Dons face Premier League opposition on Wednesday night
Neal Ardley is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against “one of the best British managers around” tomorrow evening and he reckons a friendly against Crystal Palace will offer good preparation for his players.
Alan Pardew will bring a talented squad to the Cherry Red Records Stadium tomorrow night (7.00 pm kick-off) to provide the opposition for AFC Wimbledon’s final home game of pre-season.
Speaking during an interview with Rob Cornell for Dons Player, Neal said: “This was a game we were keen to fit into the schedule somewhere along the line. It’s a South London derby against our old rivals. For me as a manager along with our staff, it will be great to pit our wits against Alan Pardew, Keith Millen and the others. It will be a really good test and we are looking forward to it.
“Alan is probably one of the best British managers around. He has done a great job wherever he has been and everyone I’ve spoken to who has played for Alan speaks highly of him. He is an excellent motivator and he is a good guy. We are really excited to have a game against them.”
Neal believes that taking on top-flight opposition will be good preparation for competing at a higher level in English Football League One next season.
“We want to get that mentality of never giving up, no matter how the game is going,” added Neal. “We see our jobs through and we try to find quality moments like we did on Saturday. We spent 60 or 70 per cent of the game without the ball, but we did it well and kept our shape. We expect that we will not have as much of the ball as Palace tomorrow night.
“We will have to do a lot of work without the ball, but we are going up a level to League One next season. There may be games when we do not see the ball as much as we would like, but it was proven at the Euros that teams playing without as much of the ball can win games. We want to be attacking and going forward, but we also have to be very good without the ball so that will be a key element tomorrow night.”
Prices for tomorrow’s match against Palace (7.00 pm kick-off) are as follows:
Seats – Adults £20, Concessions £15, Under-18s £8.
Terraces – Adults £15, Concessions £10, Under-18s £4.
All seats will be unreserved. The RyGas terrace will not be open unless there is a demand for it having sold out in other areas.
Visiting fans will be accommodated in the John Green Stand.
or pay on the night at the turnstiles. ticket shop Supporters can order in advance from our online
for more details. Hospitality An Italian-themed hospitality package is available tomorrow night. Click on
. Dons PlayerA full update from Neal Ardley ahead of Palace and an interview with Jon Meades are now on