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Pictures from the Buddy Holly Night

More Pictures of the Bowling Night

 

Quiz Night

FIRST MKDSA SOCIAL EVENT OF THE SEASON

FRIDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 7.30PM to 10PM

WIN CASH PRIZES, BOTTLE OF SPIRITS, GIFT VOUCHERS!

TEAMS OF 4 ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES NOW FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT AT THE COUNTRYMAN.

Please ask if you do not have a team of 4, as we will endeavour to link you up with others  

Entry is £15 per team of 4 on the night, or prebook for discounted rate of only £10 per team. Get your entries in fast as there is a limit of 20 teams. You can submit team entries in advance with cash or cheque payment to MKDSA committee at the MKDSA table in NHS bar on matchdays, or by post to Entertainments, MKDSA, PO Box 7294, Milton Keynes, MK8 OZE. Cheques made payable to Milton Keynes Dons Supporters Association.

For those who are not part of an entered team, entry is FREE to MKDSA members, and £2 for adult non members, £1 under 16 non members. There will also be a Raffle, so a chance for all to win on the night.

Come along and take part, or just enjoy the evening!

THE COUNTRYMAN, BRADWELL COMMON BOULEVARD, BRADWELL COMMON,

MILTON KEYNES MK13 8EH

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THE BIG MATCH!

 

MK MEDIA 6 -  MK DONS SUPPORTERS 2

The picture above shows the young guys from the Supporters Association. All smiles just before the kick-off of the much anticipated game of the year! Little did they know they were about to be undone by the local MK Media with a 6-2 defeat!

 

None of the Dons supporters had played together before, but with a short warm up before the game we were confident that we could snatch a win from the MK Media. We had heard rumours that Lee Scriven and Co had taken this game seriously and had actually been out practicing during the week. But that didn't phase us too much, especially when we saw that Trevor Marshal was in their starting eleven! What was a bit off-putting however, was Big George in his safari hat!!

 

The first half was well contested by both sides.  It took a while for us to find out feet, and many an air shot was taken with the ball bobbling up around our feet. The pitch was very uneven and quite heavy. (That’s our excuse and we’re sticking with it!)

 

It was quite late in the first half when first blood went to MK Media with a well taken toe poke past our own Scott Bevan wannabe.

We pushed for the equaliser as we could sense, that by keeping the score down to just the one goal, we had rattled the over confident Media boys! But at half time the score remained 1-0 to the MK Media.

 

This all changed however in the second half when the Media team made a few key substitutes and brought on their "ringers" who basically ran through us as though we were standing still! They got their second goal within minutes of the restart and things were starting to look bleak!

 

Hope was restored soon after though, with a "bone crunching" shoulder barge on our Craig. The referee had no choice but to give us a penalty. After picking straws as to who was actually going to take the spot kick, it was young Phil Kelly who coolly slotted the ball into the left hand corner of the goal sending the Media's keeper the wrong way, to bring us back within one goal.

 

But then four goals in ten minutes from MK Media were just too much to take. The best of the bunch coming from their keeper who decided he wanted to have a go at goal himself and took the role of centre forward and audaciously lobbed our stranded keeper to make it 6-1.

 

We did reduce the deficit slightly with a killer through ball by yours truly, for young Craig to run onto and calmly side foot into the back of the net.

 

All in all a classic game of hoof and hope, but enjoyed by all. A bit more practice by our boys and we will be ready for the re-match very soon!

 

Many thanks to all our Dons supporters and club staff who came to play, even though one or two were feeling the effects of their Christmas party the night before, (Stuart), they came and gave it their all. A very good effort by everyone.

 

A big Thank you to John Samuel who gave up his Sunday morning to referee the game.

 

And thanks to MK Media for giving us a good thrashing! Although having witnessed their football skills, I think they report a game of football better than they play, then again a few of Lee Scriven’s reports are the exception to that rule! (Only Joking Lee, I’m just a bad loser!)

 

Also thanks to everyone that brought gifts for the boys and girls who will be in MK Hospital during Christmas. Big George and our Steve Manning will be visiting them on Tuesday morning to hand the gifts out to the children.

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THE BIG MATCH!

MK MEDIA vs MK DONS SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION

 

Here are the details for all those who will be playing this Sunday and/or coming to watch the Biggest Game of the year!

