From The Ground Up

With Chesterfield set to crown their debut season in the b2net Stadium as League Two champions, Nobes looks at how other clubs did after they move grounds.

John Sheridan' Chesterfield are on course to win the League Two title this season

So serene has Chesterfield's unflagging quest for the League Two title been that it's easy to forget the Derbyshire side and focus instead on the more competitive areas of the basement division.

It's a sign of just how imperious John Sheridan's men have been in a campaign that will surely see them crowned as worthy League Two winners and end their four year spell in the basement division.

Even more impressively, it has been done despite leaving their home of years in Saltergate and having to adjust to the new surroundings of the b2net Stadium.

However, as I reported earlier in the campaign, the move seems to have been the catalyst behind Chesterfield's renaissance for a dream debut season.

Not every club has welcomed a new ground in such a positive manner though. Here's my look on how it worked out for some of the others.


Oxford United 2001/2

The Oxen were relegated to League Two in their last season at the Manor Ground and hopes were high that they'd bounce back at the first attempt.

However, life in their new three-sided Kassam Stadium was difficult - losing their first two games in a campaign where they struggled towards the bottom and changed managers.

United ended the season in 21st - winning as many matches at home as they lost.


Leicester City - 2002/3

Having waved goodbye to Filbert Street by crashing out of the top flight, the financially troubled Foxes moved into the Walkers Stadium hoping for a change in fortunes.

And they got it. With a little help from a very generous CVA arrangement, City bounced back to the Premier League at the first time of asking as runners-up to Portsmouth.

Leicester won 16 games and lost just twice on their own patch as it served as the foundation for an impressive promotion under Micky Adams.

Leicester won promotion in their first season at the Walkers Stadium

Hull City - 2003

Hull made the unusual step of switching from their Boothferry Park home to the KC Stadium midway through an underwhelming 2002/3 season.

However, having got to grips with their new surroundings in the second half of their mid-table campaign, the Tigers made amends in 2003/4.

They finished as runners-up to Doncaster to gain promotion to League One with a record of 16 wins and three defeats at their new home.


Coventry City - 2005/6

The Sky Blues signed off from their Highfield Road ground with a 6-2 win and began life in the Ricoh Arena with a 3-0 victory.

However, while their final year at their old ground saw them flirt with the drop, their inaugural campaign at the Ricoh saw them post their best finish to date during ten years in the Championship.

Micky Adams's side won 12 and lost just four of their home matches that season and ended up in 8th.


Swansea City - 2005/6

Ending their final campaign at the Vetch Field by winning promotion to League One, the Swans set about welcoming in their new Liberty Stadium in the same fashion.

Kenny Jackett's men were amongst the front runners all season, albeit a late dip in form saw them having to settle for a place in the play offs.

No third tier side scored more goals at home that year than the Welsh club, who won 11 and lost just three on their own patch. They went on to be defeated on penalties by Barnsley in the play off final.

It was nearly a second successive promotion for the Swans at their new home

Doncaster Rovers - 2007

Like Hull, Rovers decided to opt for the mid-season switch as they changed grounds from the antiquated Belle Vue to the more modern and plush Keepmoat Stadium.

They ended the 2006/7 season in mid table before winning promotion to the second tier for the first time in half a century 12 months later.

Donny won 14 and lost five in their first full campaign at the Keepmoat, eventually succeeding through the play offs with a Wembley win against Leeds.


Milton Keynes Dons - 2007/8

The forerunners of Chesterfield. The Dons finally vacated the National Hockey Stadium and moved into their own home in 2007.

The new stadium:mk was given a rude awakening when Bury rolled into town and beat the Dons in its first match. Indeed, four other sides won there that year.

However, Paul Ince's men did win 11 on their own patch, and their formidable away record helped propel them to a double of the League Two title and Football League Trophy.


Shrewsbury Town 2007/8

Salop had gone out with a bang at their Gay Meadow home, reaching the play off final at Wembley - where they had lost to Bristol Rovers.

