In the build up to Tuesday night’s League 1 fixture at the DW Stadium against MK Dons, I had a chat with Joe Friess from the MK1Podcast, to get the lowdown on the opposition, their new boss, danger men and a match prediction.
Barry – You’ve
got a new boss, Liam Manning, what can you tell us about him and was he a
surprise appointment to the MK Dons fans?
Joe - I think the biggest surprise
was the departure of Russell Martin & certainly the timing of it. Liam
Manning was certainly not a name many of us had heard of but knowing what we do
now it is an appointment that has made sense.
A history of working with great young talent from his time at West Ham, which suits our young squad. In addition to this a few years within the City football group at New York City & Lommel Sk in Belgium.
He has seamlessly slotted in and continued the good work of Russ, a
shrewd appointment which Liam Sweeting, our sporting director, deserves big
credit for.
Barry - You’ve made a great
start to the new campaign, was Manning receiving the Manager of the Month award
for September a kiss of death or are there other reasons for your recent dip in
form?
Joe - The last 3 games have all been pretty similar in that we have probably edged the chances but just have been on the wrong side of the result where we have shaded the chances and xG.
Shrewsbury had just 4 shots on Saturday and were able to convert. We had a few near misses and a couple of good saves from our 13.
I don't think there is any need to panic, we have not been electric but
1 point from the last 3 feels a bit harsh.
Barry - Scott
Twine doing the business in front of goal, are you impressed with your summer
signing from Swindon?
Joe - Big boots to fill after Scott
Fraser left but he is certainly impressing.
A unique talent for genuinely being able to consistently trouble keepers
from anywhere within 35 yards of goal, coupled with an eye for a pass and tidy
dribbling he has been a top performer thus far.
Barry - Apart from Twine, which
players should we look out for?
Joe - For my money, there are not
many players better than Matt O Riley at this level. An all action box to box
midfielder who is still only 20.
Troy Parrott & Mo Eisa can be handful for any defence on their day
and I can't miss out Dean Lewington, ever reliable and just as important in our
build up play as he is in defence.
Barry - Style of play, similar to
last season?
Joe - Yes, given the circumstances
there really has not been too much disruption and huge credit has to be given
to Liam Sweeting for that, I do not think we are as extreme in our passing as
last year, but certainly we will look to dominate the ball.
Barry - Hopes for the season for MK
Dons and who do you fancy for promotion?
Joe - I think the hope was a proper
challenge for the playoffs, which we are more than capable of. I think it is
hard to look past Sunderland & Wycombe, although Wigan & Rotherham look
to be very strong and destined to be up there.
Barry - Do you agree with Ian Evatt
that Bolton are the best team in League 1?
Joe - Unfortunately
I missed our first game of the season in a 3-3 draw at their place, only a 95th
minute goal after a howler from our reserve keeper got them a point, this
whilst we had Dean Lewington as caretaker manager, so not too sure on that one!
Barry – Thought not, prediction
for Tuesday please.
Joe - We have fared well against
teams who want to play football and against the better teams in the division,
us to edge it 1-2, however a draw would be a great result.
Joe and the team can be found on twitter @MK1Podcast
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