Team news and the views of Simon Bassey
Simon Bassey updated us with the latest team news from the training today, ahead of tomorrow’s match against Bristol Rovers.
Midfielder Sammy Moore is definitely out with the knee injury that he suffered at Fleetwood on Saturday. Sammy will have a scan on the injury in the next couple of days to assess the extent of the damage. Club captain Mat Mitchel-King returned to full training today after putting a back injury behind him, but he will not be ready for tomorrow night and Simon Bassey believes that the FA Cup tie at York City will be a realistic target for the centre-back.
Simon Bassey says he has enjoyed being a part of the new approach brought in by Neal Ardley and Neil Cox since their appointments two weeks ago.
“After being asked to stay on, it was quite an easy decision for me to make and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them,” Simon said. “They have brought in a lot of new ideas for training and it is a good learning curve for me also. We are heading in the right direction so hopefully we can get a win tomorrow night. Fleetwood are third in the table and anyone who saw the game would say that there was nothing between the two sides so we have to take the positives from that and start trying to climb the table.”
With a tough schedule of matches coming up during the next few weeks, Simon believes that the return of Mitchel-King will provide a boost for the Dons.
“It has been a difficult month for Mat, but if we can get some good training into him this week, then hopefully we can have him involved again,” added Simon. “We have a really busy schedule coming up with both York games and Exeter in between so hopefully he can be a part of that. Looking at the bench on Saturday there were some talented players and if we can get the rest of them fit, then we will be looking really strong.”
Bristol Rovers are three points ahead of Neal Ardley's men after beating Torquay United on Saturday and, of course, their visit will bring back memories of AFC Wimbledon's first Football League match in August, 2011.
That ended in a 3-2 home defeat for the Dons and Simon added that his side must turn around their home form quickly after failing to win at the Cherry Red Records Stadium since the opening day of the season.
“Mark McGhee done a great job at first last season by steadying the ship,” added Simon. “I am sure that he will be disappointed by the start they have made this season, but they come here off the back of a good win on Saturday. Our home form has not been as good as we would have liked and we have to try and change that against Bristol Rovers.”
The full video interview with Simon can be viewed on Dons Player.