They were confident of building upon that when making the move to the New Meadow, and even opened up their new ground with four successive victories.

However, that bright start soon evaporated and they finished the campaign in a hugely disappointing 18th with nine wins and eight defeats in their new home.

Shrewsbury didn't do as well as expected when moving to the New Meadow

Colchester United - 2008/9

Having punched above their weight in the Championship for two seasons at Layer Road, the Essex outfit began life in their new stadium in League One.

However, a poor start to the season saw it take them seven matches to record a victory at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

That sluggish opening saw them end the campaign in mid table, with just seven wins and 12 defeats in their new surroundings.


Cardiff City - 2009/10

A disastrous end to the previous season had seen the Bluebirds depart from Ninian Park with a 3-0 loss and agonisingly missing out on the end of season play offs.

They bounced back in fine style though, winning their first two games at their new stadium 4-0 and 3-0.

It was to remain a fortress for them, with 12 wins and five losses in a season which took them to Wembley and a Championship play off final defeat against Blackpool.


Morecambe - 2010/11

Like Chesterfield, the Shrimps also began this season in new surroundings. However, they have found life a lot harder than their League Two rivals.

Finishing 4th in their last season at Christie Park and qualifying for the play offs, they had hoped to continue from where they left off at their new Globe Arena.

To date though they've won six and lost eight at the new stadium and are languishing in 15th. A far cry from last season's home form of 14 wins and three defeats.

Big Match Review - Southampton 3 MK Dons 2

Southampton 3-2 Milton Keynes Dons

Saturday April 2, St Mary's, (Att: 22,377)

A second half brace from Jonathan Forte helped Southampton stage a remarkable recovery to defeat promotion rivals Milton Keynes Dons and move into third in League One.

The Dons took a first half lead courtesy of Gary MacKenzie's header from a corner just past the half hour mark.

And seven minutes into the second half they appeared set to return to Buckinghamshire with all three points when Sam Baldock skipped past two defenders before beating keeper Kelvin Davies at his near post for 2-0.

However, the Saints hit back with two goals from Forte in as many minutes midway through the second period.

First, he controlled a cross from the left before firing low into the net and then he was on hand to tap home when keeper David Martin could only push out a low centre by Dan Harding.

The comeback for Nigel Adkins's side was complete with 13 minutes remaining as sloppy defending saw Lee Barnard beat the offside drop to fire left footed past Martin.

The victory leaves the Hampshire side five points behind second-placed Huddersfield with three games in hand. For the Dons, a place in the play offs now looks like their best bet.

Big Match Preview - Southampton vs. MK Dons

Southampton vs. Milton Keynes Dons

Saturday April 2, 15:00, St Mary's

There's a crunch game in the race for promotion from League One at the weekend as Milton Keynes Dons make the trip to Hampshire to take on top six rivals Southampton.

The two sides currently sit level on 65 points in 4th and 5th respectively, although the South Coast team boast a vastly superior goal difference as well as having three games in hand on their opponents.

Indeed, the Saints have played fewer matches than all of their promotion rivals, and will hope they can take advantage in the closing weeks as they seek to gain automatic promotion back to the Championship.

Last term they only missed out on a place in the play offs because of a ten point deduction, but this season they will hope to avoid the end of season lottery for an altogether more positive reason.

Tipped for promotion in pre season, Southampton endured a slow start and were rocked by the early sacking of Alan Pardew. However, under the stewardship of his replacement, Nigel Adkins, they are beginning to show their potential.

They've suffered just one defeat in their last seven games, and have an imperious record on home soil under Adkins - winning 11 of his 15 league games at St Mary's and suffering just one defeat.

With just ten goals conceded at home all term, too, Saints have the best defensive record on their own patch in the third tier.

In the guise of 17-goal striker Rickie Lambert, Southampton also have one of the most lethal strikers in the division, and he is ably supported by Lee Barnard, who has 12 goals to his name too.

