MK Dons Vow to Demolish Oldham as They Aim for Winning Start to the Campaign

MK Dons Vow to Demolish Oldham as They Aim for Winning Start to the Campaign

MK Dons have fired an early warning shot ahead of the new League Two season, vowing to come out all guns blazing when they face newly-promoted Oldham Athletic on the opening day of the campaign.

The fixture, set to take place at Stadium MK, will see Micky Mellon’s Dons host a resurgent Oldham side eager to make their mark after returning to the Football League. But the home side, still stinging from missing out on promotion last season, are determined to start their 2025/26 campaign with a statement win.

Speaking ahead of pre-season training, Mellon struck a confident tone. “We’re not here to ease into the season,” he said. “We’ve set our standards high and we’re looking to impose ourselves from day one. Oldham’s return is a great story, but we’re focused on ourselves — and our goal is to dominate.”

Last season, MK Dons narrowly missed the League Two play-offs under Mellon’s guidance, and there’s a sense that this year must be different. With a refreshed squad and a full summer to prepare under Mellon’s leadership, expectations are high in Buckinghamshire.

Several new signings have already been brought in to bolster key areas of the team. Among them is experienced forward Kane Hemmings, who rejoined the club this summer and is expected to lead the line against Oldham. Midfield engine Ethan Robson has also signed a new deal, while young winger Corey O’Keeffe will be looking to impress after a promising campaign last term.

“We’ve added real quality and hunger to this group,” Mellon said. “The players coming in know what’s expected — intensity, ambition, and a willingness to put this club back where it belongs.”

Oldham, managed by David Unsworth, return to League Two after a three-year absence, having secured promotion from the National League via the play-offs. The Latics have built strong momentum and will be no pushovers. However, the Dons see this opener as the perfect opportunity to set the tone early.

Assistant coach Alex Revell added: “We respect Oldham, absolutely. But this is our home, our turf, and we have to make that count. The players have a point to prove and they’re ready to show it.”

Supporters are also being rallied to pack out Stadium MK for the curtain-raiser. “We want to give the fans something to shout about from the start,” said Mellon. “It’s about energy, pride, and purpose. Let’s get after it.”

With the first whistle now just weeks away, all eyes will be on MK Dons to see if they can match their bold words with a commanding performance — and lay down a marker in their pursuit of promotion.

Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk