Milton Keynes Dons F.C. facts for kids
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| Full name | Milton Keynes Dons Football Club | |||
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| Nickname(s) | The Dons | |||
| Short name | MK Dons | |||
| Founded | 21 June 2004; 20 years ago | |||
| Ground | Stadium MK | |||
| Capacity | 30,500 | |||
| Chairman | Fahad Al Ghamin | |||
| Head coach | Scott Lindsey | |||
| League | League One | |||
| 2018–19 | League Two, 3rd of 24 (promoted) | |||
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Milton Keynes Dons Football Club, often called MK Dons, is a professional association football team. It is based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England. The team plays in EFL League Two, which is the fourth level of English football.
The club started in 2004. This happened after Wimbledon F.C. moved from south London to Milton Keynes. This move was quite controversial. When the club moved, it changed its name, badge, and home colours to become MK Dons.
The team first played at the National Hockey Stadium. They started playing there in the 2004–05 season. In the 2007–08 season, the club moved to their current home, Stadium MK. That same season, they won the League Two title and the Football League Trophy. After seven more seasons in League One, the club was promoted to the Championship in 2015. This was under manager Karl Robinson. However, they were relegated back to League One after just one season.
MK Dons is known for developing young players. They also have 16 disability teams. Their football trust helps about 60,000 people. Between 2012 and 2013, 11 young players from the club were chosen for national youth teams. From 2004 to 2014, 14 local academy players made their first-team debuts. One famous player is England international midfielder Dele Alli.
The club also has a women's team, Milton Keynes Dons Women. They share Stadium MK with the men's team. They currently play in the third tier of English women's football.
Contents
How the Club Started
Milton Keynes is about 45 miles (72 km) north-west of London. It was created as a new town in 1967. For many years, there wasn't a professional football club there. People sometimes suggested that a Football League club might move to Milton Keynes. This was a new idea in English football, and many fans were against it.
Wimbledon Football Club, nicknamed "the Dons", was founded in south London in 1889. They joined the Football League in 1977. By the late 1980s, they were in the top division of English football. However, their home stadium at Plough Lane was small and old.
In 1991, Wimbledon left Plough Lane to share Crystal Palace's ground, Selhurst Park. This was meant to be a temporary move while they found a new stadium in south-west London. But finding a new stadium was hard. The club's owner, Sam Hammam, even thought about moving the team to Dublin. Most Wimbledon fans did not like this idea.
In 1997, a group led by music promoter Pete Winkelman suggested building a new stadium in Milton Keynes. They wanted an established club to move there. In 2001, Wimbledon's chairman, Charles Koppel, announced the club planned to move to Milton Keynes. The Football League first said no, but an independent group later approved the move in May 2002.
Many Wimbledon fans were very upset by this. In June 2002, they formed their own new club, AFC Wimbledon. Most of the original team's supporters started following the new club. Wimbledon FC planned to move to Milton Keynes right away, but they couldn't find a suitable temporary home. They stayed at Selhurst Park. In June 2003, the club faced serious financial problems. Pete Winkelman decided to buy the club himself to save it.
The club found a temporary home at the National Hockey Stadium in Milton Keynes. They played their first match there in September 2003. Nine months later, Winkelman's company bought the club. They changed its name, badge, and colours. The team became Milton Keynes Dons Football Club.
Club History
Early Years and Challenges (2004–2006)
The first season for MK Dons was 2004–05 in Football League One. Their first game was a 1–1 draw against Barnsley on August 7, 2004. Izale McLeod scored their first goal. The team struggled in their second season, 2005–06, and was relegated to League Two.
First Trophies and Promotions (2006–2010)
In the 2007–08 season, former England captain Paul Ince became manager. MK Dons reached the final of the Football League Trophy. On March 30, 2008, they beat Grimsby Town 2–0 at Wembley. This was the club's first major trophy! They also won the League Two championship that season, earning promotion to League One.
After Ince left, Roberto Di Matteo took over. In the 2008–09 season, they almost got promoted again, finishing third. They lost in the play-offs. Ince returned for the 2009–10 season but left before it ended.
The Karl Robinson Years (2010–2016)
Karl Robinson became the new manager on May 10, 2010. At 29, he was the youngest manager in the Football League. Under him, the Dons finished fifth in League One in both 2010–11 and 2011–12, but lost in the play-offs both times.
In the 2012–13 season, MK Dons had their best ever FA Cup run. They beat Premier League team Queens Park Rangers 4–2 to reach the fifth round for the first time. Their run ended with a 3–1 loss to Barnsley.
The 2014–15 season was amazing! In the League Cup, they played Manchester United. In a huge upset, the Dons won 4–0 at Stadium MK. They also had record wins, beating Colchester United 6–0 and Oldham Athletic 7–0. On May 3, 2015, the club was promoted to the Championship for the first time. They beat Yeovil Town 5–1 on the final day.
