Centre-back on captaincy, character and vital goal
Paul Robinson took on the captain’s arm band last night and led the Dons to a point with an injury time equalizer against Coventry City.
The former Millwall centre-back paid tribute to Dons’ skipper Barry Fuller, ruled out for a minimum six weeks with a pectoral muscle injury, when he spoke to Dons Player afterwards.
“We are all disappointed and gutted for Baz (Fuller) more than anything,” said Robinson. “He's an important character in the group and he's led us really well. We're all hurting for Baz and we will miss him, but now it's up to the rest of us to take things forward over the next six weeks and make sure we build the momentum. If Baz is back before the end of the season he can join that and if not we can be in a healthy position next year.”
Robinson also had words of encouragement for two players back in the Dons’ side after spells away from the club on loan.
“It's an opportunity for David Fitzpatrick and George Oakley to get back in there,” added Robinson. “We've got a few players out and it's a healthy squad when everyone is back fit and now is the opportunity for those lads. They've been out playing games on loan and now it's a chance for them to stake a claim and show the manager that they are ready and want to be a part of his plans.”
“It was a vital goal as it kept us unbeaten at home,” said Robinson, reflecting on the draw. “Obviously a draw against Coventry wasn't quite something we were looking for, but it was important we got something out of the game and kept going to the very end as we did at the weekend. It keeps us unbeaten at home for a seventh time in the league and that's another thing we've got to take that momentum with us on the away trips now.
“I think it’s important, where we're struggling for a level of performance we would like and we're used to, that our character comes through and we keep picking up points along the way. You're not going to play well every week and it's important you try and get something from the game and that's what we've done and it's a good quality to have. We take this point and go on the road to Shrewsbury and hopefully turn it into a very good point.”
The full interview with Paul Robinson is available to Dons Player subscribers by clicking on the link above. There are also extended highlights for subscribers of over ten minutes of last night’s action.