Just over thirteen months ago, Robbie Neilson led MK Dons to a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Stadium MK in his first win as manager – a result which proved a turning point in the 2016/17 campaign.
Back in the present, the men from MK1 are in search of another momentum swing as they look to climb back up the Sky Bet League One table and Neilson hopes a success over the same opponents this weekend can provide that.
“It was a huge game for us [last season] and we got the result which was probably the turning point for us,” Neilson said in his pre-match press conference. “We hope it can be the same for us on Saturday.
“We have to make sure we put together a run of games where we pick up three points now. The next two games are two opportunities to do that and we hope we will.
“We had a great result last Saturday [against Queens Park Rangers] and we have to make sure we carry that through to the game on Saturday.
“We’ve had these moments before in the season and we haven’t managed to build on them. It’s important, this time, that we build on that great performance last week.”
Here’s what else Neilson had to say in his pre-match press conference...
On the injury situation...
“We’ve got a few that will be back but a few of them we are still assessing. There will be a couple of last-minute decisions.”
On progress in the transfer market...
“We’re still working. Fingers crossed we might get one here for the weekend – we’re working on that and hoping to hear back [on Thursday]. We were lucky to get [Ike Ugbo] in so early and if we can get another one for Saturday that would be great.
“There are a couple of other options that we’re looking at in different departments. We need one in midfield and one up front. We’ll then make a decision where we go from there.”
On the players out of contract this summer...
“We’re speaking to Callum Brittain – he’s a young player that we feel has a big future here. With the other guys, we need to wait and see how the season progresses. It’s a bit too early, in the position that we are in, to be offering deals so we will assess that in the coming months.”
On the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round draw...
“Coventry will bring a big support and we’ll have a good support here as well so it should be a very good tie. We will probably be going into it as favourites but they are doing extremely well in League Two and they’ve got a good team so it’s going to be a tough one but one we feel, if we play the way we can, that we can progress in.”
***
Tickets for Saturday's clash with AFC Wimbledon are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s and under-21s, and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE* with a Young Dons (Plus) membership. Supporters can upgrade their seat to East Centre for £5 or to clubRed for £10.
Postcode restrictions apply - click HERE for more information!
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/centre:mk store or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