Nigel Adkins and Southampton are aiming for automatic promotion this term

Their opponents from Buckinghamshire come into the game in fine form themselves though, having only been beaten once in their last 14 league matches.

It's a run which has propelled the Dons firmly into the promotion mix - itself an achievement considering they cut their budget after last season's disappointing mid table campaign.

That saw Paul Ince resign from his position and be replaced by rookie Karl Robinson. The youngest manager in the Football League has risen to the occasion in spectacular fashion though.

Their challenge has largely been built on not drawing matches, with just eight in their 39 matches. Their away record is, naturally, erratic therefore, including seven wins and nine defeats.

However, Saints will need to be wary against a side that have suffered just one away defeat in 2011 and recently registered impressive wins against fellow promotion contenders Peterborough and runaway leaders Brighton.

Top scorer for Milton Keynes this term is homegrown talent Sam Baldock, with 11, and midfielder Peter Leven with eight goals is another key man for the Dons.

This could be a very entertaining spectacle between two sides who are in top form, like to play good football, and have everything to play for with the season reaching its climax.

It will be tight, but I'll go for home advantage to help Saints to just edge it on the day against a Dons side who have been League One's surprise success story of the season.

Nobes' Prediction: Southampton 1 Milton Keynes Dons 0

Let Me Hear Your Trumpets Ringing Out

Nobes salutes some of the clubs and managers who, despite staying out of the spotlight this season, deserve recognition.

Barnsley boss Mark Robins has overseen a year of progress at Oakwell

They say no news is good news. Find that your club is constantly overlooked and fails to grab the national media's attention, and you can count on that being because things are ticking along just nicely.

No manager being sacked and, although not involved in the race for promotion, there's no relegation battle to be fought either.

It's all too easy to gloss over such clubs and the work of their managers. However, they are often the bosses who consistently do the best jobs without receiving the recognition they merit.

Take Barnsley's Mark Robins, for example. When the Reds turned to the 41-year-old last term, they found themselves struggling at the foot of the table after a poor start to the campaign.

However, the former Rotherham manager soon turned things around and, at one point in the spring, the Oakwell outfit were even on the cusp of the play offs.

A late dip in form eventually saw them finish 18th in a congested mid-table. However, he has built on that first season with a term of solid progression and development.

Saturday's 4-1 defeat to resurgent Leicester left the Tykes in 13th, a full 13 points clear of the bottom three. Also, since a 4-0 loss at QPR on the opening weekend, they haven't dropped lower than 18th all term.

For a club who fought the drop for three successive seasons under his predecessor, Simon Davey, it's clear that Robins has moved the team on to another level.

Not that he's had the greatest resources available to him. Indeed, Barnsley are outperforming sides with higher wage bills who have spent more, and that is testament to the manager.

Coaxing consistently fine performances, as well as goals, from winger Adam Hammill also earned the club £4 million from Woverhampton Wanderers in the January transfer window as they sought to secure his services.

He will undoubtedly be a loss to the Reds for the remainder of the season, but they were quick to replace his goal threat with the signing of Bristol City striker Danny Haynes.

The summer captures of centre half Jason Shackell and Serbian midfielder Goran Lovre have also been astute moves, and Garry O'Connor from Birmingham is a proven forward in the Championship.

Robins, who notably had to overcome financial problems, points deductions, and a temporary home when in charge at Rotherham, is proving himself to be a young manager of increasing capability - who gets the best out of what he has available.

Not that he's the only one. Indeed, across South Yorkshire, Sean O'Driscoll continues to establish Doncaster in the second tier, as well as furthering their reputation as purveyors and protectors of the beautiful game.

It's earned the boss himself admirers - he was strongly linked with the Sheffield United job over Christmas. Perhaps that has proved a distraction, with Rovers losing four of their last five games to drop to 15th.

