Pre-Match Chat - MK Dons Fan


By Deadly Submarine
February 19 2009

Ahead of Tranmere's second home game in a week against Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday in League One, Deadly Submarine took time out to speak to Dons Fan Paul Walmsley about his team's fortunes so far this season, the game ahead against Tranmere and his predictions for League One this season.

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What is you name and for how long have you supported MK Dons?

Paul and followed the club pretty much since the move.  Like most Dons, who either followed one of the big London teams and were priced out or decided it was a lot more "honest" to support their home town team rather than one 30 miles up or down the M1, it was a gradual transition, but nothing beats meeting up with people you knew as a kid at games and seeing lads come through the Academy who grew up on the same streets and played for the same schools as you.

ABOUT YOUR CLUB

What is your most memorable MK Dons moment or match?

It has to be securing promotion at Stockport last season.  To go and do it in the way we did, with a hostile crowd on our backs all day, was as sweet as it gets.

Your worst moment supporting MK Dons?

Probably the League Two Shrewsbury play-off defeat under Martin Allen.

In your eyes who is MK Dons' All-Time Greatest Player and why?

Believe it or not, we have a "legend".   His name is Dean Lewington and he's hated the length and breadth of the country for being a niggly, shirt tugging, uncompromising left back.

You'd all sign him like a shot though.  He's our longest serving player (former Wimbledon trainee) and was handed the club captaincy last Summer.  None of would be surprised to still be watching him for us in ten years time.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Lewington?? Don't me started on him! Certain posters on this Site know my thoughts on 'Ginger Dean'!!

Taxi For?  To which Player would you pay a Taxi Fare to leave the Club?

We shipped out some of the dead-wood  earlier this year in the shape of Dobson and Sturm.  However, I'd say that Mark Wright is living on borrowed time and hasn't made the step up from League Two as well as hoped.

Which MK Dons player can do most damage to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday?

Wibraham has been in the form of his life recently, but expect the ammunition to be supplied by Chadwick and Puncheon.  Jemal Johnson is worthy of a mention for some spectacular strikes in recent months, and if anyone backs off he'll pull the trigger.

Is Roberto Di Matteo the right man to get MK Dons out of League One?

Certainly.  I for one, had some doubts, especially early on in the season when he wasn't sure how to use subs and seemed to be picking it up as he went along.  He's still learning, but his calm manner after defeats has usually meant we've  not panicked.

Any MK Dons Chants we should try to listen out for at the game?

They're all stolen and nothing  you won't have heard before, I'm afraid, although we won't shut up for 90 minutes.

LEAGUE ONE VIEWS

What is your Top Two Prediction for League One this season?

Leicester will have too much for everyone else, and while we're in pole position now, I'd expect a few twists and turns.  Anyone from us, Scunthorpe, Millwall, Oldham and Posh for the remaining automatic place. I'd expect Leeds to challenge but their inconsistency will be an issue.

Play-Off Winners?

Well it won't be us if that's what we're faced with.  It's never a team that have been up there all season and drop out late.

Your tip for the Bottom Four places?

Cheltenham, Orient, Hereford and maybe Northampton.

THE TWO CLUBS

Where do you think MK Dons will finish this season?

I'm starting to believe 2nd is possible, but the smallish squad and a very busy March will hit us harder than most.

Do you think Tranmere will be Promoted/Relegated from League One and why?

Probably just out of the play off places from what I've seen.  We were lucky to beat you at our place and I can see you probably nicking a few points off the leading contenders in the run-in.  Whether you can avoid defeats on the road though will be the deciding factor.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sounds like a pretty fair assessment to me!

Rovers boast two former Dons players in Ben Chorley and Gareth Edds.  Were the pair popular with the Dons fans in their day?

Edds was an absolute legend for THAT goal (you know the one I'm talking about) as well as a smashing attitude and in some ways last season's injury and subsequent struggle to break back into the team must have really hurt him.

If there was any other player than Lewie who's deserved all the club have achieved over the last 18 months it was him.  I'm not even sure he got a medal for his part in last season.

I always thought Chorley was a bit accident prone but on his day could be a commanding presence. In fairness, he was in a struggling side and it's never easy for a youngster to compete at Centre Half unless a team are playing well.

Also you have former Rover Alan Navarro in your Squad.  Is he a good player for the Dons?

He's been a bit up and down recently.  He works tirelessly but his lack of pace means that he's getting picked off a bit more this season.  He also had Keith Andrews with him last term, who was probably more able to share the defensive workload a little more than Peter Leven.

What is your Prediction for Saturday's game between the sides?

We don't do draws very often, but I'd be happy with one next Saturday against a very good home team.  1-1 for me.

Any other comments to add?

Looking forward to next Saturday and hope to meet a few of you  before the game. Let us know the boozer .

EDITOR'S NOTE: Our Fans are currently boycotting the Prenton Park on the corner although that is never really an Away Pub anyway.  The Mersey Clipper right next to the Ground has home and Away fans in it - see you there maybe!

Thanks very much for your time and enjoy the game (but not too much) and good luck for the rest of the Season after the match against Tranmere.

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Pre-Match Chat - MK Dons Fan
Discussion started by Total Tranmere (IP Logged), 19/02/2009 21:20
Total Tranmere
Total Tranmere
19/02/2009 21:20
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MESSAGES->author
TT Admin
19/02/2009 21:29
Great interview Thanks Paul!

Very detailed and despite the ill feeling towards MK Dons it's nice to hear balanced views.

sp37634
sp37634
20/02/2009 08:43
Great comments, I agree!

tran67
tran67
20/02/2009 18:28
He sounds like he knows his football,i don't think you will get a better interview than that

MESSAGES->author
TT Admin
20/02/2009 18:32
Agreed Wayne!

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