Alex Gilbey says his move to Milton Keynes Dons in 2017 was the best decision of his football career. The club captain made the declaration after marking his 250th appearance for the side in last week's goalless draw at AFC Wimbledon.

Gilbey was driving home to Essex on transfer deadline day that year when he got the call that Wigan Athletic had accepted an offer from MK Dons. He turned his car around and headed for Stadium MK, where he underwent a rapid medical and signed. Chairman Pete Winkelman was there to greet him. "He was a big bundle of energy and gave me the best welcome I've ever had at a club," Gilbey recalled, praising the chairman's role in building the club's foundations.

"It was my best football decision," Gilbey said. He believes the transfer made him the player and man he is today, culminating in him taking the captain's armband following Dean Lewington's retirement in 2025. Gilbey credits the long-serving former skipper as the best person he has worked with for running a dressing room. "He gets the best out of people without screaming and shouting," Gilbey noted, saying Lewington's approach of speaking to people on a level had a major impact.

Now in his second spell at the club after three years at Charlton Athletic, Gilbey's milestone last week places him fifth on the club's all-time appearance list. He sits behind Darren Potter (263), Daniel Powell (271), David Martin (341), and the record-holder Lewington (917). Potter is now back at the club as a coach.

Gilbey's pride in leading the team is clear. "It’s an unbelievable honour to captain the club and after last year, to lead the club through a successful season is the proudest moment of my career," he said. The current campaign presents a new challenge, with MK Dons 22nd in League One on six points after seven games. Their recent form shows four draws and one loss from the last five, including that 0-0 result at Plough Lane which was Gilbey's landmark game. The full run of recent results is available on our fixtures page.

The team now prepares for a home match against 19th-placed Bromley this Saturday, looking to build on a solid defensive display and convert draws into wins. The current league standings show the Dons are nine points behind early leaders Bradford City.

More detail at miltonkeynes.co.uk