Dons' pre-season friendlies likely to be against EFL sides

MK Dons are expected to take on fellow EFL clubs rather than non-league sides to warm-up for the 2020/21 season to ensure they remain safe from COVID-19.

With professional clubs having to go through stringient testing regiments in order to ensure the safety of their players and staff, Dons Executive Director Andrew Cullen said he expects to prepare for the new season against sides who have gone through similar checks.

This means usual fixtures against local sides, including Newport Pagnell Town, are not expected to go ahead.

"We need to look at each individual club," said Mr Cullen. "It is highly likely that pre-season friendlies will be played amongst EFL clubs but I wouldn't rule anything out. We don't know where this virus will go, so we will have to see how non-league clubs adapt.

"We have to create a safe environment for our players and if there is a risk, it will be a different approach. We will have to see what happens in July and August."