We are now in the lower half of the league and 13 points adrift of the current play off places, having been the favourites at the start of the season to go up.
Alex Rae has already gone and assuming we fail to get to the playoffs (a fair assumption in my view) – who will be out and who will come in?
Manager wise – I fully expect KR to leave for a bigger club, at least in the Championship. I don’t see Mick Hartford adding a lot, and hope he is not asked to step up. Likewise Ian Wright has not exactly set our goal scoring alight, not sure he would be a good manager. Will someone like Alan Smith step in – maybe a little soon, but could be an option.
Player wise – Had we gone up, I would have expected Lewington to have been let go – now I fear it will be Chicksen who will leave, as I am sure he is good enough for the Championship, and I also expect the likes of Gleeson (who probably would have been made captain had we gone up), Potter and Williams to also leave. It will be tough to replace these players, and really dependant on who we get in as a manager.
Ins and Outs for next season
posted on 25/2/13
It will be difficult for Robbo to go as he has previously rejected other posts and has his reputation fallen with the drop down the league? For me he still have to prove he has what it takes, although I couldn't rule him out going.
Assuming Robbo will stay I believe the staff will remain except for a new scout and I hope can get a good one. Perhaps Smithy might want to take on that role next season, which is why we havent announced a new one.
In regards to players Potter's and William's stock has gone down, similar I can't see many taking a punt on MacKenzie with his injury record this season. I don't think Williams is a Championship centre half while he still has a lot to learn as a midfield player.
I believe the three to go might be Gleeson, Powell and Martin. I would like to see Grigg and Brandy play for us, while I believe Robbo rates Judge. I would also like us to consider Noble and Hayes at Dartford.
posted on 25/2/13
I agree with Furz, if the Dons don't make the playoffs, I don't think many Championship Sides would come looking for Robbo, I am not sure if thre are many in League 1 would consider him either.
Not sure Pete would want to keep him, but I guess he wouldn't want to pay compensation so MK Dons would be stuck with him until the end of his contract.
I think Lewie will go whatever happens, I think he is starting to lose the pace and would probably fit better in L2 or Blue Square.
I agree that Hartford and Wright have been major disappointments this season and don't seem to be bringing anything to the party. Pete should definately save his money there.
The older players (Lowe / Smith) must consider they are not going to progress and should consider moving down as well, let some of the younger players in and give them a chance of leading the attack.
posted on 26/2/13
Agree that KR has yet to deliver. But he gets great PR for himself and has always made it plain he has no money. Inference being, that with financial resources his brand of football would win. The pundits and press love it.
I do think he got us playing good football again after ince part 2. So many will go with his 'potential'. He in my view has yet to show he can find the right players.
Powell may go, not are about Martin. But I think lewie will remain.
posted on 26/2/13
Well after another disappointing result tonight I think that's our season over.
The teams at the top are doing their utmost to give us a chance by losing, but we cant take it.
We have blown it by not having a goalscorer, this has been the problem for a few seasons.
Why has Robbo not got one.
He took a gamble on Izale and it hasnt worked, he cannot score for us, but then again no striker can.
I think it is more to do with our system of play, we have no plan B.
I think Williams would do very well in the Championship, he isnt really a centre back, but has done well there, he has been forced to play there due to injuries and other players getting red cards, he can score goals and is in the same mould as Andrews.
I am afraid to say it but it appears a lot of the others would struggle in the Championship.
Smith and Lowe are at the end of their days, and I would give the youngsters a go, perhaps Robbo will put them in once the playoffs are no longer possible.
Must say am very disappointed in the way we have folded since the QPR game, and I am wondering if Robinson is as good as everyone thinks.
posted on 26/2/13
Chaps, whats happened to you this season? 7 teams are away, & for you not to be in that 7 is criminal really,
posted on 27/2/13
Wetherby, its fairly simple:
1. The manager hasn't learnt the lessons of last season. Teams know how to play MK Dons now, and the manager isn't good enough to change things around.
2.The players don't seem to know the rules and continually pick up Red Cards, so reducing an already small squad.
3.Bringing in Mike Hartford and Ian Wright hasn't worked
4.Injuries to critical players
5.Away form has been rubbish this season (with the exception of QPR) - mainly because of point 1.
6.Some players are just too old and the young blood haven't been given a chance.
7.The Team are just not geared up to take shots at goal - for example last night they had the ball for 45minutes and only had 1 shot on target (thank goodness it went in or it would have been another point lost).
posted on 27/2/13
posted on 27/2/13
Bills point of teams knowing how to play MK Dons is key - we lack the likes of a striker such as you had Wetherby - with Rhodes - who will always score goals.
We spend ages passing it around without ever really threatening the opposition - and our injuries have meant we have had to field a constantly rotating team.
Not going to be joining you this season
posted on 27/2/13
I think we will stay up now, it has been a tough, tough season, dog eat dog, no easy games, would hate to go down again! It's the place to play football.
posted on 13/3/13
Well it looks like it is all over for another season, at least the fans have been spared the disappointment of the club being knocked out at the first round of the play-offs again.
I think if Robbo is staying, he needs to start coming up with a new plan, using the younger players and getting rid of the dead wood.
I can't see him going to be honest, because I don't think his stock is very high at the moment, certainly with Di Cannio spare, and not sure that another club would want him.