The latest team news from Simon ahead of Peterborough
George Francomb and Tom Beere are both back in contention for a return to the AFC Wimbledon squad at Peterborough United on Saturday.
First-team coach Simon Bassey today confirmed that Francomb has put a tough month behind him, which included a nasty facial injury and a hamstring strain. Tom Beere also joined in full training this week after shaking off a knee injury.
However, Wimbledon will have to do without centre-back Paul Robinson, who is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Bury on Tuesday night.
Speaking during an in-depth update for Dons Player, Simon said: “It was a difficult game the other night in tough conditions and we took a few bumps and bruises along the way, but everyone has hopefully come through it fine. We also welcome a couple of other players back. George has been back in training all week and Tom is available as well. They will come into our thinking for the squad on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a busy month, but we have a good squad. We have pretty much everyone fit now, apart from Sean Kelly. Under-21s including Alfie Egan and Seth Owens have come into the squad after doing really well. For them to keep pushing is brilliant. The boys outside the 11 at the moment are trying hard to get in and the lads in the team are working their socks off to stay in it. We know we’ve got competition for places from the Under-21s upwards.”
Wimbledon will be aiming for a third successive away win at a venue where the Dons last suffered a defeat on the road – a 3-2 defeat in the EFL Cup on 9 August.
Having been Wimbledon through and through all his life, the club’s away form in League 1 is a big source of pride to Simon, but he is wary that things can change quickly at this higher level.
“It’s great to be a part of it,” added Simon. “Some of the places we used to go to, but we are not going to these venues as tourists saying that we are just happy to be there. We are going to these places and winning. It’s great for us and on a personal note, but I try and take that out of it. We are just all working for the common goal, which is for the club to keep progressing. We are doing that well at the moment. It’s something we’ve all worked towards and to get the rewards for all the hard work is nice.
“We’ve had a great run away from home and long may that continue. This league is tough though and there will be some defeats around the corner, we know that. We will have to shake ourselves down and go again.”
Visit Dons Player to watch Simon Bassey’s eight-minute interview, which includes an insight from our coach on how the scrapping of the emergency transfer window has influenced transfer plans. An interview with Lyle Taylor is also on our premium channel.