Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash with Peterborough United, Robbie Neilson stressed that it’s time he and his MK Dons side do their talking on the pitch.
The men from MK1 currently sit 20th in Sky Bet League One having gone seven games without a league victory – form they will be looking to change, starting this Saturday when they entertain Peterborough United in their final game of 2017.
“It’s not been acceptable from us and we recognise that,” Neilson said in his pre-match press conference. “We have to improve.
“It has been tough for us all but we need to keep working hard and make sure we stick together in order to get ourselves out of this rut. We’re all in this together – players and staff.”
He added: “We can do all the talking we want but we have to do the work out on the pitch. When we cross that white line it’s important we put a performance on and get results.”
Here’s what else we learnt from Neilson’s pre-match press conference...
On Lee Nicholls’ new deal...
“We’re delighted to sign Lee up. I’ve no doubts there were other teams looking at Lee and interested in him but he’s committed his future here. We gave him an opportunity this season and he’s done well. He’s very level-headed, a fantastic shot-stopper and he’s good with both feet. He’s got work to do to get to the level that I believe he can get to but as long as he keeps working hard, he’s got a great chance of getting there. I see him as a big asset for the Club.”
On David Kasumu turning pro...
“I’m delighted to sign up David. He’s a player that we have high hopes for. He’s got great mobility and energy and he’s developing well. During the January, we will move some of the senior Under-23s out on loan to get them some first-team experience and that will allow David to come and develop with the first team. He’s still got a long way to go because he’s still a young kid. It’s up to him to work hard and show that he can do it once he gets into the first-team environment.”
On a tough test against Peterborough...
“It will be a tough game. They have been going very well recently and they have scored a lot of goals – they have a really strong front three. Although we’ve been going through a tough period, we are still positive. It’s a derby for the Club as well, so it’s important we put on a show.”
On a derby providing added motivation...
“The players know what the game means. It’s a great opportunity to turn things around – as we did when we played them last year. We’ll train hard and make sure we are ready for the game.”
On 2017...
“It hasn’t been as good as we hoped it would be. When we came down, we turned it round and managed to get ourselves stable but this season has not been good enough. There are still a lot of things that need to get done and changes that need to be made. We have to make sure we continue to have a focus to do that. Let’s hope that 2018 is better than the last half of 2017.
On aims for 2018...
“(Our aim) is to get ourselves up the league. We know what this league is like – teams in the past have been in the bottom half and then had a fantastic second half of the season. We have to aim to do that but this is just talking – we have to do the work out on the pitch.”
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Robbie Neilson's MK Dons will be looking to bounce back on Saturday when they host Peterborough United at Stadium MK.
Tickets are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s* and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE*.
Supporters can upgrade to East Centre for a small £5 premium, while a seat in clubRed is just £10 more and includes a teamsheet, half-time tea/coffee and access to the Man of the Match presentation.
What’s more, discounts are available to members and Season Ticket holders wishing to purchase additional seats, as well as groups of 20 or more.
To purchase tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