Life in the Championship was tough. After a good start, the Dons couldn't keep up their form. They were relegated back to League One after just one season. Karl Robinson left the club in October 2016.
Recent Years (2016–Present)
Robbie Neilson took over as manager. His first game was against Karl Robinson's new club, Charlton Athletic. Neilson's time started well, including a win against AFC Wimbledon. However, after a poor run of games, he left in January 2018.
Under new manager Dan Micciche, the club continued to struggle and was relegated to League Two. Paul Tisdale became manager in June 2018. In the 2018–19 season, MK Dons won promotion back to League One on the final day, beating Mansfield Town 1–0.
Tisdale left in November 2019 after a difficult start to the 2019–20 season. Russell Martin became the new manager. The season was stopped early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MK Dons finished 19th, avoiding relegation.
In the 2021–22 League One season, the Dons finished third, just missing out on automatic promotion. They lost to Wycombe Wanderers in the play-off semi-finals. In the 2022–23 season, MK Dons were relegated back to League Two.
On October 17, 2023, Mike Williamson was appointed head coach. He led the team to a 4th-place finish, but they lost badly in the play-off semi-finals. On August 9, 2024, the club's owner, Pete Winkelman, sold the club to a new group. Scott Lindsey became the new head coach on September 25, 2024.
Team Kits
This table shows the kit history for Milton Keynes Dons.
| Season | Kit manufacturer | Main sponsor | Back of shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2005 | A-line | Marshall Amplification | |
| 2005–2006 | |||
| 2006–2007 | Surridge Sports | ||
| 2007–2008 | Nike | ||
| 2008–2009 | |||
| 2009–2010 | DoubleTree by Hilton | ||
| 2010–2011 | ISC | ||
| 2011–2012 | |||
| 2012–2013 | Vandanel | Case Security | |
| 2013–2014 | Sondico | ||
| 2014–2015 | Suzuki GB | ||
| 2015–2016 | Erreà | ||
| 2016–2017 | |||
| 2017–2018 | |||
| 2018–2019 | |||
| 2019–2020 | |||
| 2020–2021 | |||
| 2021–2022 | |||
| 2022–2023 | Castore | eEnergy | |
| 2023–2024 | |||
| 2024–2025 |
Source: Historical Football Kits
The Stadium
The club first played at the National Hockey Stadium. This stadium was changed temporarily for football games. Their time there ended in May 2007.
On July 18, 2007, the club's new stadium, Stadium MK, opened. It can hold 30,500 people. The first game there was against a young Chelsea team. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the stadium on November 29, 2007.
Stadium MK has an open area for fans and a hotel with rooms looking over the pitch. It also has conference rooms. The stadium has hosted important events. These include the 2014 FA Women's Cup final, three Rugby World Cup 2015 matches, and four matches (including a semi-final) for the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.
Supporters and Rivalries
Supporter Recognition
In 2006, an agreement was made about the history of Wimbledon FC. The FA Cup trophy and all items from Wimbledon Football Club were given to the London Borough of Merton. This meant that MK Dons would only refer to events from August 7, 2004, onwards. This was the date of their first league game.
Because of this agreement, the Football Supporters' Federation allowed the Milton Keynes Dons Supporters Association to join. They also stopped asking other clubs' fans to avoid MK Dons matches. On August 2, 2007, MK Dons officially transferred all Wimbledon Football Club trophies and items to Merton.
Team Rivalries
AFC Wimbledon
There is a strong rivalry with AFC Wimbledon. This is because AFC Wimbledon was formed by fans who were unhappy about Wimbledon F.C. moving to Milton Keynes.
The two clubs first played each other on December 2, 2012, in the 2012–13 FA Cup. MK Dons won 2–1. The winning goal was scored by Jon Otsemobor in extra time. Fans called it "The Heel of God." In August 2014, MK Dons won again, 3–1, in the League Cup. Another heel goal was scored, called "Heel of God II." However, AFC Wimbledon later beat MK Dons 3–2 in the Football League Trophy.
The teams met in a league game for the first time on December 10, 2016. MK Dons won 1–0. The first time MK Dons played at AFC Wimbledon's home ground in a league match was on March 14, 2017. AFC Wimbledon won 2–0.
Peterborough United MK Dons also has a rivalry with Peterborough United. This is because the two clubs have often competed for promotion to the Championship.
Northampton Town Northampton is the closest town to Milton Keynes with a professional football team, Northampton Town. They are only about 20 miles (32 km) apart. Fans of both clubs see this as a local rivalry. Matches between them can be very intense.
Wycombe Wanderers Wycombe Wanderers is the only other professional team in Buckinghamshire. So, games between MK Dons and Wycombe are called "the Bucks derby."
Community Work
MK Dons has a charity called Milton Keynes Dons SET (Sport and Educational Trust). This charity works in the local community. They focus on education, helping people feel included, and developing football skills. They work with schools and have 14 disability teams. They also work with different community groups and run activities for women and girls.