 

Location: Open University Playing fields.

Kick-off 11:00am

35 Minutes each way.

 

Players get to OU for around 10:30am

Enter OU via main Entrance security.

Follow one way system to Playing fields.

Players to get changed in Sports pavilion adjacent to area.

 

Players Don't forget:

Boots and shin pads please.

Dont forget your kit!

We will be playing in white, so please bring white shirts.

 

Also bring something warm to stand around in as we will be having rolling subs so everyone will get a game.

 

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MAP OF AREA

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THE BIG MATCH!

MK MEDIA vs MK DONS SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION

 

Time has come around again for the MK media to take on the mighty Dons! But this year it’s the turn of the Supporters to have a go!

                                                                                      

Last year the MK Media beat the team that the Dons put out, so this year we need to get our own back and defeat the local hacks!

 

The game is to be played this Sunday 19th Dec (short notice I know) at the Open University football ground. Kick off will be at 11:00am.

 

The game is also a charitable event with each player bringing with them a gift for the boys and girls at Milton Keynes Hospital. The supporters will bring the girls presents and the Media are to bring the Boys.

 

It will be an 11-a-side game, 35 minutes each way with rolling subs. The squad needs to be 16 players strong. A few members of the Dons back room staff maybe found on the pitch along with a possible appearance from Pete Winkleman himself!

 

If anyone would like to be involved in this match please send in your application using the form below. It really is just a bit of fun, but anyone of you out there that are a bit tasty should definitely apply, we need to beat Lee Scriven and Co this year!!

 

 

Name:
Membership Number:
E-mail Address:
Age:
Prefered Playing Position:
  

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“Ask Pete” part 2

Audience questions

29th October 2004

 

 

After the break the serious business of questions from the floor began and to their great credit neither Pete nor Stuart declined any questions put to them.

 

Once again we have tried to accurately summarise the answers given on the night – the question are presented in the order they arose.

 

The team seem to be leaden footed compared to last season – is there a reason why?

 

Stuart didn’t see it that way. If anything he felt that at times the team “hadn’t come out” citing Huddersfield as an example. At the moment his opinion is that we are suffering from the “inexperience of youth”.

 

Any chance of some hats etc for the winter in club colours?

 

These are expected into the shop before Christmas.

 

Iceland sponsorship – supporters had paid for the trip and felt let down with the lack of acknowledgement and lateness of the shirts/pictures etc.

 

Pete acknowledged the supporters’ assistance and reiterated that at the time due to Administration without the supporters’ help the pre season tour would not have taken place. He apologised for the treatment of the sponsors over this and agreed that signed shirts would be presented on the pitch, photos taken and a mention in the match day programme would be arranged for all those that sponsored a player.

 

Concern was expressed that BOGOF deals could devalue the benefit of purchasing a season ticket.

 

Our incentive deals are proving successful in encouraging new supporters. The club is aware that incentives can devalue the value of season tickets, it is a fine balance between encouraging new supporters and upsetting existing supporters hence any incentives will be limited. We have to be careful as it is against League rules to offer comparable pricing to visiting supporters. We are looking at launching a half season ticket in time for Christmas. To reward season ticket holders a scheme involving free tickets is being looked into.

 

What can be done about unfair non-comparable ticket pricing at away games?

 

Any discrepancies should be reported to the club who will take it up with the League.

 

Are our turnstiles small or our supporters “more rounded”?

 

The turnstiles are a standard size – if supporters have difficulties speak to the club so that arrangements can be made to assist.

 

In general advertising aimed at new supporters in Milton Keynes is poor – what is the club doing to improve?

 

Posters will be going up in pubs, clubs, newsagents and the station will be given a more prominent MK Dons theme. The most powerful advertising tool is word of mouth and so all our supporters are urged to keep talking to people about the club.

 

The Cowshed now only has one food outlet whereas last year it had two making it difficult to get served at half time – can we have another outlet at the North Stand end of the Cowshed?

 

John Cove agreed to talk to the concession holders.

 

Can we arrange for Tea/Coffee to be served in the Sports Bar at half time? Also can refreshments be served at reserve matches?

