After a day of testing and screening at Stadium MK, MK Dons returned to their training pitch at Woughton on the Green on Friday to begin their pitch-based pre-season programme.
The first half of the day was led by Head Fitness and Conditioning Coach Matt Willmott and involved a series of running drills. Manager Paul Tisdale then took over and put the players through several passing drills - his first training session with the squad.
Defender Joe Walsh and midfielder Alex Gilbey were both involved for the entirety of the day as they both continue their rehabilitation programmes. Brandon Thomas-Asante and Dylan Asonganyi, who also spent time in the treatment room this off-season, took part in the full session too.
Osman Sow and Chuks Aneke were the only two players who remained at Stadium MK to follow individual programmes set for them by the Sports Science and Medicine teams.
Manager Paul Tisdale said after training’s end: “This is only the first day on the grass so we’ve got a long way to go until the start of the season. We don’t want to run before we can walk.
“We need to be ready in five week’s time and not next week. It’s all about us being ready, competitive, fit, healthy and functional on that first day.”
He added: “It’s a fresh start for everyone. Hopefully they can get some enjoyment out of being back in amongst their teammates.”
Midfielder Peter Pawlett, who missed the majority of pre-season last summer due to an injury, enjoyed being back with his teammates and senses a positive atmosphere around the camp.
He told the media: “There is a real lift about the boys. Last season was a disappointment but we have to draw a line under that. We can learn from it but we move on and hopefully this season can be a lot more positive.”
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MK Dons return to action in just over four weeks time when they play two Stadium MK friendlies in the space of four days. Paul Tisdale's men do battle with Ipswich Town on Tuesday 24th July before facing Oxford United on Friday 28th July.
Supporters can buy tickets for both pre-season friendlies (Ipswich Town and Oxford United) 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/kiosk at centre: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.