Assistant manager calls for home response
Neil Cox has called on Wimbledon’s players to repeat the impressive home form that has brushed aside several top League 2 sides when Southend United visit tomorrow night.
The Dons have so far beaten four of the top seven sides on home turf, but they will need to recapture that form after Saturday’s defeat at bottom club Hartlepool.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Neil Cox said: “Our home form has been very good lately. We have been playing well and creating plenty of chances, but that’s what we will need to do again. There is not a lot we can do now about the game on Saturday. We were obviously very disappointed about it, but now we have to move on. The boys have come in this morning and worked really hard.
“The fans have been behind us at home all season and they have been really good to us. We have a big game coming up against Southend. They are in the top-six and are doing well so we know it’s going to be a tough game. We have had a look at Southend’s matches recently and they have been chopping and changing a lot. We don’t know what team they will put out, but I’m sure they will be trying to get a win and not just coming for a draw.
“With just 13 games left everyone needs to start winning games. They may play a diamond formation or a 4-4-2, but we will just have to adapt. Our players are raring to go; they are looking forward to another home game and hopefully getting three points.”
Neil Cox reported that George Francomb and Jake Goodman both returned to full training today. Francomb has shaken off a hamstring injury and Goodman has stepped up his recuperation after a broken toe. However, tomorrow will come too soon for both players.
“George has trained this morning for the first time, but he will need three or four days of hard work to see how his hamstring is,” added Neil. “He looked sharp this morning, but he will not be available tomorrow night. Jake has also joined in with the rest of the group for the first time, but he has been out for a long time and will need a good seven to ten days of training before he can be back in contention. We have a bigger squad now and it is only going to get better with these players getting fitter.”
Dons Player subscribers can watch the full video update from Neil Cox, along with an interview with Dannie Bulman.