However, they still remain secure in the middle of the table, which is no mean feat for a side on modest resources with some of the smallest attendances in the Championship.

It is also a sign of the job the Irishman performs at the Keepmoat that pundits were all confident that Rovers wouldn't figure in the fight for survival at the bottom.

Although not advocating the same footballing principles as O'Driscoll, Millwall boss Kenny Jackett also deserves praise for the way his side have adapted to life in the second tier.

Kenny Jackett is ensuring promoted Millwall make a bright return to the Championship

I spoke after their opening day 3-0 win at Bristol City that the Lions were in good hands under Jackett's guidance. A hard-working pragmatist, opposition managers always speak in glowing terms about his team's endeavour and the danger they pose.

While they may not be the prettiest team to watch in the Championship, they also don't have the money of some of their rivals. Fine recent form has even propelled them up to 7th - albeit having played more games than some of the sides around them.

However, successive promotions aren't out of the question should the London side repeat their exploits of 2002 in qualifying for the play offs the season after coming up from the third tier.

It is a tier itself which is home, too, to managers quietly and efficiently going about their business.

Take Exeter City's Paul Tisdale, a manager who has rejected offers from other clubs to remain in Devon.

The Grecians are one of the smallest clubs in League One, but Tisdale has stayed loyal to them to help further his managerial education while competing against most illustrious opponents.

After a last gasp escape from relegation on the final day last season, City have held a place in mid table since August.

Not only that, but he guided them through to the regional final of the JPT this season - the run ending with an aggregate defeat to Brentford over two legs to deny them an appearance at Wembley.

They also continue to play the brand of fluid passing football which the manager has implemented since their days in the Conference. It's the mix of style and substance on a limited budget that so often eludes other bosses.

Keith Hill is not one of them though. The Rochdale supremo wrote his name into the Lancashire outfit's history books when promotion last term ended more than 35 years spent in the basement division.

However, after a poor sequence of results at the end of last season, allied with a difficult time in the summer transfer market, Dale fans were concerned their stay in League One would be a brief one.

They currently sit in 9th though, and continue to adhere to playing the game the right way.

The boss has also shown great character and nerve to turn around a worrying slide down the table from the dizzy heights of 4th to just above the drop zone in 18th. Even if Dale do end up in the bottom half, they have been one of the season's surprise packages.

As have Milton Keynes Dons. Indeed, naming the then 29-year-old Karl Robinson as manager last summer was a surprise in itself.

The youngest manager in the Football League was also taking over at a tricky time in the short history of the club. Paul Ince brought an end to his second spell at stadium:mk last season citing budget cuts and differing ambitions for his departure.

It appeared as though the ambitious Dons, who reached the play offs in 2009, would now have to scale back their dreams. However, Robinson has them competing once again for the top six.

To be doing so in his first job, as well as outperforming Ince despite less money to work with, is an achievement which should not be overlooked. You may not like the Dons, but the manager deserves some kudos.

The experienced Paul Sturrock is giving a masterclass in crisis management at Southend

While they profit under the leadership of a rookie, it's an experienced pro who is once again proving his worth in League Two at Southend United.

The Shrimpers went close to going out of business during the summer after relegation from League One, and a transfer embargo was only lifted days before they kicked off their season against fellow financially-troubled Stockport.

However, unlike the currently flailing Hatters, United boss Paul Sturrock used his many years in the game, as well as his various contacts, to fashion together a team that, while quickly assembled, currently sit just three points off the top seven.

It's no mean feat to bring a large collection of players in all at the same time and gel them into an effective and winning unit in a matter of months.

While promotion via the play offs may well prove beyond them this term, the Scot, who has previously guided both Plymouth and Swindon out of League Two, will be a good bet to lead the side from the Essex coast up next season.

Down on the South Coast, another boss who consistently does his job well - without receiving the recognition he deserves - is Torquay United's Paul Buckle.

