MK Dons were tipped by many to be at the top end of the League One table this season.
We’ve not yet reached Christmas, and they’re managerless, in the bottom four, and last night suffered a humbling defeat in the Papa John’s Trophy against Bristol Rovers. Fans of teams defeated in the trophy often claim not to really care, but the manner of their elimination has to be a concern.
Joey Barton claimed his side weren’t interested in the competition earlier in the season, and he fielded a weakened side against the Dons, but they were still easy victors. A brace from John Marquis, plus goals from Luca Hoole and Harvey Saunders had them 4-0 up before MK Dons mustered a reply. They did get a goal when Alfie Kilgour was sent off and Mo Eisa converted the resulting penalty, but it was too little, too later.
“It wasn’t about me or winning the game really, it was about the boys coming out and trying to produce a performance,” caretaker manager Dean Lewington said after the encounter. “For me, I wanted to see some character and a bit of fight, and I think we did that.”
Lewington has credit in the bank with MK fans, given his long service, but it seems others at the club have not. Owner Pete Winkelman has come under fire on Twitter, as fans feel their promise has been frittered away, and they’re on a one-way journey to League Two.
The Dons have not won in the league since October 25th, and face difficult trips to Plymouth, Portsmouth and Peterborough over the Christmas period, which could exasperate their six-point deficit in the relegation zone. These Milton Keynes fans certainly feel there’s choppy water ahead, describing their team as ’embarrassing’.
https://twitter.com/DonsMK46/status/1602782891880087552
https://twitter.com/fraserlorimerw/status/1602777136292827138
https://twitter.com/FrancoVolpe15/status/1602779951505317891
https://twitter.com/prspete_1/status/1602780060305526784
https://twitter.com/G72Jonny/status/1602777745234485249
https://twitter.com/pearcyyy/status/1602779654884032513
https://twitter.com/Lewis11839401/status/1602801945076535296
Good. Hope they’re all suffering