Dons boss says his plans are taking shape
expressed his satisfaction with the pre-season so far after last night’s improved display against Championship side Charlton Athletic.Neal Ardley
Neal praised his squad for showing that they are adapting to a new way of playing and he believes things are starting to take shape with three pre-season matches left.
, Neal said: “When it is the first game of the season and there is something at stake then it will be tough, but the progress is there. It is important that the staff keep that progress going so that when we get to the first game of the season we carry on in the same vein and do not revert to type.Dons PlayerSpeaking to
“We have worked incredibly hard with everyone in the squad to gain knowledge of what structure we want in the team. What was pleasing is that we made so many substitutions after 65 minutes; you would usually lose your shape and lose your way after that. But that did not happen because the young lads and the other players who came on know what we are trying to achieve. They know what we are asking for from them. They kept the shape and controlled the ball in the same way that the team before them had so that was good to see.”
will be a real asset in the coming season.Ross WornerWimbledon recovered from a shaky start to the game against Charlton, but Neal felt his side defended well overall and he believes that goalkeeper
“We created really good chances during the game and I thought at times we defended really well,” Neal added. “We were a bit open, but that is going to happen at times with the way that we play. You cannot read too much into pre-season games and tonight Charlton were still trying to find their shape and fitness. What was most pleasing is that we more than held our own, it was not a lucky 1-1, and I thought we controlled the game in spells. A lot of their chances came from us being sloppy, but that is to be expected three weeks in and all the players can be pleased with the progress.
“Ross is technically very good and he is a superb keeper. I am trying to get the lad to be brave and he wants to impress everyone, ultimately the fans. Perhaps he over did it a little bit, but he will be fantastic for us and the fans will love him.”
Dons Player subscribers can watch the video interview with Neal on our premium site and we will feature the thoughts of Harry Pell on pre-season so far later on today.