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'End of an era': Fans react as owner sells MK Dons

Louise Parry
BBC News, Buckinghamshire
Sam Read
BBC News, Buckinghamshire
Reporting fromMilton Keynes
PA Stadium MK with MK Dons written in the seatingPA
MK Dons have been based in Milton Keynes since Wimbledon football club was moved out of London in 2003

Fans of MK Dons have reacted positively to the latest twist in the football club’s history, after its long-standing owner Pete Winkelman sold it to foreign investors.

Standing in front of Stadium MK, ers told the BBC it was "fantastic news" and "the right time", while praising Mr Winkelman for his achievements.

The League Two club began life in south London as Wimbledon, but relocated to Milton Keynes in 2003, much to the anger of many fans.

A consortium led by Mr Winkelman led the move after it was approved by an independent commission.

After first playing their matches at the National Hockey Stadium, Mr Winkelman built his team a 30,000 capacity stadium complete with hotel and indoor arena.

Geoff Doyle Pete Winkelman in the MK Dons stadiumGeoff Doyle
Pete Winkelman its he is "heartbroken" to let the club go

Mr Winkelman said he was "heartbroken" to let the club go, but "excited" to see what the new owners – a Kuwait-based consortium led by businessman and entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim – will do with the Dons.

"These are powerful people with global interests. Football is a global and expensive business.

"I didn’t build this stadium to own a football club in the lower leagues. I'd rather not own the club, and see MK Dons in the Premier League," he said.

'We should be moving forward'

Sam Read/BBC Man with orange and white t shirt outside Stadium MKSam Read/BBC
Luca Quarta says he hopes new investment will help the MK Dons to get promoted to at least League One

Luca Quarta, 30, is a MK Dons fan and runs a YouTube football channel.

He was "really surprised" the announcement had been made with the football season about to begin.

However, he said it was "really fantastic news".

"Pete Winkelman has been our owner since this club became the MK Dons. He’s done lots of good things, he's been loyal to the club, and been very nice to the fans.

"But for me it was time for him to go. Fans were getting frustrated, questioning if he was putting enough in."

Mr Quarta added: "For a stadium like this, it’s about time we should be moving forward as a football club. We should at least be competing in League One. We were a Championship team.

"I believe in this club, but I believe we can get back to where we want to be."

‘The right time for change'

Sam Read/BBC Woman with hair in ponytail outside Stadium MKSam Read/BBC
Jasmine Le Grand says the change of ownership has come "at the right time" for MK Dons

Jasmine Le Grand has been going to watch the MK Dons with her dad since the age of seven.

She said changing ownership has come "at the right time, after 20 years".

"I think Pete did a really good job, but you need a different person in control."

She said Mr Winkelman's legacy went beyond the club.

"There's the Bowl as well, with big concerts and little events like family fun days."

"It's a new era. Hopefully it means good things for the Dons and promotion coming our way":[]}