 

It is obvious that there are a lot of general “house keeping” problems and Pete asked if these all could be directed via the Supporters Association who will collate them for discussion at our regular meetings. Mark Payne immediately agreed that a link would be placed on our web site for anyone with a complaint/suggestion. Brenda Vidal further stated that as Membership Secretary it is her intention to write to all members without email addresses on file asking them if they have an email address so that we can cost effectively send information to them, if not we will place them onto a mailing list.

 

Supporters club information is available in the bar on match days – last season it was available in the club shop but since reorganisation this is not the case, can we utilise the club to advertise events etc?

 

Pete agreed that notices etc could be placed in the club shop.

 

The official site always seems to be the last one with up to date information – can this be improved?

 

Over the last few weeks it has improved considerably. It will only publish facts not rumours or deals that may or may not happen. Confidentiality is respected.

 

What strategy will be employed on the field to avoid relegation?

 

Stuart answered stating that each game has it’s own strategy hence you cannot employ a set strategy for the rest of the season. He is not one for excuses but this season we have only had 6 players who have remained uninjured making it hard to pick a settled team.

 

Can the club publish a weekly update on injured players?

 

No – it is seen as aiding the opposition to plan

 

Is it possible for the club shop to open longer hours one night a week so that those travelling a distance can use it?

 

At the moment with limited stock it would not be worth it. Nearer Christmas an extended range will be available and dependent on staff availability this might be possible. Pete asked if the Supporters Association could create a questionnaire to identify the best night and timeframe for late opening.

 

John Cove stated that it had become obvious that there is a culture of leaving purchases to the last minute in Milton Keynes. He requested that Supporters try to break this habit as it caused increased pressure on the club shop.

 

In view of the expected transfer window being imposed on Football League sides next season are any problems foreseen with our squad size?

 

At times this season our squad has been stretched. We may have to look at using more of our younger players next season to bolster our squad. It is a worry and one we will have to face if it is imposed.

 

Can the club have a fixed presence in the City Centre to increase awareness?

 

It is felt that utilising the mascots will be far more effective both at the city centre and at various events around the city.

 

Is the team lacking motivation?

 

Stuart answered stating that many different approaches to motivation have been used with our squad. They still seem to be “slow out of the blocks”. Paul Day whose son had recently been a mascot agreed that when the squad had come out of the dressing room on that day they were “well and truly motivated”.

 

Is there a bonus system in place?

 

Yes although we do not pay bonuses for goals scored as this is seen as making for a culture of selfishness when approaching goal.

 

Where is Jamie Mackie?

 

Jamie is a tryer and full of enthusiasm. Due to our circumstances last year he was possibly “blooded” too early and needs a little more time and experience to successfully make the transition from reserve player to first team player.

 

Can we bring the pitch huddle back as it motivates the fans?

 

Stuart stated players do it because they want to do it – sometimes they do it in the dressing room. It would be wrong to force them to do something they don’t feel comfortable with before a match.

 

Our defence seems to play the long ball whilst the midfield try to play the passing game – are we playing with two conflicting styles?

 

In defence you have the option of playing the long ball whilst due to the boundaries of the pitch the midfield do not have that option which is why it might appear that way. Steve Palmer was used to playing long ball at QPR but is now adapting well to our passing game. We must ensure that we learn to pass the ball properly and sensibly.

 

Defending/taking corners are seen as major deficiencies at present – any comments?

 

Stuart agreed stating that the team had now placed defenders on the post as in the past they had attempted to play the opposition off side but the interpretation of the revised off side rule by assistant referees had led to a vastly decreased amount of decisions going our way. We have been practising corners to improve both aspects of our game.

 

At times a last minute substitution would have gained us an advantage – why haven’t you played that “card”?

 

I disagree and can detail occasions when we have tried that and it’s not worked.

 

Is there any prior decision on who will take penalties?

 

In general the person who feels confident about it takes it.... although for the last match I put Chorley’s name on the board in big letters!!

 

The Friday night game was enjoyed by most people – is there any chance of another Friday night game?

 

It was noted that many new faces bought tickets. The club is trying to work out if it is a Milton Keynes “thing”. It maybe possible to repeat.

 

Can we involve schools more?

 

Each school now is involved with the community scheme with a player assigned to a cluster of schools. At times schools are given tickets for the North Stand to try to establish a football culture.

 

Is there a fine system in place for yellow cards etc?

