Football Season Review

In their second season back in League One, MK Dons improved on their 19th place last campaign and finished in mid-table. Russell Martin’s first full season in charge didn’t start well with five defeats in their opening seven matches. The Dons form started to improve from late October and from that point they were never really in danger of relegation while not being consistent enough to seriously challenge for a play-off place. The end of the season was encouraging, they only lost three of their last 12 matches, picking up seven wins. Martin’s side had a distinctive playing style, operating mostly a 3-5-1-1 formation. They dominated possession in most matches, looking to build from the back. When it worked, it was pleasing on the eye, but this philosophy is still a work in progress and at times teams were able to exploit it with a high pressing tactic. They had consistent performers throughout the side. Veteran defender Dean Lewington marshalled the back three, Ethan Laird and Matthew Sorinola were excellent in the wing-back positions, providing a real threat going forward. The standout player though was Scott Fraser. Playing in the number 10 role he had the skill and passing ability to create opportunities, he also weighed in with 14 league goals. The future looks bright for MK Dons. They have a young, progressive manager and a set way of playing. Expect more improvement and for them to seriously challenge for a play-off place next season.

Player of the Season: Scott Fraser