MK Dons v Fleetwood Town: Simon Wiles confident of better results

Town’s interim boss takes his side to MK Dons in League One this evening (7pm) following narrow defeats at Hull City in the Papa John’s Trophy and at home to Portsmouth on Saturday.

That 1-0 reverse to Pompey was Town’s first league game since Boxing Day and left Wiles’ side 11th in the table, four points and five places above tonight’s hosts, who lost 3-0 at Peterborough United on Saturday.

Asked if he was optimistic results would improve, Wiles said: “If we play like we have in the last two games I think it’s inevitable that will happen.

“We have just got to keep working on the training ground on the way we want to play and get players to be creative in the final third, while making sure we have the structure at the back to minimise their (opponents’) opportunities.

“I’m really, really confident with the way we are playing. It is positive, we are creating opportunities and if we continue to play like that we’ll certainly pick up points.”

Wiles’ selections continue to be affected by injuries and Covid isolations. For Saturday’s return to league action he made only two changes to the starting 11 from the Trophy tie.

Those included a debut for the previous day’s loan signing, Kyle Vassell, as Wes Burns missed out, having limped off at Hull.

On the prospect of having more players available in Milton Keynes, Wiles said: “Hopefully, but you must remember that when players do return they have been off for 10 days and not had the intensity, so it’s down to the staff and the different departments to make sure players are fit and ready. We’ll just have to see where they are up to.

“The missing players will hopefully start feeding back into the squad this week at some stage.

“We are glad we had some back at the weekend, but it’s just one of those things we have to keep monitoring.

“We’ll keep dripping the players back into the squad when they are feeling better and have done their isolating period.

“So, hopefully, next weekend we have more players available to fight for places in the team. It’s just one of those things.”

Wiles has taken the reins with the public backing of chairman Andy Pilley and the assurance he will be given time to press his claim to be appointed on a permanent basis.

So far, the 35-year-old says everything has gone well bar the results.

Former Blackpool player Wiles said of his new role: “I’m loving it. It’s different but really exciting, and me and (assistant) Steve Macauley have really enjoyed working with the players.

“They are a good group as we’ve seen in the first two games we’ve had.

“We’ve played some really good football and made some really good opportunities.

“Again, it doesn’t matter how well you’ve played – it’s about getting the points on the board.

“This was the first league game in charge and we haven’t got anything, so it’s vital we pick up something on the road in the next two games.”

Tonight’s visit to Stadium MK is followed by a shorter one to Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

Town have also announced a first professional contract for Cian Hayes, running until the end of the 2022/23 season.

The 17-year-old made his first-team debut against Oldham Athletic last season and featured in October’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the Papa John’s Trophy.

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