 

Yes there is and it is used along with assistance to persistent offenders to advise them how to modify their behaviour (especially arguing with the referee) in future.

 

Stuart – are you happy with the current squad?

 

More than happy with the current squad if every player is fit. If you compare the squad to others in the division our players are more than good enough for the task at hand.

 

Are all the players local to Milton Keynes?

 

Virtually all of them live locally now with those that don’t are in the process of moving.

 

 

The Supporters Association would like to thank Pete Winkleman, Stuart Murdoch, Dr Phyllis Starkey MP and John Cove for their assistance in making this night informative whilst ensuring that the evening was also entertaining.

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“Ask Pete – prepared questions”

 

29th October 2004

 

 

A warm autumnal Friday evening in Milton Keynes saw the first “ask Pete” evening of the season. The Supporters Association had asked local MP Dr Phyllis Starkey to host the prepared question session which commenced the evenings “grilling”, a fitting choice due to her involvement with the project from the outset and her invaluable assistance over the last few months with her support of the supporters efforts to establish a Supporters Trust in Milton Keynes.

 

Peter Winkleman bought with him Stuart Murdoch and John Cove (acting Chief Executive) to assist in answering both the prepared and free question sessions from the team and organisational point of view.

 

Roger Widdecombe opened the meeting with brief announcements of forthcoming events and then handed over to Dr Starkey.

 

Pete responded stating that he wanted to hold these meetings regularly as he valued the fans feedback and questions. These meetings help make football in Milton Keynes “real”. He also thanked Phyllis for her tireless efforts in assisting both him and the Supporters Association in the quest to both bring football to Milton Keynes and to “lock it into the community”.

 

The questions that had been sent in via post and Internet were grouped into subject areas to assist in organising the evening.

 

We have tried to accurately summarise the answers given on the night as anyone who has ever heard Pete speak will know his answers at times can be...........long!

 

Administration

 

When players were sold by Grant Thornton did you have to give permission before they went?

 

In January the general feeling from both supporters and those attempting to rescue WFC from administration was that the transfers were outrageous, just as we were getting somewhere with planning permission etc the rug was pulled from under us on the playing front. As time has gone by it has become obvious that Grant Thornton were having to strike a careful balance between the clubs survival and ensuring they kept the legal obligation they owed the club’s creditors. Grant Thornton’s actions, although painful, had kept the club alive until the eventual take-over was authorised by the Football League.

 

Team Affairs

 

Would you sack a manager for football reasons if you thought it was necessary and are there any current financial reasons why you would not sack a manager?

 

No one cares more about the team’s performance than Stuart does. We have great players who seem to “switch off” occasionally. This season has been harder than expected and has been extremely painful to all those involved. There is no “magic wand” and we will have to see how it goes but if tough decisions have to be made then Pete pointed out that his track record proved that he was single minded enough to make them.

 

 

Are we going to re-enforce our squad before we slip too far behind the teams above us?

 

We are focussed on our team and feel that our squad is capable of being highly competitive. If the right player to strengthen our squad came along at the right price we would be interested.

 

If you received £1M for Izale McLeod would you sell?

 

NO CHANCE!!!   Development of young players is Stuart’s forte as has been proved by our current batch of young players and the input he has had in revitalising Gary Smith and Izale McLoed’s careers.

 

Will Stuart have a bit of pocket money in his hand in order to help build the club and bring in fresh faces that are keen to play for the club from now into the future? By doing so I think we will be in better shape when it comes to the new stadium.

 

Yes there is a transfer budget. At the moment Stuart has used some of the money from it to loan Richard Johnson from QPR.

 

If we sell players what do we do with the money generated, for example Deano and Smithy raise a million EACH how much does Stuart get to spend on players ? If a side comes in for one of our players and offers a decent price would you let that person go?

 

 

Our objective is to strengthen our side through building not weaken it. Any decision to sell would be taken by the Manager. If Stuart decided to sell a player then the money would go back into the team as there is no “selling player” in the budget.

 

Club Related Issues

 

Is it true that at the end of the season, you will be dropping the 'Dons' from the name, leaving the club as Milton Keynes Football Club? Yes or no answer required please.

 

NO. We ARE the Dons and we were always that.

 

Do MK Dons have to pay rent to Inter Mk for playing at the NHS ?