During their time in the Conference he guided the Gulls to Wembley on three occasions - including winning the play off final in 2009 to return to the Football League.

Last season, he established them back in League Two and the Devonians have kicked on from there, comfortably sitting in mid table and earlier in the campaign went nearly 1000 minutes without conceding a goal.

It's not just their league form which should be praised though, but their recent record in the FA Cup also tells the tale of a manager who treats the competition with respect - not afraid to progress at the cost of not playing in the league.

They've reached the third round in three of the last four seasons, twice making the fourth round, and claimed the scalps of Blackpool and Coventry along the way.

Buckle has also earned praise for the way he conducts himself, including the dignified manner in which he dealt with their disappointing FA Cup exit amid the antics of Crawley last month. No surprise bigger clubs are already sniffing around the 40-year-old.

It's a mystery why John Coleman continues to be overlooked for positions though. There is arguably no manager in the Football League who so regularly gets his side to punch above their weight than the Accrington Stanley boss.

No club in the Football League attracts smaller crowds or works with an inferior budget than the Lancashire outfit. However, they are well on their way to securing a sixth successive year in League Two.

Coleman is the architect behind it and, although he can sometimes let his passion overtake him, it is impossible not to admire his achievements and longevity at the Crown Ground.

Basement division rivals Lincoln were rumoured to be interested in the Liverpudlian earlier in the campaign, but he eventually signed a new deal to remain with Stanley.

While it would be a wrench to leave the club after 12 years though, it is remarkable that more clubs haven't tested his loyalty by giving him the chance to prove what he can do at a bigger club with greater resources.

If only he could afford a bigger trumpet.

Big Match Review: Peterborough 2 MK Dons 1

Peterborough United 2-1 Milton Keynes Dons

Saturday September 25, London Road, (Att: 7,838)

Goals either side of half time helped Peterborough on their way to second in League One as they continued their fine home form against Milton Keynes Dons.

The away side had much of the early possession, and went close through Jermaine Easter's toe poke going narrowly wide of goal.

It was slightly against the run of play, therefore, when Peterborough went ahead just past the half hour mark. Craig Mackail Smith latched onto a flick by striking partner Aaron McLean and outpaced the Dons defence before slotting home.

However, just a minute later, Karl Robinson's men had restored parity through Dean Lewington

Posh failed to deal with a long throw into the box and the ball fell to Lewington to smash past Joe Lewis and send the teams into the break all square.

Just three minutes into the second half though, United found the winner. Skipper Grant McCann's delicious corner inviting McLean to power a header into the net.

Chris Whelpdale almost added a third for Gary Johnson's side from another McCann corner, and then Lee Tomlin had a shot blocked by David Martin in the Milton Keynes's goal.

With time running out, Easter went close again from another long throw, but the Buckinghamshire side were unable to find the equaliser as Posh kept up their 100% home record.

Big Match Preview

Peterborough United vs. Milton Keynes Dons

Saturday September 25, 15:00, London Road

It's 3rd against 5th in League One this weekend as two of the early front runners - Peterborough United and Milton Keynes Dons - meet at London Road.

Both sides enter the game off the back of midweek League Cup defeats but, with three points again up for grabs, they'll be looking to resume normal service in the league.

Posh went down to a 3-1 home defeat to Championship side Swansea - their first loss in all competitions on home soil. Indeed, their home record is very impressive to date.

In League One, 12 goals have been registered in their three home matches to see off Bristol Rovers, Oldham, and leaders Huddersfield.

Gary Johnson's men were top of the table themselves heading into last weekend's fixtures but were held to a 2-2 draw at Exeter - typical of their inconsistent away form.

Relegated from the second tier last year, the Cambridgeshire outfit expect to be in the running to immediately reclaim their spot in the Championship at the end of the campaign.

Leading that charge, once again, are the dangerous attacking trio of Aaron McLean, Craig Mackail Smith, and George Boyd. With 17 goals between them already - 11 in the league - they are a handful for any defence.

