Dean Lewington believes Saturday’s visit of Wigan Athletic is the ideal way to start the season.
Six weeks after their 2016/17 campaign came to an end, Lewington & Co kick-off their next Sky Bet League One journey this weekend with a testing clash against the recently-relegated Latics, who are tipped by many to be a contender for promotion this season.
“It’s a good game to see where we’re at and, with it being at home, it’s a good opportunity to go and get three points,” Lewington told iFollow MK Dons.
“They are a strong team so it could be one of the toughest games we’ll face all season but we’re really excited about it. Hopefully we can put on a positive display but, most importantly, get the three points and set the tone for the season.”
There has been plenty of turnaround at Stadium MK, with Lewington and Joe Walsh the only two remaining first-team players from the Dons’ 2015/16 Sky Bet Championship campaign – the 33-year-old is optimistic that the changes will benefit the Club.
“It was sad to see the boys we lost go and they left a big hole but slowly the new boys have come in to fill that.
“We’ve worked on many different formations and added a few strings to our bow. That takes time, especially with a lot of new lads coming in but we’ve been working hard to try and sharpen up on the tactical side of things.
“It’s a nice atmosphere at the moment and a happy changing room – we’re all geared up for Saturday.”
The 2017/18 campaign will be Lewington’s 14th at the Club, which makes him the longest-serving player in the UK but after all those years, does the defender still get a buzz ahead of the season opener?
“If I didn’t have that, I don’t think I’d be standing here!” said the skipper. “It’s natural for the two and three hours leading up to the game, to get that buzz – the nerves and the excitement.
“For it to be on the doorstep now – everyone is really excited and looking forward to it.”
