A disappointed Keith Millen is confident MK Dons will come back next season stronger from their relegation experience.
The Dons’ fate was sealed on Saturday when they were beaten 2-0 by Scunthorpe United at Stadium MK. They will play Sky Bet League Two football next season for the first time since 2008.
“We're hurting,” Millen said in his post-match press conference. “We can't hide from the fact that we have been part of a relegation and we have to make sure we don't go through it again. This is as low as it has to be now.
“We have to reflect and learn from what has gone on. The thing about this Club is that I know it will be okay because there are good people here.
“We we will 100 per cent learn from the mistakes and be better for it. There are a few young lads in there and I told them they all have to learn from it - it makes you tougher, and if it doesn't make you tougher, then you don't become a better player.”
Here’s what else Keith Millen had to say to the press...
On the show of appreciation...
“There were a few [showing frustration] behind the goal but they're entitled to that. They're not going to forget what has gone on over the course of 90 minutes. I think the players were respectful.”
On a poor first half...
“It wasn't what I was expecting after Tuesday. I looked at Scunthorpe [United] and I felt our team and shape would cause them problems today. We seemed a little bit tentative and there was no purpose to us in the first half - we were out there but didn't really do anything. I was getting frustrated with the shape and the goals we conceded were poor. We just can't seem to defend set pieces well enough even though we looked at it and worked on it.”
On the second-half response...
“I made the changes at the break, and credit to the lads, they turned it around and kept going. We were the side which looked to get back in it but when get in the right areas, we just aren't getting on the end of it - it's deja vu. What I've seen in the last three months is exactly why we are where we are.”
On keeping spirits high for the final week...
“It will be hard. They have been okay up until now in training. I'm all about standards in training, but it will be tough now.”
On making changes for Shrewsbury Town...
“I'll have to look at the squad ahead of the Shrewsbury game because there's not a lot riding on it now. I still want to go there and win but it might be that I look at a few different players going forward. There are a few I can freshen it up with.”
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MK Dons will be looking to end the season on a positive note when they travel to Shrewsbury Town this Saturday evening.
Tickets are priced at £20 adults, £15 seniors/students/young persons, £8 12-18 year-olds and £6 8-11 year-olds while under-8s go FREE.
Travel, meanwhile, is priced at £21 adults and £20 seniors and under-18s with a £1 discount for Season Ticket holders and members.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy from the Club until 5pm on Friday.
