That which does not kill us only makes us stronger: An MK Dons Story

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For this story, I'm using the latest transfer update from LFCMarshall with my own changes to the database - these changes will become more obvious as the story progresses. It might take a little time to get going, but I hope you all give it a chance and keep reading. Thank you!​

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MK Dons announce major deals!

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The Dons have today announced major deals with global companies, Red Bull and Mercedes. After years of searching for a suitable stadium sponsorship, Chairman Pete Winkelman has finally found his match. The Dons' home will now be known as the Red Bull Arena - or simply 'RB Arena'. Winkelman refused to announce how much the deal was worth - although sources indicate he will be happiest of the two parties after receiving a reasonable amount for the sponsorship. Part of the deal means MK Dons will also show off the global company as secondary sponsors on their shirts made by Adidas which are yet to be announced.

Following the deal with Red Bull, Winkelman also brokered a deal with another global giant. Mercedes have been announced as the official main sponsor for both home and away kits for the next three years. The Dons are set to more than triple the amount received for the sponsorship than they would have otherwise earned from former sponsor, Case Security.

The clubs' finances have been greatly boosted by the two deals combined. Pete Winkelman said that Karl Robinson will have money to spend this summer - hoping to gain promotion into the second tier of English football. Allegedly, Robinson has been offered funds which are 'unlimited' - although within reason.​
 
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Robinson replaced amid Forest interest

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Earlier today Karl Robinson resigned from his post as MK Dons manager. Ever since the Al-Hasawis family completed their takeover of Nottingham Forest earlier this week, Robinson has been linked to the club. Now it seems that the Al-Hasawis' have their man while The Dons were left manager-less.

To many Dons fans' surprise - their new man was appointed only several hours later. Young manager Jason Mann signed a two-year contract with the club after Winkelman placed his faith in the up-and-coming manager. Mann, having never made it as a professional footballer, has spent several years now as part of the academy at Sunderland AFC. The youngster has also worked under the F.A to help young players across the country improve their thinking on the pitch. Mann has been described as an astute tactician by his former employers. Several managers - including Brendan Rodgers and Gareth Southgate - have also said that Mann has a bright future ahead of him.

Jason Mann has reportedly been told he has the same finances which were available to his predecessor. Many thought Winkelman wouldn't trust an unproven manager with such money but it seems the clubs Chairman has full confidence in Mann.​
 
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MK Dons reveal new kits along with expansion plans!​

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The Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman has today announced that the clubs' stadium, RB Arena, will be expanded next summer in time for the 2012-2013 season. After signing a stadium sponsorship with Red Bull just last week - the club are set to finally put seats into the upper tier. Despite The Dons' average attendances not passing the 10,000 mark in previous seasons; Winkelman has announced the stadiums capacity will be increased to hold a maximum of 32,000 spectators.

Despite coming under pressure from local groups who say the money should be used wisely - Winkelman has said that despite current attendances being a way off from the new capacity, he hopes the facility will become a hub for many Red Bull sports teams. It is rumoured that part of the deal between RB and MK Dons is that the global company have access to the sports arena whenever needed. The Red Bull F1 Racing Team is already based within Milton Keynes. The club also hope that by the time the expansion is completed, Jason Mann will have led the team into the second tier of English football.

Later in the day, Chairman Pete Winkelman and manager Jason Mann also officially announced this seasons brand new kits. With Adidas being the new kit-maker, it is hoped that The Dons will show a more continental style off in the coming year. With Mercedes already being announced as the main sponsor and Red Bull as secondary sponsors, here are the new kits:

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Also, I would just like to give Hermanchides full credit to the kits he has made. He's a great kit maker and if any of you need a kit, he's the place to go.
 
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July: Pre-season

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MK Dons kicked off their official pre-season with a home draw against Premier League side Wigan Athletic. Dean Bowditch scored first for The Dons before James McCarthy and Conor Sammon turned the game in Wigan's favour. New signing Jim O'Brien then popped up with a late equaliser for the League One outfit.

The Dons then made the short trip across the North Sea for their tour of Belgium. On their journeys, the Buckinghamshire side faced three teams from the second tier of Belgian football and another from the third tier. For all four games, Mann chose a mixture of youth and experience to provide the perfect warm-ups for his alternating teams. New signings Iain Hume, Chris Martin and Darren Carter all impressed the young manager.

