MK Dons are surely the favourites for the League Two title in 2025/26, Paul Warne must recreate League One success

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The 2024/25 League Two campaign saw drama throughout, and eventually Doncaster Rovers took the title. But next season, MK Dons will be eyeing the main prize after a disappointing year.

Five different managers took charge of the Dons over the course of last season, including interim bosses Ben Gladwin and club legend Dean Lewington.

But now, Paul Warne is in charge at Stadium MK and with his pedigree, there are fresh hopes that this can be the year for the Buckinghamshire outfit to return to League One following relegation in 2023.

New signings will be plentiful at MK Dons this summer, and with the transfer window open, there is no doubt that they can be a force in League Two and the rest of the division will be put on notice.

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MK Dons are looking to recruit experienced names

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing left Derby County in May after three years in the East Midlands, and he made his way south to reunite with Warne at Milton Keynes. It was a move that will be of interest to many in the division due to the Guatemala international’s success with the 52-year-old in the past.

However, he is not the only former player that the ex-Rotherham United boss is looking to rekindle his relationship with, as MK Dons set out to secure David McGoldrick’s signature as he bids farewell to Notts County.

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that Warne wants age in his team, and he knows that if his team are to be successful this season, they need players who have tasted success in the past.

One of those is Richie Smallwood, with multiple clubs battling for the Bradford City defender as he prepares for his Bantams exit. Being strong at the back is crucial in League Two, and he will only improve that at MK Dons.

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Paul Warne has incredible promotion experience

While Warne was sacked by Championship outfit Derby in February, his record of getting clubs into the second tier from League One is excellent.

He has four promotions to his name already, with three of those coming at Rotherham, while he helped take the Rams to the Championship in 2024 as they finished as runners-up to Portsmouth.

MK Dons will benefit greatly from that record, and there is no doubt that they will be one of the favourites for the title, and facing AFC Wimbledon in League One after their promotion will be a great incentive.