Paul Tisdale wants his MK Dons side to use the positive energy gained from their opening-day victory to help them this weekend, as they look to get off to a winning start at Stadium MK.
Tisdale’s side beat Oldham Athletic 2-1 in their first Sky Bet League Two match of the 2018/19 campaign and will be out to make it back-to-back successes on Saturday when they entertain Bury in their home opener.
Should MK Dons come out on top this weekend, it would be only their third home triumph in 2018 - boss Tisdale is keen to improve the team’s fortunes at Stadium MK.
“[The home form] is something we’ve discussed numerous times having looked at the data over the last few years,” Tisdale said in his pre-match press conference. “It’s something that needs to be focussed upon.
“We’ve created a bit of energy and spark with our performances recently and I would certainly like to keep that. The way we’re going to lift our performances over the first few months is by creating and sustaining an energy and a purpose in our home form.”
This weekend, Tisdale’s men face a Bury side who also picked up a win on opening day and one that are managed by former MK Dons striker Ryan Lowe.
Tisdale was very respectful of Lowe and his team when asked about them in his press conference. He said: “I am respectful of any manager that I come up against because this is a tough job to do. He is a former MK Dons player so instantly there is a respect and admiration here for him.
“He’s a player I’ve come up against a number of times - he was a very good centre forward and his team will have some real attacking intentions.
“They beat Yeovil on the first game of the season and I’m sure they’ll like to make it two wins from two games like us.”
Here is what else we learnt from Tisdale’s pre-match press conference...
On a quiet deadline day...
“There was anticipation that a lot would happen in the last couple of days but that wasn’t the case. There was speculation about one or two players going out which didn’t materialised and unless that had happened, although we’ve got a good budget, we weren’t really in a position to bring anybody in. The hardest thing for me was trying to predict the movement of players going out to have a plan for players to come in. I can’t suddenly end up with 10 strikers because I think some are going and then they don’t. On the other end, we can’t let everyone out at the last minute and end up with no one. It’s almost an impossible task. There is a loan window still open until the end of August so there might still be a change of two. ”
On the 10 players that have arrived...
“I wanted to gain some players who were fit for purpose for the challenge we have a head but I did so not knowing the players we had here. Because of the nature of the window, you’re put under pressure to make decisions before you’ve really established where things stand. It’s been a difficult in that sense but I think we’ve made some very competitive and usual acquisitions that will aid us during this first part of our rebuilding process.”
On players adapting to his style...
“I know exactly how I want the team to play but it’s about how quick can I get us to that point without losing too many games in the meantime while trying to get there. Sometimes you have to be prepared to take one step backwards to take two forwards. What I certainly don’t want to do is take three steps back to go four forwards. For me, it’s a balancing act at the moment - I’m looking to coach the team but also keep their focus on the positive energy that we’ve shown.”
On Osman Sow’s recovery...
“[His recovery is going] very well. I’ve watched quite a few videos of him playing but I’ve yet to see him actually kick a ball. In terms of his physical rehabilitation, he is making really good progress. Every week is better than the last week and he’s now back running on the pitches. There is a big difference between putting your boots back on and being match fit. When he is fit and training, we need to be careful we don’t push him too soon.”
On Conor McGrandles and Peter Pawlett...
“Peter is going to be out for a reasonable amount of time. He has got a considerable ankle injury which will be enough to put him out of playing for at least a few weeks. Connor is black and blue after suffering multiple fractures to his eye socket. It’s something we are going to have to watch very closely. Connor and Peter were the two players I’ve been really pleasantly surprised with in pre-season and had really come to life. They were both highlights of pre-season so for them both to be injured in the first game of the season is a real disappointment for me and the team.”
On Baily Cargill and Mathieu Baudry...
“Baily is out there training at the moment. He missed pre-season with us - he trained but didn’t play in the games. He is a very accomplished player but he needs a game or two. I don’t want to put him in a venerable position in terms of injury, just for the sake of getting him on the pitch. Matty had an injury during pre-season but he’s on the verge of training. He’ll be a work or two longer than Baily but I’m confident both players will have a big impact. I’m not expecting them to trouble the teamsheet just yet but they will in time.”
On Alex Gilbey and Joe Walsh...
“If you go back a month, any talk of Alex Gilbey and Joe Walsh playing the first game of the season would have seemed a bit too optimistic and a bit of wish, really. We’ve got to continue to be careful but I’m really pleased so far. Simon [Crampton], Adam [Ross], Matt [Willmott] and Tom [Bromley] , all of those working on the medical and fitness side of things have done a really good job. The team behind the team were in over the summer helping both players and the returns show the merits of good people doing a good job at the Club.”
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Bury are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons members. Supporters can upgrade their seat to East Centre for just £5 more while an upgrade to clubRed is available for a £10 premium.
Don’t forget, with a Club Dons membership you can enjoy a £5 discount on 10 EFL matches during the 2018/19 season - Young Dons members are entitled to £1 off all 2018/19 EFL matches. Season Ticket holders can also bring a friend for FREE on one occasion during the campaign while Premier Members can do so twice.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343.
