Chris Hogg saw plenty of positives in MK Dons’ first run-out of the summer, as preparations for the 2022/23 campaign ramp up.
With the exception of three sidelined players, every member of the Dons’ squad got 45 minutes under their belt in Tuesday’s 4-0 victory over AFC Rushden & Diamonds – the first of three warm-up matches in front of supporters ahead of the new season.
“It was a good run out,” Assistant Head Coach Hogg said when he met with the media following the final whistle. “It was a really positive night.
“There is nothing like games. Players just love playing and after two solid weeks of training, we're building on it now and starting to ramp it out.
“The first game is always about getting through it without any injuries and the lads came through it and got some good fitness work in.
“It was great to see some of the younger lads too. They came here wanting to get better and to improve and I was really pleased with them.
“It was nice to see a few goals and for the boys to build up a bit of rhythm in those attacking areas. Our attacking work is something we're coming around to now but tonight we saw some really good signs.”
Hogg continued: “We've got two solid weeks of preparation before the season starts. We're building the culture again, and hopefully we can run into the season with the behaviours we're trying to develop.
“It's a really exciting time at the moment. We've got a rebuild going on and a lot of work is going on behind the scenes with some work still to do. Hopefully we'll add some more quality over the next few weeks and we can hit the ground running when the season starts.
Here is what else Hogg had to say in his post-match press conference…
On Will Grigg…
“He's been at the Club before but I didn't know him, so it was good to get to know him a bit more. We've offered him some training and we've enjoyed having him with us. Who knows what the future holds with that one. There has been dialogue with him but that's something that will be clearer in the next few weeks.”
On Bradley Johnson…
“Brad's someone who most clubs will know because he's a very experienced player. That is another (deal) that will become a lot clearer in the next couple of weeks but he won't be short of offers as he's a quality player.”
On mixing youth with experience…
“You need a blend but remember, the young lads from last season have another year under their belts and they're evolving. You just have to be the best version of yourself you can be. We're trying to help everyone we've got and we're trying to add to the group to try to get better.”
