With Sunderland’s first away day being a visit to MK Dons, we spoke to Toby Lock, Sports Editor for the MK Citizen...
MK Dons have lost a key player in Scott Fraser. How big of an impact will his exit be? Will other players be able to replicate his creativity?
Losing a player the calibre of Scott Fraser is never easy to replace, especially in League One. While he was signed on a free transfer, he quickly established himself as one of Dons' biggest assets. Tricky, clever, good with both feet, deadly from the spot and a good eye for a pass too, replacing him will obviously be difficult. However, from what I've seen of Scott Twine so far this season, and from what his numbers suggest last season at Newport County and Swindon, Dons may have already got the right replacement in the building.
On the other hand, you’ve signed a proven League One goal scorer in Mo Eisa. What are your thoughts on that transfer, and will he be able to replace Will Grigg who had a spell on loan at Milton Keynes last season?
It's no secret that Griggy has a special place in the hearts of MK Dons supporters. His first spell endeared him a lot to the Dons faithful and losing him in the summer of 2015 was a big blow. Having him come back and play the way he did was a reminder of what Dons have missed since he was last in town. Part of the British record move for passes before a goal, and then setting the club record by scoring four goals in a game, it was with a heavy heart to see him leave again.
The signing of Mo Eisa though, for a club record too, will be a 'wait and see' sort of transfer I think. If he can replicate the form he showed in his first season at Peterborough then Dons will have some player on their hands, and I hope to be writing his name a lot this term.
Speaking of Will Grigg, why do you think it hasn’t worked out for the striker at Sunderland, despite impressing for every other team he’s played for in League One?
I honestly don't know. He seemed to always be in the right place at the right time at Stadium MK, and yet he missed from about a yard when Dons went up to the Stadium of Light last season, and it was inexplicable to any Dons fan (any fan in general actually!) to see him miss such a chance.
Sometimes players just don't click at clubs, and that's not the fault of either party. I'm sure the Sunderland fans would love to see Grigg hit a hot streak up there, but I just don't think it will happen.
It’s easy to forget that MK Dons is Russell Martin’s first job in management after retiring in 2019! What has been the key to his success so far? Is he the right man to take you forward?
I think the key to his success has been sticking to his philosophy staunchly, not changing when they hit a bump in the road - and there have been some bumps! If you've seen Dons last season, you'll know they like to play a brand of football which might leave your heart in your mouth but it's what they're sticking to and when it works, it's brilliant. The mistakes they make too are gradually being wiped out too, which could make them a difficult prospect this season.
Russell Martin has breathed fresh air into the club since taking over, and it feels a much lighter environment behind the scenes now too, something that hasn't been felt, certainly in my opinion, for five or six years. He sees Dons as a long-term project, and a club which could go much further than just League One, but we all know it is a matter of time before Norwich come knocking for him. Whether he takes the job will depend on how things pan out at Stadium MK.
Where do you think MK Dons will finish in League One this season?
I think a top 10 finish would be great, in and around the mix for the play-offs. It's such a tough division this season, but perhaps someone makes a wrong turn and lets them into the play-off spots, but I think in and around that mix would be excellent.
What is your score prediction for our match and who will score?
At this stage it's impossible to tell, but with fans back, I'm hoping for a thrilling 5-5 draw!
