Flying winger thanks Wimbledon supporters
Toby Ajala is determined to go out on a high when he plays the final game of his Wimbledon loan spell against Northampton Town tonight.
Toby has impressed during 11 Wimbledon appearances so far and he has earned quite a few bottles of Champagne for his man of the match performances at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. However, we shouldn’t expect him to crack open the bubbly if he marks his farewell appearance with a goal as Toby says he doesn’t really drink alcohol and the bottles are still unopened at home.
Speaking to Dons Player, the 21-year-old Bristol City winger thanked Wimbledon’s supporters for getting behind him since he made his club debut at Milton Keynes in the FA Cup.
Here’s the full Q & A which appeared on our premium site earlier today:
Despite the club’s position, I guess you cannot be disappointed with your own performances in a Wimbledon shirt?
In most of the games I have done okay, but it would have been much better if the results had gone for us. We have had mixed results since I have been here, but Saturday was really good for us to beat a team flying high in the league. It is a big opportunity for us to push on now by doing well against Northampton.
This match is your last game for Wimbledon before you go back to Bristol City. How determined are you to go out on a high?
It would be great if I could end my loan spell with a goal or another assist. Hopefully, I can do well again for the team and we can get a result. If we can do that then I will leave Wimbledon with a smile on my face for doing my best to help the team in my final match for the club.
Your performances have earned the sponsor’s man of the match award on four occasions since you joined. Have you drunk all the Champagne?
I am not the drinking type and have just kept the bottles at home to remember my performances!
You have certainly had a good rapport with the Wimbledon fans. How appreciative are you of the support you have received?
The supporters have given me tremendous support from day one on my Twitter page and during games. They have encouraged me to do well and thanked me for my performances. This has been a good thing because it has made me look forward to the next match to try and produce an even better performance for them. It has really helped with the fans behind me. The Wimbledon fans are excellent and I would like to thank them for their support.
What ambitions do you have after leaving Wimbledon?
I want to go back to Bristol and work really hard. Even if I do not get into the first-team squad then I will not let my head go down. I think I have learned a lot by coming here on loan, which will definitely help me when I go back to Bristol. Hopefully, I can push on towards the first-team and show them what I can do.
Though Wimbledon won on Saturday, are the players fully aware of the importance of going again and producing another big performance against Northampton?
It was not the best of games on Saturday, but we got the three points because we stuck at it. Hopefully, we can produce a better team display against Northampton and get the three points again. We all need to give 100 per cent on the pitch for each other so that we can build on Saturday’s result.
How do you assess Wimbledon’s chances of staying up this season?
There is a lot of talent in the squad. There are players on the bench now who are good, but it is down to them to put in the effort and earn opportunities. I do not think I need to be here for the team to get results. The players here are good enough to do it and hopefully we can get out of the relegation zone tonight.
Dons Player subscribers can watch the full video interview with Toby Ajala on our premium site.