 

When WFC moved to MK they were in administration and weren’t a financially viable tenant hence InterMK signed the lease with the Hockey Association. Debts were accrued to InterMK but never paid and were eventually written off when the club was bought out of administration. Since the club has come out of administration it has taken over the lease from InterMK and pays rent directly to the Hockey authorities.

 

Is there a debt currently being accrued by MK Dons, to Inter MK or other companies, or are the losses being written off as they occur?

 

Losses are being accrued due to the limited revenue streams of the club.

 

Good results mean good attendances and money through the gate. If results do not pick up significantly and the league position improves, what action will you take?

 

As said before – Pete is single minded and whatever action is required will be taken if he is positive that the action will be for the benefit of the club.

 

You said you would have to consider your position if somebody with more “ambition” was interested in the team. Does this mean you would sell to any bidder? – If not – what are the criteria you would apply?

 

It would take an investor with tens of millions of pounds to be taken seriously. Our club has Premiership ambitions hence the new stadium. Anyone who came in for the club would need serious finances and believe wholeheartedly in Milton Keynes.

 

What improvements are you planning for running of the club shop, ticket info/sales and website information?

 

Due to a lack of expertise on the commercial side we have had a whole stack of problems. We are now not implementing anything unless we have full confidence that we have the resources to manage it.

 

Can you explain why you have registered the Internet name as Milton Keynes, dropping the Dons, and Dons is also missing from official site. Do you therefore intend to change the name again?

 

Lots of different combinations of names were registered in order to protect them and allow choice. Until the night Pete was unaware that Dons was missing off the official site entry page and he promised to get this rectified as soon as possible. Pete pointed out that our badge stated MK Dons and therefore there is no way we will be dropping the Dons from our name...............................................................

 

Fan Related Issues

 

Pete, would it be possible to arrange some regular organised fund raising, specifically to help the Academy. Something like a '500' Club, with a monthly

cash prize ?

 

Good idea. We now have a new Business Development Manager who will be co-ordinating these sort of schemes.

 

We must remember that the strength in our academy saved the club when it went into administration and we owe a huge debt to it for that reason. If you go to Woughton on the Green on a Sunday morning you will now find it full of our youngsters – local kids representing their local team, something they never had a chance to do before.

 

Can fans buy shares in the club ? If yes – When? If no – Why not?

 

At present it is not possible due to the losses being accrued. As shareholders are liable for losses it would be unworkable at present but this does not rule it out indefinitely.

 

Query with details on the GoalDon membership that was supposed to be part of the season ticket for this season. I would like to know more details about it and where we can use the discounts in MK (supposed to be a list of stores where can be used published). As far as I can see at present all we have is 10% off at the club shop - if you show your season ticket etc. Can more details be published via website for example explaining GoalDon membership and whether we get a card as season ticket holders?

 

This has never been properly introduced due to lack of resources. It is another example of trying to do too much too soon. It will probably be introduced next season.

 

Can you explain to saga with the new kit?  My kids are desperate to get a complete kit but the first tops are only due now (21/9/04).  Also, what's happened to the black one?

 

Our shirts were ordered on the 1st July and the manufacturer did incredibly well to deliver them so quickly. We are now getting more depth of stock with childrens sizes coming available. We hope to have the black kit available before Christmas.

 

If you were ever in a position to consider selling the club, will you give an undertaking to consult the fans at the earliest opportunity, and to give them a serious input into the football side of any negotiation and decisions?

 

We are now working extremely closely with the Supporters Association and of course they will have input. In the end it will be Pete’s decision but he will seek a consensus of opinion before taking any decision.

 

What do you see the role of fans being in the running of the club?

 

Hugely important. The club and the Supporters Association are “joined up” as proved by being here to answer your questions, for better or worse. The Supporters Association are seeking to establish a Trust to ensure that the club is “locked into” the community. A football club is different from a normal business in as much as to be any kind of success it has to be locked into the fabric of it’s local community. In future Pete’s vision is to set up an advisory board of local business leaders, politicians and supporters to assist in running the club. He foresees two supporter directors being part of this group.

 

Do you see the fans as having a right to having a say in the running of the club, despite the fact you have put your own money in to keeping it alive?

 

This was the problem with the club in the past – it had disassociated itself from its fans, which led to its problems. The club needs to be locked back into a community which has a say in it’s running.