Grant McCann, a summer signing from Scunthorpe, has also proven an astute capture for Posh. As well as a couple of goals to his name, his midfield creativity and threat from set plays are another weapon in United's arsenal.

Aged just 30, Dons boss Karl Robinson is in his first ever manager's job

It's difficult, therefore, not to see a game including a few goals. Particularly since opponents Milton Keynes have already leaked seven in their three away trips.

That's included losses at fellow top six sides Carlisle and Brighton, although the Buckinghamshire team did manage an opening day success at Walsall.

Home form is also the strength of Karl Robinson's men, with three wins being followed by last weekend's 1-1 draw against Rochdale at stadium:mk.

Robinson, the youngest manager in the Football League, also saw his charges go down 3-1 at Premier League Birmingham in the League Cup, and will be looking for an immediate response in their biggest test of the season.

Leading lights in the Dons team include experienced forwards Jermaine Easter and Lewis Guy, both with two goals to their name to date.

However, the pair have been usurped by home-grown talent Sam Baldock. With four goals already, the England U20 international has made an excellent start to the season.

There are many similarities between these two teams early on. Both are stronger at home than on the road, and both are better going forwards than they are at the back.

For those reasons, it's difficult to see past Peterborough continuing their fine home record with another win.

Nobes' Prediction: Peterborough United 2 Milton Keynes Dons 1

Paradise Lost?

After Paul Ince announces, due to budget cuts, he's quitting as boss of the MK Dons at the end of the season, Nobes examines the Milton Keynes dream.

Ince is leaving as MK Dons manager for a second time in three years

It wasn't supposed to be like this. Less than a year after returning to Milton Keynes, Paul Ince announced last Friday he would be leaving the Buckinghamshire club at the end of the current season.

He cites the reason for his departure - his second in less than three years - as being due to 'budget cutbacks' which he believes will stop him from taking the club forwards.

Laying aside the decision of the manager - which we'll examine later - it is a blow to a club who, despite being short on history, have always spoken about big plans for the future.

Indeed, they were dreams still being pursued last summer. Chairman Pete Winkelman suggesting that the playing budget had been increased after Ince's re-appointment in the hope of a promotion push.

Winkelman was instrumental in the controversial move and re branding of the old Wimbledon FC in 2002.

The hope was that a large town's population, then bereft of a professional football club, could embrace a new one - and help achieve greater things in the future than their troubled ancestor.

Two relegations later, and with the Dons finding themselves in League Two, traditionalists everywhere were smirking at how the 'Franchise' club, as they were nicknamed, were struggling to find their way in the game.

They wouldn't be laughing much longer. After Martin Allen had taken MK to the play-offs before leaving to join Leicester, Winkelman turned to Ince.

The former England international had impressed in his short spell at League Two rivals Macclesfield - where he managed to save the Silkmen from relegation.

His impact at the club's brand new 22,000 stadium:mk was immediate. They swept to the League Two title and glory in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The Dons had their first pieces of silverware to show off.

However, Ince was tempted away for a short-lived spell at Premier League Blackburn and, although his replacement Roberto Di Matteo maintained the momentum, they lost out to Scunthorpe in last season's League One play-offs.

The 42-year-old was still enthused enough by the Dons project to return to Buckinghamshire last July though, when Di Matteo left for West Brom.

The chairman described the reunion as Ince having "unfinished business" with the club.

He probably didn't expect the unfinished business to be a season of inconsistency though. After a bright start, a tame second half of the campaign has seen the Dons long out of the play-off race and well off the top six pace.

Despite a more than competitive budget, Ince has failed to get MK competing as high up as Di Matteo. Admittedly, this year - without promotion momentum - was always going to be more difficult.

However, there have been rumours the club were unhappy with the side's performance.

Winkelman and Ince have enjoyed a good working relationship over two spells

Perhaps Ince has walked before he was pushed? Or maybe he's realising that the old football adage about never going back actually has some credence to it? Or is it simply a case of him thinking the club no longer match his ambitions?

