Manager says fans can drive the team forward
believes it would be a huge achievement if AFC Wimbledon can survive this season – and he has called on the club’s supporters to play their part tomorrow.Neal Ardley
Rock-bottom of League 2 at the end of 2012, Wimbledon have staged a revival since the turn of the year and now one more win against Fleetwood will be enough to stay up.
, Neal Ardley said: “It would be absolutely huge if we stay up. A month into this job I realised how many problems we faced to get to where we wanted to be. Although you never take over a job when things are in good shape, it was in a worse state than I thought. We set out a plan at that point and we have worked incredibly hard since then. We have been very successful in 2013 since we have able to put our own stamp on it with our own players in the team. Now we have to make one last effort to get us over the line and then we can all be heroes.Dons PlayerSpeaking to
“The players are focused. They know what they have to do and what they are good at. I am pretty confident that they are going to go out there and give it everything they can.”
Neal wants Wimbledon’s supporters to recreate the atmosphere that lifted his side against Exeter City with the Dons having come from behind twice two weeks ago to secure a precious point.
“Against Exeter the fans kept going and saw us pull off a comeback,” the Wimbledon manager added. “At Gillingham after 45 minutes we were 2-0 behind and in most people’s eyes we were doomed at that point in the match. But the fans did not boo the team; they stuck by us, and were rewarded with the second-half that they got. They need to understand that the players will give everything and it is never going to be a case of anybody not trying on Saturday with the magnitude of this game.
“The fans need to stick with it, keep the noise going and keep driving us forward. The staff and players will be giving absolutely everything to do it.”
competitive appearance for the club.th because it would be his 100 if selected,Jack Midson,Tomorrow’s match against Fleetwood will be a personal milestone for Wimbledon’s top scorer
last week that he is determined to mark the occasion by helping the Dons to safety.Dons PlayerJack told
“I have not achieved this at any other club and if I do it in two seasons then that is impressive for me,” Jack said. “My time at the club has gone really quickly and I have enjoyed my time here, but I have another year on my contract and I want that to be at Wimbledon in the Football League.”