QPR gave Rotherham a hammering in the Championship
ROBBIE Neilson knew what he was letting himself in for when he signed on the dotted line at MK Dons, but he still admits to finding life difficult since joining the club.
With promotion straight back to the Championship the aim at the start of the campaign, Neilson now has to try to secure the Dons’ League One status.
They sat six points clear of the drop zone prior to yesterday’s huge clash with Coventry, and Neilson concedes it has been tough to change the negative mood at Stadium MK since his appointment in December.
“I knew what I was coming into,” said the former Hearts boss.
“I knew I was coming into a team that had come down and there was a negativity about the place.
“There wasn’t a huge turnaround in the players either.
“There was a feeling that it was going to be a difficult season and it has turned out to be that way.
“The key for us was to get some stability, which I think we did, and then build for summer.
“Things don’t change overnight. Our first result here was to win at home, and that was a long time coming – nine months.
“We’ve managed to pick up points at home. Our points ratio since we came in has been mid-to-top end of the table.”
Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at rivals AFC Wimbledon was a bitter blow and Neilson has asked fans to remain patient as he attempts to turn their fortunes around.
“Everyone wants to see winning football and football they enjoy. It has been a really difficult season, it was a difficult situation when we came in,” he added.
“It has been a disappointing season for everyone.
“You can see the negativity has filtered down after relegation last season.
“But the role has been to stabilise and build over the summer.”