Terell Thomas believes that Glyn Hodges has assembled a stronger squad for the new season and he’s determined to help Wimbledon push forward in 2020/21.
The 24-year-old centre-back has made 65 appearances for Wimbledon since joining from Wigan in 2018. Though he has become a favourite with our supporters for his consistent displays at the back, Terell is eager to avoid another season of struggle in League One.
When asked about his ambitions for the new season, Terell said: “From a team perspective, I would like us to be higher up the table because I think we have a stronger squad this season, even though the average age is maybe a little younger. I think overall we are in a stronger place. The players are all on the same wavelength with the way we want to play, which is really good, and we really need to be pushing for that top half of the table.
“It hasn’t felt like we’ve had new faces. It’s a good group and new players that come in are welcomed in. They’ve felt at home really quickly. It has been good.”
On-loan Birmingham City goalkeeper Connal Trueman is one of seven new players added to Wimbledon’s squad and Terell believes he will be a real asset for the new season.
“It’s been really good because he’s a talker as well," Terell added. "At the back, you can always hear him in training and during games. He is very vocal, which helps the cohesion between the back-line and him. If he keeps that up, I’m sure we will have no problems. It’s been quite an easy transition with someone new between the sticks.”
The Dons are back in match action again tonight with an EFL Trophy group game versus Terell's old club Charlton Athletic at QPR's Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Following six months without a league game, Terell is excited about the prospect of playing again, though he was quick to spare a thought for supporters at a time when they are not permitted to attend games.
“More than usual (I’m looking forward to it) because we’ve had such a long break since we had a league game. That feeling of waking up on a Saturday morning and knowing we have a game will be back. It’s not exactly the same because we have no fans at the moment, but hopefully we will get back to that and the fans will be there getting behind us, as they always do.
“Wimbledon has that family feeling that everyone is one. I like the fact that after the game you can go and speak to the fans in the bar. That’s something the club still has from when it was a non league club. That’s what I enjoyed about being at non league clubs, that feeling of everyone being as one and together.”
Click on the link below to watch the full interview with Terell.
If you missed Glyn's interview ahead of tonight's game, click on the link below.
Tonight's match (5.30 pm kick-off) will be streamed live on iFollow. For more information, see our previous article.