Here-in lies a dilemma. As a player, Ince was never lacking in bravery or commitment. He was also incredibly ambitious - trying his luck in Italy with Inter Milan.

He is also clearly someone with great self-belief. His step-up three divisions to take over at Blackburn, despite having just a season and a half of managerial experience, is testament to that.

So does he now not believe he has the ability to achieve results despite working with fewer resources than he's had? Plenty of managers get clubs to punch above their weight - does he not feel he is able to do the same?

For a man who, in his playing days, never shirked a challenge as a combative midfielder, why not accept the challenge of getting more for less?

What does this say about Ince the manager? Someone who requires a big chequebook to do his job? After all, his success in League Two with the Dons came with a budget that wouldn't have looked out of place in the Championship.

Perhaps too, he is a man with delusions of grandeur about his managerial ability and standing? Despite his protestations about being given a lack of time at Blackburn, he was out of his depth at Ewood Park.

He has also now failed to get a Milton Keynes side challenging when they should have been competing for the top six in League One.

A top manager is one that can sustain success - not just live off one successful season.

It also raises questions about where Ince would look to get back into management? Does a man, once praised for beginning at the bottom, now believe he is too good for the lower divisions? His record states otherwise.

He was famously upset that he wasn't considered for the vacant Wolves job when he ended his playing days at the Black Country club. Would a Championship club be any more willing to take him on now though, after his recent failings?

Or maybe it is simply a case of the manager believing that a club no longer has the same ambition, and he wishes to pursue a fresh challenge? If so, then what does this say about the future of the Milton Keynes project?

The club have averaged around 10,000 for home matches this season. If that was in the Championship, only three clubs would have lower gates.

Admittedly, the team have underperformed and, in a higher division, more away fans could be expected to boost numbers. However, it would be hard to see average gates of more than 14,000.

That's not impossible to challenge on at the top end of the Championship, as Doncaster and Blackpool have proved this term. It indicates though that the young club, despite all their talk of potential, may have to wait for it to be realised.

Ince's departure is a cold reality check for the Dons. Although they were too big for the basement division, they have no divine right to be promoted out of League One.

stadium:mk has room for development and hopes to host 2018 World Cup games

Particularly now, with many ex-Premier League teams having found themselves relegated through to the third tier due to financial problems.

Clubs like Leeds, Norwich, and Southampton all have fan bases built up over generations - with loyal supporters who they can be assured won't desert them.

That bond - that embracing of their local football club by the people of Milton Keynes - will take a similar length of time to develop.

They, and the club, must be willing to be patient as, barring a rich benefactor, a club's potential is only measured by its fan base.

Perhaps then, a few years in League One, consolidating their support and position, will actually be of benefit to the Dons.

It appears Winkelman, sensibly, is tempering his ambition and not throwing the same levels of money around.

Although any new manager will have less to work with though, they can be assured of the support of a chairman who has shown he has a better grasp of appointing managers than most.

They have tended to go for younger managers like Ince and Di Matteo - giving them a chance to earn and impress only to see them cherry picked by teams in higher divisions.

Former Watford and Reading boss, Brendan Rodgers, fits the bill and has been heavily linked with stadium:mk over the last couple of months.

A return to the game at Milton Keynes after being sacked by the Berkshire club last year wouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

No-one can accuse the Dons of lacking vision - they believe, one day, they can be a Premier League club. They are also in the running to stage games at the 2018 World Cup, should England host the tournament.

There's an old saying though which says such good things come to those who wait. Young they may be, but Milton Keynes must strive against impatience.

Big Match Review- MK Dons 0 Leeds 1

League One

Milton Keynes Dons 0-1 Leeds United

Saturday September 26, stadium:mk, Att: 16,713

Leeds continued their impressive start to the season as Robert Snodgrass scored an injury time goal to see off 10-man Milton Keynes and keep United top of League One.

