Vice-captain urges players to put on a show
Barry Fuller says he’s determined to play his part in a performance against the League 2 leaders that will make Dons fans proud after a barren home run this year.
Wimbledon’s vice-captain spoke passionately about lifting the crowd against Burton Albion tonight and recapturing the spirit that earned four successive home wins at the start of last season.
Speaking to Dons Player, Fuller (pictured above) said: “We should have the right mentality going into every match that we play against any opposition, but when you are taking on the league leaders – even if it’s just after a few games – there is a bit more fire in the belly. We also have something to prove at the moment and we need to put our home form right.
“We will have to be on our game and roll our sleeves up because it’s going to be difficult. Our fans have been brilliant and we have to give them something to shout about. The 11 players selected are the only ones who can change our home form. Last year I played almost every game and the manager looks after us by giving us time to recover between matches. I relish every game that I play here. If I’m selected to play then I will be raring to go.
“When I first joined the club last year we had four straight home wins and made it difficult for teams coming here, but this year it’s been hard for us to get results at home. We cannot afford to dwell on it too much. Burton have started the season very well and have kept four clean sheets out of seven games. It’s going to be tough, but last season we put in a very good performance against them and managed to get a win.”
The 29-year-old, who was AFC Wimbledon’s Player of the Year in 2013/14, was very impressed by fellow full-back Ben Harrison’s debut performance at Accrington Stanley – and he even praised the 17-year-old’s song choice for his first-team squad initiation!
“I think that Ben did brilliantly on Saturday,” added Fuller. “He showed his maturity and his ability to cope. The manager chose to select him and Ben did very well. He will just get better and better. There are a lot of experienced players in the team, especially in defence, and they will help him in his career so that he can play as many games as possible for Wimbledon.
“It’s always good for young lads to sing an initiation song when they first travel with the first-team. It’s good banter and helps them mingle with the group. Ben chose ‘Wonderwall’, which certainly helped because it got everyone involved. I can’t even remember what Joe (McDonnell) chose!”
.Team News If you missed Simon Bassey’s update for Burton, click on
The full video interview with Barry Fuller appeared on Dons Player yesterday.