The Editor’s Column

The past week has seen plenty of MK Dons-based action, with the incredible latest development in the Keith Andrews saga, the new trialists attempting to make an impact on manager Roberto Di Matteo, the side’s first game of the 2008/09 campaign, as well as the possible emergence of another transfer wrangle; this time involving goalkeeper Willy Gueret. There sure has been no shortgage of talking points for Dons supporters over the last seven days.

So let’s begin with the ongoing, seemingly never-ending, mind-numbing, will-he-won’t-he summer of Keith Andrews. The midfield star had a great season last year at the club, revelling in his role as captain and leading the Dons to a history-making double-winning campaign. He excelled himself under Paul Ince, who he clearly bonded with as a former Wolves team-mate, and had arguably the best season of his career.

Then Ince moves on to Blackburn and Andrews becomes disillusioned at being left behind in League One. It is, however, his response and reaction to the manager’s departure that has wrangled most with Dons supporters. His shameless plugging interview on SkySportsNews, where he declared himself ‘too good for League One’, and thereby too good for the club, was cringeworthy to sit through. His arrogance after one exceptionally good campaign was embarrassing. Although one question which must be asked is what on earth is Ince playing at?

Yes, Keith had a very good season last year, but stepping up into the Premier League, plying his trade against the likes of Deco, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas, is a world away from the depths of League Two football. I’d love to believe differently, but Andrews isn’t a top-flight footballer, and Ince surely knows it.

Saturday saw the most revealing development yet in the drama, with the club effectively telling Andrews to find himself another club after slapping him onto the transfer list. Let us just ignore the fact that the club tried to slip this major piece of news past the supporters by releasing their statement when fans were making their way to the Reading game, and focus on what it means.

It means that Di Matteo, with a squad barely able to be strewn together, must embark not just on a mission to find himself a new captain, but also a new central midfield star. And the clock is most certainly ticking for the Italian, who faces a bombardment of egg on his face unless he gets his skates on.

For Andrews, I understand a deal has been done with Blackburn Rovers, and that he will be making the trip to Lancashire, following in the footsteps of good pal Ince, imminently.

Onto the subject of the weekend’s visit of Reading, the Dons’ first pre-season friendly. It was a good opening start for Di Matteo, with the first-half giving the most damning insight into how he wants his side to play their football in the coming season. His decision to increase the width of the stadium:mk pitch also hints that Dons followers will continue to be treated be a football feast.

There were a few new faces on show on Saturday, with new signing Peter Leven starting, and two trialists in action as well. Leven certainly has plenty of promise, and while I’ll stop short of raving about the club having found the ‘new Andrews’, I have no doubt he will be able to step into the skipper’s boots if, or when, Keith moves on.

Florian Sturm, on trial from FC Vaduz in Switzerland, started on the wing against the Royals. His performance was neither electric nor uninspiring, and he will certainly have given Di Matteo plenty of food for thought. If available, I would advise the club to bring him in on a short-term contract. Dean Morgan also featured as a second-half substitute, but didn’t seem to be interested. I think there is much more quality out there, it’s just a case of uncovering it.

It’s also worth noting that Sam Baldock put in a eye-catching display up front, bagging an impressive goal as well, and he will certainly be one to watch as this coming season progresses.

Which brings us to the subject of goalkeeper Willy Gueret, who allegedly is seeking a move away from the club. Although I wouldn’t like to rely on supporter gossip and hearsay as a source of Gueret’s discontent, I must admit the signs do not look great on this front either.

Finally, I would like to issue a firm editor’s plea for all Dons supporters to register here to the site and to get involved. I understand the registration process is probably one of the worst out there, but I assure you it is worth every strenuous second. We’re also looking for supporters who are willing to make their own contributions to the site, through articles, poll suggestions, or simply article comments, so please do not hesitate to join in. We’re out to make this a great Dons community for everyone to revel in, but we can’t get there without you.

Keep Smiling
The Editor