The talk around Stadium MK for the past few weeks has centred on midfielder Ben Reeves, who had spent the summer training with MK Dons following his departure from Charlton Athletic.
Those questions, though, were put to bed on Thursday evening when it was announced that Reeves had made his return to the Dons a permanent one by becoming Paul Tisdale’s eighth signing of the summer.
Tisdale was asked about his newest capture in an interview with BBC Three Counties Radio after the Club’s Squad Presentation Evening at Stadium MK and spoke of his delight to have the 27-year-old on his books for the 2019/20 campaign.
“I’m delighted he’s back at MK Dons,” Tisdale said in the interview.
“I can glean from the reaction from supporters how highly-regarded he is here. I know he’s a talented player but, most of all, when I speak to him, he listens, takes on board information and then delivers it. I’m confident he’s going to do very well for us.”
Tisdale continued: “It seems like I’ve been hoodwinking everybody for the last month but I haven’t. He didn’t know he was on trial and I didn’t know he was on trial!
“In fact, I was away for a few days and it was then when Danny Butterfield invited him in for training. He was without a club and he knew Danny from his Southampton days. I got back and Ben was training with us!
“I could instantly see that he suited the way we play and the way we think. I know he’s got a great track-record with MK Dons too - he played in the team here during the Club’s purple patch.
“That said, even up until last week, we were in a situation where there was no real intention of considering it but, things change in football. He made it clear to us that he was enjoying himself here and we started talking - now he’s signed for us!”
Reeves’ arrival takes the squad total to 28 with just a week to go until the Dons begin their 2019/20 campaign with a home fixture against Shrewsbury Town at Stadium MK. Tisdale is pleased with how his squad has come together over the summer.
“There’s depth, it’s athletic and it’s a good age. The squad looks organised and purposeful - I’m excited to see how they function.
“We have deliberately looked to build a squad where there’s depth. If there’s an injury or a suspension then we can still function in the same way. I’m hoping this year that we can continue our fluency even if a player misses.”
“I hope it will be a successful year. We’ve put a squad together with the best intentions but, like anything, especially with the sport of football, ultimately I don’t yet know [how good the group is]."
