After an intense six-day training camp in Murcia, Dean Lewington has his eyes firmly set on the impending Sky Bet League Two campaign.
Lewington, who is amongst his 16th pre-season as a professional footballer – 14 of which have been with MK Dons, praised the squad for their hard work in Murcia.
“It was a really good week,” the skipper told iFollow MK Dons. “We’ve had excellent facilities and good training pitches and managed to get a lot of work done.
“This week has been a big plus for us given the turnover of players that we’ve had this year - there are a lot of boys to incorporate.
“We’ve been with each other for 24 hours a day, eating together, doing quizzes and all these entertaining things that the Club do for us. It helps you bond and you need that. Team spirit can drag you through at times so it’s important that we get it this year.”
“The two games in Spain were excellent. Playing foreign teams is always different - especially away from home because it’s a little bit different kind of football with a lot more concentration and different tactics - but it's nice to play different styles.
"As a whole, I think we’ve acquitted ourselves very well. There are things we’ve done well and things we can improve on. It's been really positive.”
The trip to Spain also saw Alex Gilbey up his rehabilitation process as he was handed minutes on the pitch against both UD Almeria and FC Jumilla. Lewington feels his return has been massive for the group.
“I think [Alex] Gilbey coming back and having Joe [Walsh] back in training are two big plusses. They were both big misses last year and having Gilbs back amongst the group has been good."
The 34-year-old also commented on the support from the MK Dons faithful – some of which made the journey to Spain to watch Paul Tisdale’s men.
“The support is amazing. I did not expect to see an MK Dons shirt when I walked out against Almeria but it’s brilliant. The lengths people go to in order to follow us is amazing and we are very appreciative of the support we get and the people that go the extra mile.
“I went and had a chat with them to say thank you – it’s good that we have them kind of people behind us because you need loyal people, ones that’ll back you when things aren’t going well.”
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MK Dons make their long-awaited return to Stadium MK this week when they take on both Ipswich Town and Oxford United in the space of three days.
Supporters can buy tickets for both pre-season friendlies in a bundle deal, with prices just £18 adults, £14 seniors and £5 under-18s while under-12s go FREE*. The bundle deal prices for clubRed are £25 adults, £20 seniors, £8 under-18s and £3 under-18s.
Tickets for the individual fixtures are priced at £10 adults, £8 seniors and £3 under-18s while under-12s go FREE*. In clubRed, tickets are priced at £15 adults, £12 seniors, £5 under-18s and £2 under-12s.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will remain on sale right up until kick-off for both games. Please note, the bundle deal is not currently available to buy online. This will be available shortly.