Dons centre-back impressed with new signings
has now assembled a defence that can spark a big improvement for AFC Wimbledon next season.Neal Ardleybelieves that Alan Bennett
The Dons conceded 76 goals in League 2 during 2012/13, but Bennett, who helped shore up Wimbledon’s defence during the second-half of last season, is convinced that things can be different from day one of the next campaign.
, who can play in several positions,” said Bennett. “They are both excellent acquisitions because they have been there and done it at this level. They will therefore know what is expected from us. Andy probably knew half the lads here anyway before he joined and he was quite complimentary about us after our comeback at Gillingham in the second to last game of the season.Andy Frampton, who is a vocal presence at the back and Barry Fuller“We have brought in
“All the other new players have settled in well; it is about getting the group more together now, building up sharpness and fitness towards the first game against Torquay United.”
Despite Saturday’s late lapses at Dartford on Saturday, the experienced Irishman added that Wimbledon will adjust to Neal Ardley’s new system before the real action gets underway on Saturday, 3 August.
“As a defender I have that pride in trying to keep clean sheets, but it is a learning curve that we have to go through,” Bennett said. “At certain times we were left one-on-one at the back (on Saturday) because we were trying to play in their half of the pitch and work the ball forward as much as possible. You are going to be isolated at times, but that is the other side of the game that we have not yet worked upon. We have to work hard to get to the level Neal wants; there were some good points and the game also highlighted things that we need to work on. We will do that though and I am sure that we will get it right.”