Only a decade old, now is the time for MK Dons to really kick-on. Everything seems in place for them to do so; a state of the art stadium, ambitious chairman, talented manager and a squad more than capable of promotion to the Championship this season.

Since promotion to League One in 2008, the Dons have secured a play-off place three times without making the final. Their first season back in England’s third tier was the closest they got, finishing just two points outside an automatic promotion spot before losing to Scunthorpe over two legs.

The greatest day in the club's history until the start of this season was winning the Football League Trophy in 2008. A 2-0 victory of Grimsby at Wembley gave the club it’s first ever bit of silverware. Fast forward six or so years and the club are well on course for Championship promotion for the first time.

It has been a season to remember for MK Dons, and we’re not even half way through it. Their 4-0 victory over Man Utd in August was a day many of the MK faithful will never forget. Although it wasn’t the strongest United side, they still scored four goals against one of the Premier League’s best keepers in David de Gea.

Their league form has been impressive as well, as they currently sit in third position, only two points off top spot with a game in hand. The 1-0 win at Sheffield United in the club's last league game stretched their unbeaten run to nine League One matches, and manager Karl Robinson looks to have finally assembled a squad full of quality at this level with the right mixture of youth and experience.

Dele Alli has been the stand out performer for the Dons, scoring nine league goals and featuring regularly at just 18-years-old. The wonderkid usually plays as a box-to-box midfielder but can also take up a more attacking role. He has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs and MK Dons will certainly have a tough time keeping hold of him.

On-loan striking duo Benik Afobe and Will Grigg have impressed up-front. Afobe, who is on-loan from Arsenal, has scored 18 goals in 25 matches, nine of which have come in the league. This is even more impressive considering nearly half his appearance have been off the bench. His strength and finishing abilities have allowed him to be a key man so far this season.

Grigg, on-loan from Brentford, has also chipped in with five goals, but is used more as a defensive forward who can hold up play well.

Perhaps Karl Robinson’s smartest buy was former Coventry captain Carl Baker on a free. The 31-year-old adds much needed experience in midfield along with his influential qualities. He recently won the League One player of the month award for November and will hope to continue his impressive performances for the rest of the season.

With a number of players in good form and a squad full of talent, despite all the close calls in the past this season seems to be the one for MK Dons to finally reach new heights.

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