The boss says midfielder can be even better
Sammy Moore has been offered an incentive to make a quick return by Neal Ardley.
The Dons boss believes he can turn the midfielder – Wimbledon’s player of the year last season – into an even better footballer when he returns from injury.
Scan results earlier this week confirmed that Sammy suffered a small fracture at the top of his shin (tibia) bone at Fleetwood Town and that is likely to keep him out for between three and four months.
However, Sammy came back from a serious knee injury in 2011 to great effect and Neal believes the dynamic midfielder can be ever better upon his return.
Speaking to Dons Player, Neal said: “It is really disappointing and we knew it was bad at the time. When I saw the injury on Monday you could tell it was not right. It is very disappointing for Sammy, but we will get him back and maybe fitter and in better shape than before. I am sure there is a very good player in there.”
In his update ahead of the Gillingham match tomorrow, Neal also admitted that he is cautious about bringing club skipper Mat Mitchel-King back too soon after the centre-back completed his first week of full training since being sidelined with a back injury.
“Mat is on the way back and has had a good week’s training, but we do not want to rush him back and get him injured again,” added Neal. “We will build them up and build them up. The players out have been learning by watching the games, joining in training, and listening to other stuff. Hopefully, when they do come in, then they will know what is expected.”
The full video interview with Neal can be viewed on Dons Player.