MK Dons Defy the Promotion Odds

After a superb double winning season under Paul Ince, Milton Keynes Dons had high hopes for the new season. Ince ensured promotion for the club from League Two, and added the Football League Trophy to cap off a memorable season.

With huge financial backing, Dons had the makings of a championship club with all the foundations to ensure success for the foreseeable future.

However it didn't run to plan. Ince jumped ship to Blackburn Rovers after turning down an offer from Leicester City. Winger Lloyd Dyer didn't turn down the offer though as he joined the former Premiership club. Captain and League Two Player of the Year Keith Andrews followed Ince to Blackburn to cap off the exodus at Stadium MK.

After losing three such important figures, especially the inspirational manager, the high hopes after the end of last season where extinguished immediately with focus more on mid-table stability than a promotion bid.

However, against all the odds they have formed into a side destined for even more success. Under the stewardship of the unfancied Roberto Di Matteo, Dons have propelled themselves to second in League One.

Now let's not get ahead of ourselves, even after losing the staff that they did, they were hardly in dire straits. As I said before, the foundations were already in place for success, but with it being triggered by this inexperienced Italian is even more unexpected.

Why this brilliant start? Well it's difficult to put a handle on it. Dons were known for their awesome away form before the start of the league season and that has continued into this one.

The honeymoon period is certainly over, yet the wins keep coming. Wins at Colchester United, Hartlepool United and most recently at Walsall have pushed them up the table keeping pace with the heavyweights of Leicester City and Leeds United.

And it doesn't seem like halting anytime soon. Bringing in wingers Jason Puncheon and Luke Chadwick has bolstered their attacking force, with Miguel Angel Llera holding the back four together as they come under pressure from some of the big hitters in the league.

This League One season has plenty of front-runners for promotion, so there is no margin for error for Dons for any of the clubs involved.

It has yet to be seen whether Dons will have the endurance to last the whole season, but if the opening third of the season is anything to go by don't be surprised to see them hovering around the play-off places in May.