Paul Tisdale held his pre-match press conference this Thursday – here’s all the subjects he covered.
On the 10-day break…
“We always try and take advantage of the circumstances. We've had a chance to take a mental break, more than a physical one. To have a few days away from that decision making has been a real relief.”
On entering the break off the back of a win…
“It was nice to beat Morecambe, to enjoy it off the back of a win. But we're ready now for what will be a long and important six games through Christmas and into the New Year.”
On Jordan Moore-Taylor and Chuks Aneke…
“Jordan is a bit sore, and having the weekend off was a plus for him and Chuks Aneke. As always, we will assess them closer to the game to see what is possible and what's not. I'd like them both back as quick as I can.”
On Peter Pawlett…
“He's closer to being fit and available. He had a minor injury since coming back from his ankle problem. He's close and hopefully, we can assess him before Saturday. He has been training - he has been looking sharp and I'm hopeful he will be available.”
On Rhys Healey…
“We didn't just pluck someone out – I'd tried to get him at Exeter. I'm really pleased he has settled, he has contributed greatly. The box you always want ticked is 'is there a desire from the player to be a part of the team?' and clearly he has done that, and it's one of the reasons we want to keep him here.”
On the front three…
“Chuks, Rhys and Kieran have complimented each other, and providing the opposition with a varied challenge, and they've done that. Long may that continue, but we're still asking them to improve.”
On the Manager of the Month nomination…
“I hadn't even thought about it – it wasn't a surprise either, but surely it will go to the person who has won the most points and that won't be me. I'm pleased Dean Lewington has been nominated as a player, and it shows the level of performance he has been putting in regularly. It's fabulous to see another one of our players on the shortlist. Well done, Dean!”
On John Sheridan’s side…
“John Sheridan is an experienced manager, and he was a fabulous footballer. They're one of the best travelling teams for points gained. It's more than likely to be a very tough game. If after 10 games away, they've picked up 17, 18 points, that's not a fluke. There is always a player or two in the opposition who can do something, there are players in there we like the look of, but we need to be on our guard.”
On Baily Cargill…
“I'd liked Baily for a long time, and always thought he would suit my teams. When you're signing players, I like to have a long term view – you wait for things to align and connect, and at that point, you just have a chat! I met Baily, we chatted football, I was sincere. We got on pretty well. I think he needed us, and we needed a centre half – certainly now we do! I think he needed to play regular football in a team that suited him, and so far so good.
“I'm not surprised – he settled in, played and did well not sooner than I thought, but he found his feet quicker than I expected. He came in not long before the Oldham game, without much of a pre-season. He came on at half time against Grimsby in August and it all fell into place. That has been the blessing – he has come in, not got injured and fitted in. I'd like to see him add one or two things into his game, as I'm sure he would too, but he's making good strides.”
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MK Dons return to action on Saturday 8th December when they welcome Carlisle United to Stadium MK.
Tickets 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.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343.
