As Newport County get set to lock horns with MK Dons on Saturday afternoon, we take a look back at players who have represented both clubs.
Scott Twine
One of the most exciting players to have come through both Newport County and MK Dons is Scott Twine, a player whose journey has been marked by explosive performances and spectacular goals.
Twine’s career began at Swindon Town, where he came through the youth ranks and made 50 appearances between 2016 and 2021. In September 2020, he joined Newport County on a season-long loan deal. During his time at Rodney Parade, Twine’s reputation grew rapidly, particularly for his long-range goals.
His stunning strike in a 2-1 defeat to Cambridge United in October 2020 was named EFL League Two Goal of the Month and became a highlight of his loan spell. Twine’s form in South Wales also earned him Newport County’s Young Player of the Season award after scoring 14 goals in 49 appearances across both clubs.
In the summer of 2021, Twine signed for Milton Keynes Dons, where he quickly became one of League One’s brightest talents. His debut season was nothing short of remarkable. On his debut against Bolton Wanderers, he scored a free-kick, and just two months later, he bagged a stunning hat-trick against Fleetwood Town.
Twine’s achievements didn’t stop there: he scored four goals on the final day of the 2021-22 season in a 5-0 win over Plymouth Argyle and was named MK Dons' Player of the Year. His 20 goals and 13 assists in his first full season earned him the prestigious EFL League One Player of the Season award and a place in the League One Team of the Season.
Twine's spell at MK Dons marked him as one of the division’s brightest stars, and his continued success further cemented his reputation in English football.
Cameron Norman
Another key player who represented both Newport County and MK Dons is versatile defender Cameron Norman.
Norman joined Newport County in June 2021, after impressing in a spell at Walsall. He made an immediate impact at Rodney Parade, starting in the season opener against Oldham Athletic.
His defensive solidity and leadership qualities made him a mainstay in the Newport lineup, and he was rewarded for his fine performances by being named Newport County’s Player of the Year in both the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons.
In the summer of 2023, after a successful two-year stint at Newport, Norman made the move to MK Dons, signing a free transfer deal following the club's relegation to League Two. He continued to perform at a high level, playing a key role in MK Dons’ defence during the 2023-24 campaign.
While Norman may not have achieved the same high-profile accolades as some of his contemporaries, his consistency and reliability at both clubs have made him a key player at League Two level.
Regan Poole
Regan Poole’s career path has seen him make a significant impact at both Newport County and MK Dons, though his journey took him through a number of notable stages before he reached these clubs.
Poole began his career in the Cardiff City academy before moving to Newport County as a teenager in 2014. At just 16 years old, he became the youngest-ever player to debut for Newport in a league match against Shrewsbury Town, breaking a record that had stood since 1969. His performances caught the attention of larger clubs, and by September 2015, Poole had made the move to Manchester United for a transfer fee that would rise to £400,000.
After struggling to break into the first team at Old Trafford, Poole returned to Newport County on loan in January 2019, where he played an instrumental role in their run to the League Two play-off final, narrowly missing out on promotion in a heartbreaking defeat to Tranmere Rovers.
In the summer of 2019, Poole joined Milton Keynes Dons, where he established himself as a regular in their midfield. He scored his first professional goal for the club in a 3-1 EFL Trophy victory over Northampton Town and later netted his first league goal for MK Dons in a 4-1 win over Swindon Town.
Poole’s time at MK Dons was marked by his strong work rate and versatility in the middle of the park, though he left the club in 2021 after making over 50 appearances.
Alex Gilbey
Another player who will be familiar to both Newport County and MK Dons fans is Alex Gilbey. The midfielder’s journey through the Football League has been shaped by successful spells at both clubs.
Gilbey’s time at Newport County began on loan from Colchester United in March 2013, joining the club during a critical period in their promotion bid. Despite limited involvement early on, Gilbey played a key role in Newport’s march to the Conference Premier play-off final.
His assist for Christian Jolley’s goal in the semi-final second leg was vital in helping Newport reach Wembley, where they secured a 2-0 victory over Wrexham to earn promotion to the Football League for the first time in 25 years.
After returning to Colchester, Gilbey later moved to MK Dons, where he became a regular in the midfield. He played a crucial role in MK Dons' rise through the leagues, earning a reputation for his tireless work rate, technical ability, and leadership.
Gilbey’s performances at MK Dons helped establish him as a fan favourite, and he continues to be a key figure in their midfield. The 30-year-old is now in his second spell at MK Dons after successful stints at Wigan, Charlton, and Stevenage.