The home side started brightly, putting the West Yorkshire club on the backfoot and visiting keeper Shane Higgs was being kept busy, including a save low down from Aaron Wilbraham's shot.

Higgs was then at full stretch to turn away Jason Puncheon's low stinger down to his right as Paul Ince's side continued to impose themselves on United.

However, their hopes were dealt a severe blow in first half stoppage time when Puncheon was giving his marching orders. His two-footed tackle on Michael Doyle, despite getting the ball, was deemed dangerous by the referee and he saw red.

With a man advantage, Leeds took control of proceedings and thought they had gone ahead when a ball was slipped through to Jermaine Beckford who placed the ball beyond Willy Gueret only to be foiled by the linesman's flag for offside.

Beckford also shot over after a surging run towards the Dons goal, and with time running out it seemed as though Simon Grayson's team would be forced to settle for a point.

However, deep into added on time, Bradley Johnson's free-kick from the left was powered in by the head of Robert Snodgrass to snatch maximum spoils for Leeds and inflict a second home defeat for Milton Keynes.

Big Match Preview

League One

Milton Keynes Dons vs. Leeds United

Saturday September 26, 15:00, stadium:mk

League One pacesetters Leeds United make the trip to Buckinghamshire this weekend to take on fellow high-flyers Milton Keynes Dons in a battle between two of the division's fancied sides.

It's also a clash between two young and up-and-coming managers. Leeds' Simon Grayson built his reputation taking Blackpool into the Championship, and then keeping them there before moving to Elland Road and his boyhood team.

Across Lancashire, Paul Ince failed during his brief tenure at Blackburn, but has had previous success at Macclesfield and in his first spell with the Dons before returning to the club during the summer.

And MK, losers in the play-offs under Roberto Di Matteo last season, have got off to a good start this time around. Five wins have been collected in their first eight games, including an unbeaten away record where they've only conceded one goal.

Their form has been a little more patchy on home soil though, including a defeat to Huddersfield and a win over Norwich in their last couple of games at stadium:mk.

Leading lights in the Dons side include striker Jermaine Easter, a summer signing from Plymouth, who has already bagged seven goals in all competitions.

Indeed, no other MK player has scored more than one, so much will depend on the former Argyle man finding the back of the net. The midfield creativity of Jason Puncheon and Jemal Johnson should also prove a threat to the visitors.

Their defensive solidity, emphasised by their 1-0 win at local rivals Wycombe last weekend, is built on erratic goalkeeper Willy Gueret, and defensive pair David McCracken and Darren Powell.

Leeds boss Grayson led Blackpool to promotion from League One in 2007

They're likely to be busy too. Leeds are averaging two goals a game in League One so far this season, with top scorer Jermaine Beckford on six, and Bradley Johnson chipping in with five from midfield.

Grayson's squad is enviable, with the likes of Jonny Howson, Robert Snodgrass, and Luciano Becchio to call upon, the West Yorkshire club look to be the strongest contender for promotion to the Championship come May.

Their success has arguably been built from the back though. Just four goals have been conceded, with keeper Shane Higgs, a summer signing from Cheltenham, in top form. Centre halves Leigh Bromby and Patrick Kisnorbo have also struck up a sound understanding.

The side's home form is almost impregnable, with last weekend's 4-1 win over Gillingham their 15th consecutive league victory at Elland Road. However, the unbeaten Whites have also already taken maximum spoils on the road at Colchester, Wycombe, and Walsall.

Grayson was also pleased with his side's performance in their League Cup defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday night, when Rafa Benitez's side were more than matched in the 1-0 loss.

With both sides liking to play football, Saturday's game has all the makings of a classic. The emphasis will be on Ince's side to take the game to Leeds, which may well leave them vulnerable to the away team on the break and another United victory.

Nobes's Prediction: Milton Keynes Dons 1 Leeds United 2