Russell Martin says Saturday’s clash with Bolton Wanderers will provide a good barometer of how far MK Dons have come under his management.
Martin’s first league match in charge was against the Trotters at the University of Bolton Stadium in November – a point in the season where the Dons occupied a place inside the Sky Bet League One relegation zone.
Since then, Martin has guided his team 10 points clear of the bottom three thanks, largely, to an impressive home form which has seen them win five of their last six outings at Stadium MK.
The Dons are back at home this weekend looking to maintain that excellent run and boss Martin is hopeful that his players will display the improvements they’ve made since that trip to Greater Manchester four months ago.
“It was my first league game in charge and it will be good to see how far we've come,” Martin said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s match.
“It was a frustrating afternoon, and I felt we deserved to get something. We were at the start of our process then. The intensity we showed was brilliant but we got tired towards the end of that game.
“I don't think we were anywhere near as good as we are now. Since then, we've certainly upped it.”
He continued: “This is not a bad Bolton team. Their league position is a false dawn, with their points deduction and playing the youth team early in the season.
“They're tough to play against. They've not been on a great run, but they don't lose big. They've got experienced, robust players and they're a team that can hurt others and score goals.
“Their manager has been at this level for a long time, and he has an assistant who has been a manager at this level and below too.
“It will be tough but we're at home and we've been good here. We'll approach the game in the same way we always do, to impose ourselves, and if we bring our style and approach to it, I'm more than confident.”
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Bolton Wanderers are priced at £22 adults, £17 seniors and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with an accompanying adult.
Supporters can upgrade to premium seats in the East Centre for a £5 premium while an upgrade to clubRed is just £10 more.
Club Dons members are entitled to £5 discount on the matchday price for 10 EFL games while Young Dons members can take advantage of a £1 discount on prices - why not use that discount for today's match?
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off from the Box Office.
