Club News
2025-26 Season Review
A recap of the 2025-26 season for the First Team, Reservers and U18 sides.
First Team Season Review 2025/26
The 2025/26 season marked another landmark chapter in MK Irish’s history as the club stepped into the Southern League Division One Central for the very first time. After last season’s title-winning promotion campaign, survival was always going to be the immediate objective, but with a squad that had earned the opportunity to compete at Step 4, there was quiet confidence that the challenge could be embraced. It proved to be a difficult start, with the side taking time to adjust to the pace and quality of the division, but there were already signs that the performances were improving even before the results began to follow.
As the autumn turned into winter, Irish started to find their feet. The squad grew in confidence with every game and began collecting important victories. Comfortable victories over AFC Dunstable and Rayners Lane soon followed, while the team also put together an excellent five-match winning run that saw them climb steadily away from the bottom end of the table.
There were frustrating afternoons along the way, with heavy defeats reminding everyone of the standards required at Step 4, but every setback seemed to be answered with another positive performance. The squad continued to improve throughout the campaign, showing resilience, organisation and an attacking threat that made them a match for anyone on their day. The strike partnership of JJ Meadows, Owen Brooks and George Shrieves regularly caused problems, while experienced figures such as Mason Spence, Ryan Smith, Rev Kalek and Clinton Zawe provided the platform for the team to build upon.
The closing weeks of the season perhaps best demonstrated just how far the side had progressed. Wins over Enfield, promotion chasing Biggleswade Town and a convincing 4-1 success at London Lions showed the quality that had developed over the course of the campaign. Although a late push for a top-half finish ultimately fell just short, the team comfortably secured their Step 4 status and ended the season looking every bit at home in the division.
For a club competing at this level for the first time, the season can only be viewed as a success. Irish adapted quickly after a difficult opening spell, grew stronger with every month and laid solid foundations for the future. With another year’s experience behind them, there is every reason to believe the club can continue progressing in the Southern League.
Reserves Season Review 2025/26
The Reserves enjoyed another encouraging campaign as they continued to play a vital role within the club’s pathway. Competing in Spartan South Midlands League Division Two, the side once again balanced competitiveness with player development, providing valuable senior experience for a number of younger players while supporting the first-team squad throughout the season.
There were plenty of positive performances across the campaign, with the team producing some impressive football and remaining competitive throughout. Several players earned opportunities with the first team during the season, highlighting the strength of the pathway within the club and the important role the Reserves continue to play in developing players ready for senior football.
While results are always important, the biggest success was the continued progression of individuals and the depth created across the club. Another season of valuable experience leaves the squad well placed to continue building in the years ahead.
Under 18s Season Review 2025/26
The 2025/26 campaign will be remembered as a superb first season for MK Irish Under 18s. Under the guidance of the management team, the squad developed into one of the strongest sides in the area, combining excellent performances with an outstanding team spirit that was matched by fantastic support from parents throughout the season.
Success arrived on more than one front. The young Irish lifted the County Cup and finished the league campaign joint top of the Corinthian League after an impressive run of results that showcased both their quality and consistency. Week after week the players continued to develop individually and collectively, producing performances that reflected the club’s commitment to giving young players the best possible environment to improve.
Winning silverware and finishing joint first made it a season to remember, but perhaps the greatest achievement was the togetherness shown throughout the year. From the players and coaching staff to the families supporting them every step of the way, the Under 18s laid down an excellent foundation for the future and produced a campaign everyone connected with the club can be proud of.