04/08/05                                   Ryan Flood

 

Ryan Flood Age 16.

Ryan born and bred in Southampton.

First played his football from the age of 6 for local well known boys club Hedge End Rangers.

Ryan has represented Southampton district schools at all ages, he has also been the number one keeper for his County Hampshire at all ages, where at the end of last year Hampshire reached the National Schools County Final played at the Reebok Stadium Bolton against Greater Manchester, drew 2,2 after extra time trophy shared.

At the age of nine & ten Ryan had trials with Southampton & AFC Bournemouth which were unsuccessful, but they were keen to keep an eye on him.

Ryan at the age of 13 eventually signed for AFC Bournemouth, although Southampton wanted to take him for a trial, he preferred the goal keeping coach at Bournemouth.

During his time at AFC Ryan at the age of 14 came on as sub for their under 19 team for the last half an hour, they won 2, 1.

Ryan was very happy at the time, but unfortunately Ryan’s, and the first team keeper coach of some 10 years decided to leave and unfortunately they never really, due to finances, replaced him.

Ryan disillusioned by this decided that he would have to leave, to further his progression in this very specialist position.

At first they said no way. Then 3 months later and at the age of 15 it was time to sign for another year he didn’t, we had a chat and they allowed Ryan to talk to other clubs, but compensation would be needed.

So Ryan went on trial at the end of the 2003-2004 season with Southampton & Reading, both teams were interested and wanted to look at him further at the start of the new season.

In the mean time Queens Park Rangers showed interest and wanted Ryan to play in a game against Brighton, which he did and played well. Trained with first team liked set up and signed a week later, for no fee thanks to AFC.

Ryan first choice keeper under 16 team had a really good season and an enjoyable one under Steve Gallon, brother of first team player Kevin.

But unfortunately at the very end of that season after great deliberation, Rangers decide not to take on a younger Scholar keeper.

So needing a Scholarship.

First club we were approached by was Mike Dove Academy Director of the MK Dons, were Ryan trained with Paul Heald goalkeeping coach, Academy side and the first team.

Ryan was very impressed with the whole set up, and most of all was enthused by, and got on very well with Mike Dove and Paul Heald. As you can imagine you need to get on well and be enthused by your keeper coach, in this much specialised position and Paul Heald was and is great, and ultimately the deciding factor in Ryan eventually signing for the Dons.

In between his first trial for MK, Ryan was already committed to trialling at other clubs.

Spent a week at Sunderland

Three days at Cardiff City

Fulham

Leyton Orient.

But Ryan’s preferred choice all along was MK Dons with great backing from the locals this team is on the up! With the New ground under way, great facilities at Woughton [indoor dome] and most of all great staff, and Chairman.

Ryan played 4 games at end of last season for the under 16s and signed. He now lives in MK with great hosts the Seeley family who are already good friends. They have been excellent and made the move for a 16 year old boy moving from his home in Southampton much easier.

Ryan has had some great experiences already with this club and is looking forward to developing as a person and player under the staff at MK. Watch out Matt Baker!

06/07/05                                   Wilbraham Arrives

 

Striker Aaron Wilbraham became the third summer addition to Danny Wilson's squad when he put pen to paper on a two-year deal on Wednesday.

Most recently with Hull City, the 25-year-old began his career with Stockport County, and after making his League debut against Crewe in March 1998 scored 35 goals from 172 appearances, and had a spell on loan with Norwegian club Moss FK,  before joining the Tigers for £100,000 just under a year ago.

Last season he helped Peter Taylor's team to promotion to the Championship, scoring twice from ten starts and nine substitute appearances, and also scored a couple of goals during a month on loan at Oldham last November.

A tall, target forward who is particularly useful in the air, Aaron should prove to be a strong addition to the squad and everyone at the MK Dons Supporters Association wishes him all the best for the future.

04/07/05                                 Morgan Arrives

 

"It is only a matter of time before he becomes a full Welsh international and I'd expect that to happen this season at some stage.

"He will be a terrific asset to us. For a young lad he's played a lot of games and has terrific experience. He's been in the Wrexham team for a couple of seasons now and in that respect it shows how highly regarded he was there.

"He is quick, is good on the ball and is aggressive, which is what you're looking for in a centre-half. At the back there I think we'll have a very strong back line.

"I'm especially looking forward to seeing him link up with Ben Chorley. It's a young pairing with experience and it's certainly going to be strong.

"Michel Pensee-Bilong did well back there last season, but he's now looking to move onto pastures new. So we had to look at this season and the long term and Craig can bring us that stability.

"Behind Ben and Craig there is Nathan Koo-Boothe and Leon Crooks who can push them on and in that respect the future looks bright."

Danny Wilson intimated he had not yet finished in his search for new players to further strengthen the squad but was playing his cards very close to his chest.

There is also another new face arriving at the Dons with Eddie Shaw haviong joined the Dons` coaching staff from the FA.

Tonight we were unable to confirm that The Dons will be playing Spanish side Athletico Madrid in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, July 31st at the NHS, even though the news was displayed today on both the Athletico Madrid website as well as the WBA website with Bryan Robson`s side already having a friendly with the Spanish club planned at the Hawthorns.

14/5/2005