So what happens if it doesn’t work out?

Our post-Christmas run has been thrilling. The Dons’ charge toward a play-off spot has injected life into a campaign that was sputtering out and made the fans proud.

Being within touching distance of League One has been positively electric.

And then somehow we went winless in five.

We’re still firmly in contention, but the wind is no longer in our sails.

The Dons are going to have to dig deep to pull out of the current funk and get back between those two magic lines in the table.

But we probably should talk about what happens if we fall short.

Does it make the season a waste? I’m inclined to say no.

Your mileage may vary, obviously, but I think being in contention has done a world of good for the club even if nothing comes of it.

I guess I’m still haunted by our first few seasons in the Football League.

Fighting tooth and nail to stay up. Nearly losing that fight three years ago.

The past few seasons have been about gradual change. Barely escaping the drop one season.

Threatened by it, but just about staying up the next.

Solidly mid-table after that.

Play-off contenders the next.

I’m OK with inching our way to the top of the mountain as long as the direction remains upward.

And again, YMMV, but I’d rather just lose out on the play-offs than just barely escape relegation.

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Disappointment is one thing. Existential terror? No thanks.

If we come up short this season, I trust in this team to learn from its mistakes and readjust for 16/17.

It’s not over yet and we’re still in a good position to make a late push. But if it doesn’t come together, we’ve got plenty to build on for the next go.