MK Dons have confirmed the signing of defender Curtis Nelson, who joins the League 2 side from Championship outfit Derby County.

The 32-year-old has become the Dons’ third new arrival of the January 2026 transfer window, following the previously announced arrivals of Ben Wiles and Jay Matete. Wilson moves on an undisclosed fee and has signed a contract of undisclosed length at Stadium MK.

The move sees Nelson reunite with his former Derby boss Paul Warne, having signed for the Rams from Blackpool in 2023 when Warne was in charge at Pride Park.

In all, the defender made 83 appearances for the Rams, scoring 4 times in all competitions.

During his career, Nelson has also represented Plymouth, Oxford, Cardiff and Blackpool, making close to 600 competitive appearances in his career.

Nelson told the club’s official website that he was looking forward to helping the club achieve its goals.

He said, “We’re in a good position now to go and push on, and this second half of the season is going to be key for us. It’ll be a busy period this January. So, we’ve just got to make sure that we keep building on the momentum that has already been built and get the job done. There’s obviously an aim in sight, and that’s not going to change.”

MK Dons’ Head Coach Paul Warne added, “I’m really pleased! Obviously, I’ve worked with him before, which makes it less of a risk.

“He brings a lot of quality; he’s a threat in the air in both boxes, which will really help us.

“He’s a really good organiser, he trained today, and the lads certainly heard him pulling them around, which is great.

“As a coach, you want leaders in your team, particularly if you’re going to be successful!

“He’s a really good player and person, and he’s been welcomed warmly into the dressing room.”

Milton Keynes Theatre has announced a production of Sleeping Beauty as its next Christmas pantomime.

The 2026/27 edition of the traditional holiday show will see audiences treated to performances of the fairytale Sleeping Beauty, the panto that promises to make dreams come true. Tickets are on sale now for this production, which MK Theatre confirmed will be running from Saturday December 5th 2026 to Sunday January 10th 2027.

Sleeping Beauty is staged by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, led by Michael Harrison and the team behind recent Milton Keynes Theatre Christmas successes, including last season’s production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Casting for Sleeping Beauty will be announced later in 2026.

Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director at Milton Keynes Theatre, said, “As another fantastic pantomime season comes to an end, the team here at Milton Keynes Theatre are already looking forward to this year’s production of Sleeping Beauty….oh yes we are! The feedback for Goldilocks and The Three Bears was spectacular, and audiences can look forward to more fun, excitement and pantomime magic in Sleeping Beauty. We look forward to seeing you all there!”

A plot synopsis reads, “Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom, Princess Aurora receives a birthday present from her wicked aunt Carabosse. A single prick of an enchanted spinning wheel places her under a cruel curse and sends her into a century of slumber!

“Will true love endure? Will the Prince break the spell? Come and find out in this panto featuring stunning sets and costumes, fantastic special effects and laugh-out-loud comedy!”

MK Theatre have said they are looking to put on a performance for everybody this festive season. Versions include a signed performance on Tuesday 29 December at 7pm, an audio-described performance on Saturday 19 December at 2.30pm, a captioned performance on Wednesday 6 January at 7pm and a relaxed performance on Wednesday 6 January at 1pm. The relaxed performance will welcome everyone who would like to see the panto in a less formal atmosphere.

People looking to get their tickets booked early can do so and secure their seats today by visiting ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

Leading figures at Milton Keynes City Council are set to agree proposals to funding vital new flood defence schemes across the city.

The proposals include major schemes for estates such as Beanhill and Netherfield and the village of Lavendon.

A meeting is planned for 20th January where a Council Cabinet member is set to formally agree proposals which will see the City Council match funding from the Environment Agency secured by Milton Keynes MPs.

The council and Environment Agency funding will enable new schemes to protect homes and businesses in Lavendon and city residential estates from the increasing levels of flood risk linked to extreme weather caused by climate change.

MK’s Labour Party, which has a majority on the City Council, has said that the decision will enable the City Council to deliver projects that will move 30 homes in Lavendon and 108 households in Woughton to being better protected against extreme wet weather and will see a total investment of over £3m, subject to final approval of the council’s 2026/27 capital budget.

In Lavendon, the funding will unlock technical works to manage water run-off, while in the Woughton Community Council area the focus will be on modernising drainage systems to prevent local overflows.

Councillor Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Labour Cabinet Member for Public Realm, said, “It is great news that by having a clear plan to deal with flooding issues and by working properly with our partners we have been able to secure funding that can further our current work in flood prevention in both Lavendon and Woughton. By match funding this financial support, we will be able to ensure residents and local businesses are further protected by extreme wet weather.”

Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, said, “I am pleased that by working with Milton Keynes City Council I have been able to ensure additional Environment Agency funding that will deliver flood schemes that protect homes in Lavendon, particularly into the future as the impact of climate change makes weather events more frequent. I will specifically be writing the councillors for Lavendon and asking that they support these proposals when the council approves the capital budget for next year.”

Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central, added, “Securing this funding from the Environment Agency has taken a long time, but thanks to the hard work of residents and local councillors, homes will now be better protected from flooding, giving families peace of mind and safeguarding the community from future cases of extreme wet weather.”

Luton are out of the EFL Trophy as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Swindon Town at Kenilworth Road.

An early penalty scored by Jerry Yates had put Jack Wilshere’s side ahead, only for the League 2 side to turn things around through goals by Will Wright and Filozofe Mabete, which saw the Robins take the place in the last 8.

The Hatters’ defeat means they are now out of the 3 cup competitions for the season, with the result ending their hopes of adding to the EFL Trophy they had won in the 2008-09 campaign.

Luton had taken the lead in seventh minute, as a foul by Joe Snowdon on Emilio Lawrence was penalised, and Yates scored the spot-kick.

The hosts missed multiple opportunities before Swindon scored a 37th minute equaliser when Wright’s cross deceived Luton keeper James Shea and ended up in the back of the net.

Mabete then put Swindon ahead in the 53rd minute when he turned home after Shea could only parry an initial ball into the box.

There would be no way through for the Hatters in their quest to grab an equaliser, as they slid to defeat.

However, there was a noteworthy issue along the way regarding Swindon’s Aaron Drinan, who was brought on as a half-time sub by the Robins but who had not been named on the official teamsheet. This lead to a lengthy stoppage while the officials clarified the situation before choosing to carry on, with a question over whether this will get investigated by the FA.