Captain's views ahead of Torquay opener
believes AFC Wimbledon are heading into a bright new era with Neal Ardley having assembled an “exciting” crop of players since narrowly avoiding relegation on the last day of 2012/13.Alan BennettCaptain
ahead of tomorrow’s League 2 opener at Torquay, Bennett believes Wimbledon can put the trials and tribulations of last season firmly behind them during the new campaign.Dons PlayerSpeaking to
Bennett said: “During one of the first conversations I had with the manager after Fleetwood we both said ‘never again’ because it was so stressful. I do not like to look back too much because it is disrespectful to the players who have come in. It is a completely different group that we have now, starting at Torquay on Saturday. I can really see with the new signings that the manager has put his own stamp on things with the type of player he wants fitting into a style of football that he wants to play. I think our fans will be excited by the attacking players we have brought in as they will offer threats out wide and through the middle. It promises to be really exciting.”
On his appointment as Wimbledon captain, Bennett described it as a “massive honour” and he believes the current squad will be made of stern stuff when the going gets tough next season.
,” he added. “We also have a lot of other vocal lads in the group; it is what we need so that is excellent. There is a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm about the place and we are all looking forward to getting started. It is false to an extent when you play games during pre-season because there is nothing at stake, but when it comes down to points and it is serious then the players have to step-up.Andy Frampton and Barry Fuller“We have experienced players in there now with the likes of
“Nothing will change with my game on the pitch, but off the pitch if the lads have any problems then they can come and speak to me. I can act as a kind of buffer between the players and the management. But Neal, 'Coxy' and 'Bass' are all very approachable. I think I have been selected as captain for the way that I have gone about things so far so I don’t need to change too much. However, when we come up against adversity during the tough times is when a captain has to show mental toughness to help the group. We have a good collection of personalities here now.”
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