The 2019-20 campaign was a turbulent but ultimately successful fight for survival for the MK Dons in their first season back in League One, which was prematurely ended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their final, hard-fought 19th-place finish was determined by a points-per-game system, securing their professional status for another year. The season was defined by a mid-season managerial change that saw club legend Russell Martin take the helm. Leading the charge on the pitch was the electrifying forward Rhys Healey, whose 11 crucial league goals (12 in all competitions) proved vital. It was a year that saw moments of brilliance, including a historic run to the EFL Cup Third Round that brought a club-record attendance of 28,521 against eventual champions Liverpool, a memorable high point in a difficult but defining chapter.