MK Dons has a big squad and plenty made their mark on the season in one way or another

Everybody played a part in helping MK Dons to promotion this season, and defender Jack Sanders has paid tribute to those who only made a handful of appearances.

There have been 25 players to pull on a shirt for the club this season, with players like Connal Trueman, Laurence Maguire and Kane Wilson all on the periphery of things this season - all three making less than ten appearances in League Two.

Sanders, who has been one of the regular performers for Paul Warne’s side this term and was included in the League Two Team of the Season at the EFL Awards, said no matter how big or small a role, everyone who played made a mark on helping the side to secure League One football for next season.

“Every player has played a part,” he said. “Maybe there are some that haven’t played as much as they would have liked, people like Connal Trueman, Jonathan Leko, but what they can bring to the dressing room is amazing.

“They’re desperate for us to win week-in, week-out, they’re such good team-mates. That is so important with a dressing room like that.”

Sanders missed the game against Grimsby Town earlier this season when he rushed to be at the birth of his daughter, and she was in attendance on Saturday, carried out by her dad for the final home game of the season at Stadium MK against Tranmere Rovers.

The 3-0 win meant Dons secured automatic promotion and put themselves within a win of lifting the League Two title on Saturday against Fleetwood Town, allowing the players to celebrate on the field afterwards with their families.

“The sacrifices you have to make as a footballer, it’s all worth it for moments like this,” Sanders added. “We’ve got amazing fans, team-mates, family, it’s a great day all-round.

“Before the game, there were a few nerves because we knew what the outcome could mean but we took it in our stride. We were so confident, and you could see that out there with a good, dominant performance and we’re delighted to get it over the line.

“The two goals settled the nerves, and by the end we were oozing confidence.”

He continued: “At the start, we wanted the title and it’s in our hands now. We know exactly what we’ve got to do at Fleetwood and we’re excited for it. On our day, we’re tough to stop, so fingers crossed we get it over the line.”