Ahead of Saturday’s Stadium MK finale, Keith Millen has called upon the squad to put in a performance that the supporters can be proud of.
The Dons take on Scunthorpe United in their final home fixture of the campaign where they will be looking to end what has been a disappointing home campaign on a positive note.
“We have to win this game for a lot of reasons but largely for the fans,” Millen told the media in his pre-match press conference.
“We aren't going to be able to turn the season around on Saturday but hopefully we can give them a good performance. We want to give it a go to show them there's a good future here – and there will be, the club will bounce back from this and be stronger for it.
“If we start like we did on Tuesday – we were entertaining to watch, full of energy and running – then hopefully the fans will appreciate it. I hope we can score some goals too and let them enjoy being an MK Dons fan again.”
There is a strong possibility that the Dons’ fate could be sealed on Saturday, regardless of their result, but Millen insists the team can’t afford to think of that possibility and, instead, concentrate on doing their job at Stadium MK.
“We’ll see what happens after the game – maybe realisation kicks in and we'll have to deal with that when it comes.
“The preparation will be the same for us. We'll look at Scunthorpe, see what they do well and don't do well. They're on a good run and are still fighting to stay in the play-offs so it's a huge game for them as well but it’s a huge game for us as it’s our final home game.”
Here is what else Keith Millen had to say in his pre-match press conference...
On his future with the Dons...
“My remit is to win the next two games but, if I'm serious about wanting the job, when I come to meeting the chairman in the summer, then I need to have a plan how I want to take this Club forward. I wouldn’t just turn up and take it off the top of my head – I would have to have a plan of action.”
On playing the young players...
“I'll pick a team to win the game and if it includes youngsters then so be it. There are rules, and Scunthorpe are still fighting to get into the play-offs so I won't be fielding a weakened team. I might look at having a few youngsters on the bench.”
On the injured players...
“Peter Pawlett has a few niggles. We're gauging it day-by-day but I've got a big squad, and there's no point in putting someone out there who isn't 100 per cent fit. Hopefully, he is 100 per cent and I'll have a nice selection problem. Certainly not [Osman Sow] this weekend - we'll assess him ahead of next weekend.”
On the loan players...
“I’ve spoke to the loan players individually. They have no affiliation to this Club and they've only come here for a few months but I told them to learn from this, and I hope it hurts them being a part of a team that is struggling. They still have to perform because people will look at them in situations like this and if you can stand out, it will only look good on their CV. When their clubs call me up, I can then tell them they were mentally strong and dealt with the situation.”
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Saturday's clash with Scunthorpe United at Stadium MK has been designated as the Buckingham Big Day, meaning residents with an MK18 postcode can purchase tickets at a discounted rate of £10 adults and £3 for under-18s.
General sale tickets are priced at £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership.
To book 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.