 

When are the auditions for the mascots?, How do you apply ?

 

Monday week, apply in writing to the club. The auditions will be public to help create realism (Cow Idol?). It is a key role, an ambassadorial role and needs to have people that can excel in this.

 

What is the attitude of clubs we have played towards us, bearing in mind the "franchise" controversy?

 

It has generally been good. Most BoardRooms have been populated with people who are either intrigued by the whole saga of the move or are interested in our new stadium especially as it is unusual by being funded by wholly private means without any public money.

 

Our vocal away support is astounding both BoardRooms and local press as they genuinely do not expect the volume of noise that our fans generate for the whole 90 minutes.

 

Stuart then stated that from the football point of view there had been no problems from anyone in the game, Managers, players etc as these tended to have a more balanced view and had not been influenced by the media hype. His only moan was certain supporters’ pages in some programmes that had used our visit to spread misinformed opinions.

National Hockey Stadium

 

The South Stand gets extremely cold especially when windy.  What about some sides to stop the wind blowing through?  And will increase the sound!

 

We will not be spending a single penny more on the NHS. The East Stand roof cost the equivalent of a player and was provided to look after our fans who add tremendously to the atmosphere. The players have noticed the difference and it makes the ground much more like a football ground.

 

Is there any way we can have a Bar in the East Stand ?

 

Due to the unique licensing requirements relating to football it is impossible to fit a bar into the East Stand.

New Stadium

 

When we are not filling the NHS, is a new stadium the best thing for the team?

 

We must remember the major reason the three-man commission gave permission for the move was due to the new stadium being built. The stadium will greatly assist the team due to increased revenue streams from catering, conferences etc.

 

Will MK Dons have to pay rent when they play at the new stadium? If yes, will this be at the “going rate” or heavily linked to its income so that it is affordable?

Will whatever rent formula that is put in place be forever?

 

It is more joined up than it’s ever been. Whether rent will be paid to the sister company owning the stadium has not been decided yet BUT if there is any it will be affordable as the team will be what make the stadium viable hence everything will be geared to making the team financially successful.

 

Is there any link between when Asda can open their Denbigh store and when the stadium has to be finished and operational?

 

There is no link. If you take Coventry as the example the enabling Tesco is open and the stadium hasn’t been completed yet.

 

When are you legally obliged to begin building the stadium?

 

We want to start yesterday. The amount of paperwork etc is enormous. Some work has already been carried out at Denbigh and more works should start in Manor Fields shortly. Hopefully work should begin in earnest in the next few weeks.

 

Will Season Ticket Holders who renew every season be given a heavily reduced price when the seats are available in the new stadium due to those holders being the main stay of the club?

 

No special discounts are planned. Current season ticket holders will have first choice of seats in the new stadium. It is also planned that a special area is put aside for original Wimbledon fans to meet up.

 

Is there a legally binding requirement for a top 4 division (or any particular level) football team to be playing at Denbigh when it opens?

 

No. The only stipulation is that a football team plays there.

 

If there is, and the MK Dons are relegated out of the football league, what will you do?

 

Powerful teams come from powerful economically driven cities. Milton Keynes is a powerful economic city and there is no way its team will be relegated out of the Football League.

 

When will you pay the money to Milton Keynes for the Derwent Drive football facilities, the Bletchley development Board, and the Public Transport improvements? Are these payments linked to when you will start building the stadium, or when it is operational?

 

The minute we are ready to start building we pay. This is an S106 question and about planning gain, which equates to £3 million for Bletchley and a further £5 million for road improvements.

 

Have you finalised the design of the new stadium to a point where a building contract can be signed?

 

Yes

 

Will you make this design public before work begins?

 

It is in the public domain as it is part of the planning application.

 

Will you (or Inter MK) invest any of the profits from the property development at Denbigh into MK Dons? Is there a formula for this, or is it on a “gift” or “loan” basis?

 

At the beginning there was a chance of a development profit but increasing costs have wiped away any chance of one.

 

Why are Inter MK going to own the ground. Why can't it be given to the club allowing them to make money from gate receipts, food and drink sales etc. How else will the club be bale to make money and grow?

 

Effectively it is. All share the same ownership. The Club IS the Stadium as it is the anchor. A successful club equals a successful stadium.

