both
