Paul Ince has described it as the ‘perfect season’ and MK Dons supporters are celebrating their own version of the double. The club that rose out of the ashes of Wimbledon ha finally had something to cheer about and lifted the League Two title as well as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. It has been Ince’s first season at the helm and fully vindicated chairman Pete Winkleman’s appointment in the summer of the former England skipper. Their success has been recognised with four of their players being selected for the PFA League Two team of the season. Voted for by fellow professionals, this is the ultimate accolade and was testimony to their success this campaign. Dean Lewington has been at MK Dons/Wimbledon for six years and seen plenty of lows, so is relishing some long overdue success. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Lewington as he celebrated receiving his award at the Grosvenor Hotel.
Q:HAS THIS BEEN THE PERFECT SEASON?
A:It has been the perfect season really. We have won two trophies and played great football.
Q:IT HASN'T ALWAYS BEEN THIS EASY AT MK DONS HAS IT?
A:It has been difficult over the first two or three years as the club has been trying to put down roots and maybe the football aspect suffered a little bit while they have been trying to do other things. With the new stadium and the gaffer coming in then it helped this year in terms of moving forward. It has been nice to play in a winning team for once.
Q:WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE WORKING WITH PAUL INCE?
A:Paul Ince is fantastic and I don't think there is a bad word said about him. He's really positive and he gives us confidence and builds us up and everyone loves playing for him. He is perfect. He is good at both the tactical and man-management side but he isn't as in your face as you would have imagined from the player he was.
Q:WHAT ARE HIS GREAT QUALITIES?
A:He is quite reflective and he looks at things and he isn't a shouter but I think man-management is his speciality. He is brilliant with individuals and I think he has the clout that when he says something to you it is Paul Ince that is saying it to you. It means a lot when you are playing for a person like that and with the career he has had. When he says something positive towards you it is nice and means a lot.
Q:WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS FOR NEXT SEASON?
A:Hopefully we can take on the form that we have had this year and take it into League One. It will be a harder year with harder challenges but bearing in mind the momentum we have got and you have seen clubs do it before –Walsall are there or thereabouts this year – there is no reason why we can't aim for that as well.
Q:HOW FAR CAN MK DONS GO?
A:It is definitely a Championship club at least in the making. I think they would probably have to consolidate a little bit if they got to the Championship and then kick on again but there is no reason why they can’t go all the way. Their fan base is massive and the stadium is there. It is all in place.
