Midfielder keen to kick-on during new campaign
Tom Beere says he is determined to stake his claim for regular first-team football in 2015/16 after an encouraging breakthrough season.
The midfielder made 20 appearances last season, including seven starts, but he is eager to maintain his progression after emerging through the club’s academy.
Speaking during an interview with Rob Cornell for Dons Player, Tom said: “Last season I was surprised to get as many games in the first-team as I did. I thought I might play once or twice, but I ended up making 20 appearances. For me that was a big step-up in my career. I am hoping that next season I can maybe play 30-40 games and really kick-on.
“In the off season we get a bit time to go on holiday and relax, but after a while you just want to be back playing football again. You want to go and play football with your mates, but you cannot do that. I had to go to the gym and keep myself fit. You are just waiting for the start of pre-season.”
Tom was included in a League 2 squad for the first time back in March, 2013, at Accrington Stanley, and he added that it was good to link-up again with Jon Meades, who rejoined the Dons last week.
“I sat by Jon after being promoted to the first-team changing room and he is a nice lad,” said Tom. “He is fitting in well and Jon looks very good in training because he is comfortable on the ball. The first day back is hard, but we did not do too much because we don’t want an injury on the first day.
“Everyone seems to be happy in the group and the players look in good shape. Hopefully, it stays that way for the season ahead. Our pre-season matches against higher clubs lead up to the first game of the season. We will not be at peak physical fitness by the first game because it is a long season ahead. We have a long pre-season to get us ready for that.”
The interview with Tom and an in-depth update from Sports Scientist Jason Moriarty featured on Dons Player yesterday.