MK Dons return to League One as EFL season gets underway
The club is aiming for back-to-back promotions
The new English Football League (EFL) season gets underway this weekend, with MK Dons returning to League One for the first time in four years — and manager Paul Warne making it clear that simply staying up is not the ambition.
The Dons secured promotion from League Two last season and now face a step up in quality, starting with a trip to Oxford United.
Oxford were relegated from the Championship last term and, alongside the likes of Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday, are among the sides dropping into League One this season.
Warne believes his squad is ready for the challenge, although he admits the opening few matches will provide a better indication of just how competitive they can be.
“I feel like we've strengthened,” he said. “I do feel like there's still a little bit more to do. I feel like we're pretty well prepared for this league, but then so are many other teams.”
Back-to-back promotion aim
There is no disguising the club's ambitions, as Warne says promotion remains the objective — with a top-six finish regarded as the minimum requirement.
“If we finished outside the top six, I would regard it as a failure,” he said. “I do believe if we get a lot of things right, we should be competing for the top six.”
Defender Curtis Nelson shares that belief. He says the Dons want to use the step up as an opportunity to push the club forward, rather than simply consolidate.
“I think it's extremely difficult to be successful week in, week out,” Nelson said. “That's the challenge that I look forward to.”
The Dons' preparations were given a reality check in the EFL Cup last weekend, when they were beaten 4-1 by Championship side Norwich City.
Warne says the game demonstrated the gulf in athleticism and quality between the divisions — but also gave his players something to aim for.
“It shows the standard of a Championship club that we want to attain,” Nelson added.
Teams across the three counties
MK Dons are one of five clubs from across Bucks, Beds and Herts getting their seasons underway this weekend.
Luton Town travel to Reading for their opening fixture. The Hatters will be looking to go one better after narrowly missing out on the League One play-offs last season.
Stevenage finished one point above Luton to secure a place in the play-offs last term. The Boro begin their campaign away at Burton Albion, while Wycombe Wanderers visit Blackpool.
Meanwhile, Watford host Southampton tomorrow in the Championship.
The Hornets will be looking for a strong start after a disappointing end to last season, when they lost their final five league games.