MK Dons sold to Kuwait-based consortium

MK Dons were acquired by a Kuwait-based consortium, ending Pete Winkelman’s 21-year spell as owner.

Winkelman oversaw the club’s 2004 renaming and promotion to the Championship before an eventual return to League Two.

The consortium will be led by businessman and entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim, who confirmed that he would free the club from debt.

The Dons, who finished fourth in League Two last season, also won the Football League Trophy in 2008 and were also managed by bosses including Paul Ince, Roberto di Matteo, Karl Robinson and Russell Martin.

“What has become clear to me over the last few years is that whilst I am very proud of Stadium MK and the sustainable business we have created, it can only support the club’s development to a certain level,” said Winkelman.

“It is therefore time for me to step aside and place custody of the club and the wider business in new hands.”

Al Ghanim, whose family owns Kuwait SC, the Kuwait Premier League champions, said: “Our first focus will be to strengthen the senior squad to give the club the best chance of promotion this season.

“I fully believe the team is in a great position, I don’t want to detract from the fantastic work done over the summer, at least I want to add something to it.”

Manager Mike Williamson and his team begin their league campaign against Bradford City on Saturday, a game which marks the 20th anniversary of the club’s first match in the city under its new name.

From Wimbledon to Milton Keynes

It was on August 7, 2004 that the former Wimbledon FC first appeared at the National Hockey Stadium in Milton Keynes under its new name.

The club had controversially moved north 11 months earlier after receiving permission from the Football Association to do so, creating a permanent rift with some of its fans.

The new MK Dons, led by Stuart Murdoch, faced Barnsley in front of 4,720 spectators and rescued a point with Izale Macleod’s equalizer.

Just a few months earlier, the Winkelman-led InterMK consortium, which bought the club and took it out of administration, said: “We feel that the name Milton Keynes Dons FC will represent the past, present and future and place the club at the heart of its new community.”

A lot has changed in the 20 years since the 1-1 draw with Barnsley – but one thing that hasn’t is the presence in defense of Dean Lewington.

The 40-year-old will be looking to add to his tally of 816 appearances, which puts him fifth on the all-time list behind Peter Shilton, Tony Ford, Graham Alexander – who was Dons boss for a few months in 2023 – and Terry Paine.

In his message to supporters, Winkelman said: “MK Dons turns 20 this year and throughout this time we have been on a rollercoaster of ups and downs that we have all been through together.

“From winning the League Two and EFL Trophy double in 2008 and promotion to the Championship in 2015, to developing the most successful hospitality and events business in the region, we have managed to bring some unforgettable experiences to Stadium MK and Milton Keynes.

“Similarly, we have faced difficulties in navigating global events, such as the 2008 financial crisis and, more recently, the Covid pandemic, where we not only survived, but were able to host the first live sporting events in the country.”

He added: “Over the past year I have been able to spend some time with Fahad and he has convinced me that he brings passion, determination and ambition to see the club participate at the highest level and has the resources to help it do so. .”

‘An extremely sad day for Winkelman’

Analysis, Geoff Doyle editor of BBC Three Counties Radio

It’s the end of an era for the man most associated with MK Dons.

Pete Winkelman has owned the club since the original Wimbledon was moved to Milton Keynes in 2003 after receiving approval following an independent commission.

He moved the club from the National Hockey Stadium to a new 30,000-capacity stadium with an integrated hotel and indoor arena, but the football team failed to live up to the impressive surroundings.

Having recently dropped down to League Two after having played a season in the Championship, fans have always hoped for an extra investment to get to where they feel they should be in a Premier League quality stadium.

Winkelman has received many offers in the past, but has always stated that he would only sell to a bidder he trusted; “Introduce me to a friendly billionaire” was one of his famous quotes.

We are waiting to see what the new owners will bring, but this must be an extremely sad day for Winkelman, who loves the club and calls it his baby for being there since the beginning.