Antony Kay has enjoyed over 20 years in the professional game but says the four he spent with MK Dons were his favourite.
Kay moved to Stadium MK ahead of the 2012/13 season and went on to play 161 times for the Dons – enough for 13th place in the Club’s list of all-time appearance makers.
“My time in MK was the most enjoyable time of my career,” he said in a recent interview with iFollow MK Dons, which supporters can now listen to for free.
“The group we had were unbelievable and it always helps when you're a successful team, We were always knocking on the door to promotion, before we finally did it in my third season.
“I was 29 when I signed, I had three kids who were old enough to understand and enjoy it. They were a part of those celebrations after promotion and it gave me great memories for my family and my kids.
“I got promoted with my home-town club Barnsley and that’s the sort of thing you dream about, but looking at it now, having my wife there and my children there supporting me and knowing they will have it in their memories too, [the promotion with MK Dons] is right up there.”
Kay led the team in appearances during the 2014/15 promotion-winning season, missing just one league match due to suspension.
“Shock it was through five yellow cards!” Kay joked.
“The players we had that season were ridiculous. We had Lewie, who always had it locked down. Me and Kyle [McFadzean] with Joe Walsh pushing us. We had Jordan Spence and George Baldock at right back. Dele [Alli] and Darren Potter in midfield with Samir [Carruthers] in and out and Lewis Baker from Chelsea, who was an unbelievable talent. Will Grigg and Benik Afobe rotated up front.
“I enjoyed every game that year. We went into every game thinking we were going to win, never even considering that we’d lose. We had such team togetherness which helped push us over the line in the end.”
MK Dons kept a club-record 24 clean sheets that campaign, thanks largely to a formidable parternship between Kay and Kyle McFadzean – one which many believe to be the best in the Club’s history alongside the 2007/08 duo of Sean O’Hanlon and Danny Swailes.
“For me, Kyle is the best [defensive partner I’ve had]. We were two Yorkshire lads, we had a great understanding and we did everything together.
“We knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We were both vocal. When one of us did something wrong we'd tell the other because we held no grudges. We always had a good respect for each other. It was good for the team, I think.”
Nearly four years on from his departure, Kay – who is currently on the books at Chorley – says he still keeps an eye out on MK Dons’ results and hopes they can secure their Sky Bet League One status once the EFL campaign resumes.
“I always keep an eye on results. I always look to see how they're doing - and to see if Lewie is still playing every week, which he is!
“I think and hope they'll avoid relegation. The squad is too good to go down.”
