Paul Tisdale believes having a training ground at the MK Bowl is a ‘tantalising’ prospect for the Football Club.
The news announced on Thursday that MK Dons had reached an agreement with the Milton Keynes Development Partnership and MK Council to develop a new state-of-the-art training facility at the iconic National Bowl.
The Club expects to make the planning application for the 49-acre site early in the new year but speaking on Thursday, Tisdale spoke of his excitement at this positive step towards having a purpose-built training base.
“It's tantalising thinking about what can be achieved at that venue,” Tisdale said in his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s Sky Bet League One clash with Southend United at Stadium MK.
“It is wonderful news, not only having a purpose built ground that the Club can call its own but secondly it's the venue. It will be a fabulous training ground.
“Peter is delighted because I know it has been a topic here for a long time, and it was a topic of conversation when I arrived.
“There is still a lot to but for us, working in football, it's the missing piece here and we're looking forward to getting it solved.”
Tisdale continued: “Most people on the outside will think of the club and think of the stadium but for us, our 9-5 is at the training ground. In terms of our hours spent, more of them will be at the training ground - in the lecture theatres, gyms, medical rooms, canteen, kit room, laundry!
“We'll be there far more than we are at the stadium but what a combination to have – this stadium and a training ground that is at a level to match.”
While the training ground will certainly enhance the Dons’ fantastic work in developing Milton Keynes’ best footballers through the Academy, Tisdale also believes it will help them in the transfer market when they are looking to recruit players.
“It all helps. In terms of recruitment, it's about highlighting and promoting the most important factor for the player and so far, we've not been able to use it as a factor.
“We have plenty of positives to spin, especially tours around the stadium, but the training ground hasn't been a selling point yet and it will be in the future.
“Should the club progress, it will become more of a factor. When you’re competing with other clubs who have big stadiums, then the training ground becomes a necessity. We're not complaining at the moment, but should the club go forward, it will be a big factor in that regard.”
