MK Dons Face Off Against The Opposition: A Preview

Milton Keynes Dons will host Newport County at Stadium MK on Saturday, February 14, as part of EFL League Two. Currently, the Dons sit in the 5th position and aim for a win that could elevate them into the top three automatic promotion spots.

The History of Milton Keynes Dons

Milton Keynes Dons was founded on June 21, 2004, after the relocation of Wimbledon F.C. to Buckinghamshire. They were placed directly into League One, with their inaugural competitive match occurring on August 7, 2004, ending in a 1-1 draw against Barnsley. However, the Dons faced relegation to League Two in their second season.

• First play-off appearance: 2007 (lost to Shrewsbury Town)
• Paul Ince led the team to automatic promotion and their first silverware in 2008.
• Roberto Di Matteo managed them to the League One play-offs in 2009.
• Karl Robinson took charge in 2010, but the team faced multiple play-off defeats.
• 2014 marked a successful year, with a significant victory over Manchester United and their first Championship promotion.
• Relegations in 2016 and 2018 followed, but they quickly returned to League One.
• In 2023, they fell back to League Two after reaching the League One play-offs in 2022.

Initially, the team played at the National Hockey Stadium before moving to Stadium MK in 2007, which had replaced the older venue after its demolition in 2010.

Current Form

Following a rocky start to 2026 with a loss to Colchester United, the Dons have bounced back impressively. They have secured four wins in six subsequent matches, including a striking 5-1 victory against Shrewsbury.

Last Saturday, they triumphed 3-2 over Cheltenham Town. Despite some early home struggles, they have maintained strong home form, with only three losses at Stadium MK since the previous August.

League Standings

Currently in 5th place, the Dons are just three points away from the automatic promotion positions. A victory against Newport County would be crucial in their quest for promotion.

The Manager

Paul Warne, who joined the Dons in April 2025, has previously managed two other clubs. His management journey began at Rotherham United, where he achieved three promotions from League One. After a brief stint at Derby County, where he secured a return to the Championship, Warne now brings his experience to Milton Keynes, aiming to guide them effectively in the fourth tier.

The Captain

With the retirement of long-time captain Dean Lewington, Alex Gilbey has stepped into the captaincy role. Gilbey, a familiar figure at the club, has returned for a second stint after previous tenures at Colchester United and Newport County.

• Started at MK Dons: Second spell since 2020.
• Has made over 100 appearances for Colchester United.
• Captaincy established for the 2025-26 season.

Key Players to Watch

Callum Paterson stands out this season as one of the league’s top scorers, netting 14 goals. His performance in a recent 5-1 win included his first hat trick for the club. He has scored in four consecutive league matches this season.

Newport County will also be on alert for Aaron Collins, who has past connections with the club. After scoring 20 goals with Bolton Wanderers, Collins brings valuable experience to the field.

Saturday’s match promises to be high-stakes for both teams as they vie for crucial points in their push for promotion.