Despite the 2017/18 campaign ending in disappointment, it’s safe to say that Sam Nombe has had somewhat of a breakout season.
In August 2017, Nombe made his professional debut as he entered the field on 80 minutes in the Carabao Cup tie with Forest Green.
Just four days later the striker was named as a substitute for the Dons’ clash against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. He’d eventually replace Robbie Muirhead with 18 minutes remaining and was perhaps unlucky to not mark his Sky Bet League One debut with a goal.
Nombe would go on to record appearances against Swansea, Blackburn, Brighton Under-21s and Stevenage before making his Emirates FA Cup debut in the 4-0 win over Hyde United.
After further impressing against Chelsea Under-21s, Shrewsbury, Oxford and AFC Wimbledon the 19-year-old was handed his first loan spell as he joined Oxford City.
Nombe would catch the eye during his stint at Marsh Lane scoring six goals in nine games as he helped City secure survival in the National League South.
Talking to iFollow MK Dons following the final day victory over Shrewsbury, Nombe had only positive words to describe his time with Mark Jones’ side, “I think I’ve benefited from my spell at Oxford.
“It kept me on my toes and I had to go there as a new person in the group. I thought instead of shying away and trying to get to know everyone I’ve got to go there and be myself and go all out.
“That’s exactly what I did and I managed to get the goals having worked hard for it. That led to me getting the chance to come back here and be recalled.”
Nombe concluded, “I’m grateful to Oxford City for their time.”