 

Will the new stadium have a proper name, one that can instantly be associated with the Dons?

 

On all the documents so far it is referred to as “the new National Bowl”. If we get a stadium sponsor then “the new” part could be replaced by their name.

 

HOW CRUCIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE NEW STADIUM DEVELOPMENT IS THE INVOLVEMENT OF ASDA? WHAT EXACTLY IS THE TESCO OBJECTION ALL ABOUT?

 

Without the enabling development then the stadium would not be possible. Tesco’s withdrew the objection when permission was granted.

 

Left field

 

Does Pete have any plans to write a book about bringing professional football to Milton Keynes - the highs and the lows and if he has no plans to write one - why not? Such a publication would no doubt lay to rest a lot of unanswered questions to many potential supporters who have so far stayed away from matches

 

It’s too early for a book as we are only in the early stages of football in Milton Keynes. If any book were written it would have to be in a few years hence.

 

 

 

Having completed the written questions a 15 minute break was called before resuming with questions from the floor.

To be continued................

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END OF SEASON DINNER

`A resounding success` was the way Supporters Club chairman Brian Baker described the end of season dinner at Wilton Hall on Sunday.

Some 250 members and guests proved their generosity by raising more than £2000 from the football memorabilia auction run by fund raiser Trevor Winn. Committee member Tracey Harris is to be congratulated for her efforts in scouring football clubs throughout the country and persuading them  to donate items. These included signed shorts and balls, pennants and other items from Premier League clubs and Nationwide League clubs. Even a pair of boots signed by England and Liverpool player Steven Gerrard brought heavy bidding.

The Supporters Club committee had already agreed to make a donation of £1000 to Football in the Community from what was hoped would be raised on the night and Brian Baker suggested to the crowd at the event that in view of the geherous amount raised that a further £1000 be donated to the football club`s academy who are in desperate need of a mini bus when the club comes out of administration. The roar of approval from those members present was proof enough of what members thought was an excellent choice.

The event was cleverly organised by Jeanette and Steve Baldock from the committee but every committee member had made some contribution to ensure the night was a success. But special credit must go to Jeanette for her hard-work in ensuring even the smallest detail was not overlooked and was rewarded with a special presentation from Brian Baker.

 

 

 
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Our special guests with chairman Brian Baker and wife Sheila
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Some of our many members who attended the event

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A fun night out for the girls from the club shop

GREAT TIME HAD BY ALL!

RAFFLE WINNING NUMBERS

Ist prize:  Pink 5 - Free season of football - Claimed

2nd prize: Yellow 8 - DVD Player - Claimed

3rd prize:  Pink 79 - Mini CD Hi-Fi

4th prize:  Pink 965 - Portable CD Player - Claimed

5th prize:  White 480 - Large bottle whisky - Claimed

6th prize:  Yellow 967 - Box chocolates

7th prize:  Yellow 917 - Box chocolates

8th prize:  Red 79 - Bottle Baileys - Claimed

Any unclaimed prizes can be claimed by emailing from the link below giving name, address and contact telephone number.

 

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Some of the 15 first team squad players who attended - many of them staying until late.

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Deano Lewington receives his player of the year award from Brian Baker

But the night was also a presentation night and Stuart Murdoch had everyone taken by surprise when he presented the Supporters Club with a framed signed Wimbledon shirt that is a real collectors item.

And it was a night to honour the players and all members had been given the opportunity to vote for their player of the season and most exciting newcomer of the season.

Player of the season was the popular Dean Lewington while Jamie Mackay won the exciting newcomer award - no doubt aided by a strong vote from the Young Dons section of the supporters club.

This was not a night to think of relegation but a time to celebrate the success of the Supporters Club which has developed its own identity since its inception just eight short months ago.

Pete Winkelman - one of our special guests - paid tribute to the entire membership not just for their efforts in developing the social club but for their faith and continued support of a football club. He did name individuals but the success should be shared equally by everyone, young and old, who is a member.

Stuart Murdoch said the club had probably suffered more in recent years than any other club in football history. He too thanked everyone for their support and said he had no doubt the support would be rewarded with success in the near future.

A full array of photographs taken on the night will be on display and available for purchase in the stadium bar before and after the last home game of the season on Sunday May 9th. All photos (about 30)will also be available on CD from the supporters club.

 

Watch this space for future events

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