Confidence and mood has shifted since Dons' early season blip
With just one league defeat since late September, the mood has changed at Stadium MK
Gethin Jones has felt a confidence shift in the MK Dons dressing room since his return last month.
After spending three months out following hamstring surgery, the Australian full-back made his comeback in the 2-2 draw with Tranmere Rovers in November, and made his first start back in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Oldham at Stadium MK.
Having remained unbeaten through November, and suffering only one loss in League Two since September 20, less than a month after his injury, Jones said the mood and feel in the Dons camp has raised as the results have improved.
“You can feel the confidence, we’re sharper and playing really well together,” he said. “It’s hard when there are a lot of new players in the squad to gel, but we’ve done that well now. We’re in a good place and hopefully it continues.
“Most teams have a little blip in the season, and we had one in September. Consistency is key, and that’s down to training, how we work in the gym and go out onto the pitch. That all helps us when it comes to game day. We’ve got a lot better in doing that, and our performances show we’ve gelled well as a team now.”
Jones’ absence brought about the signing of Kane Wilson from Derby County, but following his injury after just one outing for the club, Aaron Nemane has taken the role at right wing-back and run with it, becoming one of Dons’ top performers this season.
With fierce competition for places all over the pitch, not just on the flanks, Jones said his consistency and no-nonsense playing style are amongst his key attributes.
“I’ll never be a 10/10, but also I won’t be a 4/10 hopefully! I’m a steady seven or eight, no nonsense, I’ll do my job and give the ball to the better players who can go and win us the game! I’ll do my job wherever I’m needed.”