After returning home from their tour, Mann scheduled a final two friendlies. Firstly, Serie B side Novara made the trek to the RB Arena. Luke Chadwick and Jim O'Brien gave MK Dons a comfortable victory despite the Italians pulling one back late on. Next, The Dons had the privilege to host Barcelona B - the giants' reserve side. Despite the likes of Messi, Xavi and Iniesta attending pre-season with the first-team, stars such as Jonathan Dos Santos and Thiago Alcantara still made the journey to the North-West of London. Youngster Thiago gave Barcelona B an early lead before The Dons' first choice striker, Iain Hume, scored an equaliser. Despite playing such a classy side, Jason Mann still stated he was disappointed not to pick up the victory ahead of the League One campaign after dominating for large spells.

July: Signings

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Young manager Jason Mann made good progress in strengthening his squad throughout July. Iain Hume, Paul Quinn, Jim O'Brien and Darren Carter all look to be important fixtures within the team while Danny Mayor, Sone Aluko and Chris Martin will be important back-ups. The only outgoing transfer for the League One outfit was the sale of Jabo Ibehre to Stevenage for £100,000​
 
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August: Results

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MK Dons started their League One campaign off perfectly. On the opening day of the season, they travelled to Leyton Orient in the hope of picking up all three points. In the end, they ran out comfortable winners after star-striker Iain Hume bagged a brace. Just three days later, the Capital One Cup was underway. In their tie, The Dons managed to over-power League Two side Exeter City with a mixture of first-team players and youth. Man of the match Iain Hume amazingly managed to earn himself another brace.

After starting the League campaign so well, The Dons' supporters were hoping to pick up another three points when Bournemouth visited the RB Arena. Youngster Danny Mayor and Iain Hume made sure their fans did not go home disappointed. Next up, The Dons visited possibly their strongest opposition of the year - recently relegated Doncaster Rovers. MK Dons made the journey North in hope of picking up a point - little did they know they would completely out-play their opponents. Onismor Bhasera and Jim O'Brien both earned themselves a brace whilst star man Iain Hume got himself a hat-trick. Luke Chadwick, Curtis Nelson and an own goal by Donny defender George Friend completed the scoring.

Recently promoted Crewe Alexandra were next in line for The Dons. Another easy three points were picked up when new-signings Peter Pawlett and Haris Vuckic started the scoring whilst Iain Hume grabbed himself another two. Following the comfortable home win, MK Dons travelled to the South coast to play Premier League side Southampton. After spending over £30 million in the summer, Southampton were comfortable favourites against The Dons. Despite taking an early lead, Southampton were pushed all the way by their opponents and twice thought they had conceded - only for both goals to be ruled out.

After being knocked out of the Capital One Cup, The Dons were eager to make amends to their travelling fans. Several days later, Iain Hume grabbed himself yet another brace at Yeovil to keep up MK Dons' 100% league record. The following Tuesday, Jason Mann and his team made their way to Underhill to play League Two team Barnet F.C in the Johnstone Paint Trophy. A double from defender Shane Duffy and another from Jim O'Brien secured The Dons' place in the second round.

August: League

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MK Dons and Sheffield United look like early favourites for the league title whilst unpredictable Doncaster Rovers seem to be stuck in a rut after just five league games.

August: Transfer Dealings

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Early in the month, Jason Mann managed to sign the defensive trio of Danny Seaborne, Curtis Nelson and Onismor Bhasera. Seaborne joined on a free whilst Nelson and Bhasera left Plymouth for a combined fee of £1.2 million. Young winger Peter Pawlett then made the trip over the border to England for a fee of £700,000 from Scottish side Aberdeen. Attacking midfielder then joined The Dons on loan for a season from Premier League team Newcastle United. On the final day of the transfer window, Mann secured the £3 million signing of 'keeper Alex McCarthy from newly-promoted Reading. Korey Smith also joined on a season long loan.

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Gary MacKenzie joined Championship side Burnley for a fee of just under £100,000 after feeling replaced in the team after the signings of Seaborne and Nelson. Youngster Adam Chicksen joined Luton on a season long loan to gain experience while Stephen Gleeson also made the move to the Championship by signing for Derby County. After the signing of Alex McCarthy, Ian McLoughlin was deemed un-needed by Jason Mann and was swiftly released.​
 
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