The club's community work has been recognized with awards. They won the Football League Awards Community Club of the Season for the South East & East in 2012 and 2022. Chairman Pete Winkelman also received an honorary degree for his work. The club has also received "Family Excellence" status every year since 2008. This shows their efforts to involve families.
Youth Academy
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The youth academy at MK Dons has produced many talented players. Striker Sam Baldock was one of the first. He played over 100 games before moving to West Ham United.
On February 2, 2015, academy graduate Dele Alli was sold to Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur for about £5 million. Alli later became the first MK Dons academy player to play for the full England national team.
Other notable players from the academy include Kevin Danso, who played for the Austrian national team, and Brendan Galloway. On August 9, 2016, in an EFL Cup match, manager Karl Robinson chose a team with 13 academy players. Eight of them made their full debuts for the club.
Players
First-team squad
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Out on loan
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Famous Players
Mark Wright was the club's top goalscorer in the 2007–08 season. He helped the Dons win the League Two title and the Football League Trophy. Jon Otsemobor scored the winning goal in the first match against AFC Wimbledon with a back-heel.
Some famous players who played for MK Dons include Jimmy Bullard and Dietmar Hamman. They both ended their playing careers at the club.
Many players were loaned to MK Dons from other clubs. These include strikers Patrick Bamford and Benik Afobe. Former Ireland international Clinton Morrison also had a short loan spell.
Alan Smith, known for playing at Leeds United and Manchester United, also played for the club. Other international players who have worn the Dons shirt include Tore André Flo and Russell Martin.
- This list includes players who have played 100 or more league games (except for Dele Alli). Appearances and goals are for league matches only. Names in bold are current MK Dons players.
- Statistics are correct as of September 26, 2022.
| Name | Nationality | Position | Milton Keynes Dons career |
Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dele Alli |  England |
Midfielder | 2011–2015 | 88 | 24 | |
| Sam Baldock | England |
Forward | 2006–2011 | 102 | 33 | |
| Dean Bowditch | England |
Winger | 2011–2017 | 185 | 37 | |
| Samir Carruthers |  Ireland |
Midfielder | 2013–2017 | 117 | 6 | |
| Luke Chadwick | England |
Midfielder | 2008–2014 | 210 | 17 | |
| Gareth Edds |  Australia |
Midfielder | 2004–2008 | 122 | 10 | |
| Stephen Gleeson | Ireland |
Midfielder | 2009–2014 | 174 | 16 | |
| Willy Guéret |  France |
Goalkeeper | 2007–2011 | 135 | 0 | |
| Antony Kay | England |
Defender | 2012–2016 | 142 | 6 | |
| Mathias Kouo-Doumbé | France |
Defender | 2009–2013 | 121 | 11 | |
| Peter Leven |  Scotland |
Midfielder | 2008–2011 | 113 | 22 | |
| Dean Lewington | England |
Defender | 2004– | 751 | 19 | |
| David Martin | England |
Goalkeeper | 2004–2006 2010–17 |
274 | 0 | |
| Izale McLeod | England |
Forward | 2004–2007 2013–2014 |
165 | 62 | |
| Sean O'Hanlon | England |
Defender | 2006–2011 | 157 | 15 | |
| Clive Platt | England |
Forward | 2005–2007 | 102 | 27 | |
| Darren Potter | Ireland |
Midfielder | 2011–2017 | 228 | 9 | |
| Daniel Powell | England |
Forward | 2008–2017 | 228 | 37 | |
| Ben Reeves |  Northern Ireland |
Midfielder | 2013–2017 | 102 | 22 | |
| Jordan Spence | England |
Defender | 2013–2016 | 100 | 2 | |
| Aaron Wilbraham | England |
Forward | 2005–2011 | 178 | 50 | |
| Shaun Williams | Ireland |
Defender | 2011–2014 | 108 | 19 | |
| George Williams | England |
Defender | 2016–2021 | 142 | 4 |
Player of the Year Awards
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Club Staff
Football Staff
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Senior Management
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Managerial History
Club Achievements
League Titles
- League One (third level)
- Runners-up: 2014–15
- League Two (fourth level)
- Champions: 2007–08
- Promoted: 2018–19
Cup Wins
- Football League Trophy
- Winners: 2007–08
- Berks & Bucks Senior Cup
- Winners: 2006–07
- Runners-up: 2005–06, 2017–18
- Portimão Cup
- Winners: 2004
Source: MKDons.com
Records and Statistics
MK Dons Women's Team
The club started a women's association football team in 2009. They are part of the main club and use the same badge and kit. Since the 2018–19 season, the women's team also plays their home games at Stadium MK. This makes them one of the first clubs in the country to have both men's and women's teams share the same stadium. They play in the FA Women's National League South.
See also
In Spanish: Milton Keynes Dons Football Club para niños
