An update from the Wimbledon manager
Neal Ardley has ruled Chris Hussey out of tomorrow’s trip to Southend United as the left-back has yet to recover from a stomach bug.
Hussey (pictured) is not ready to return after missing the win against York City due to illness and the Wimbledon manager confirmed that new signing Kelly Youga will be in the squad for the match at Roots Hall.
that he is likely to make changes to his starting line-up against a side just outside the League 2 play-off zone.Neal Ardley told Dons PlayerDespite Saturday’s victory,
“Every game is different and we wanted to get more players higher up the pitch on Saturday,” Neal said. “We had reasons for that team selection and I thought on the day that the team played very well and deserved the win. That will not necessarily work against Southend though. We are having a look at different options about how we are going to tackle the game. We have watched video footage so we know how they are likely to play. Whatever we decide to do we will be on the front foot and will have a go at them. We will not fear losing the game as that has stood us in good stead.”
Such optimism stems from Wimbledon’s improved run during 2013 with the Dons having won five, drawn five and lost just three in the calendar year. Indeed, Neal believes his side has made great strides since the reverse fixture against Southend in November – a 4-0 home defeat at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
“When you look back at the Bradford and Burton games before I arrived, they were heavy defeats, but we have more than matched those teams since,” Neal added. “When you look at the results then we are a team on the up that has improved. We have certainly improved since that night against Southend. It is going to be very tough against Southend as they are a good side fighting to get into the play-offs. But looking at us we are a match for any team if we are at it.
“We feel that we had a hard-working but productive January transfer window and we managed to keep our form going while we searched for the right players. We have added quality players and good characters and that has given everybody a lift.”
Dons Player subscribers can now watch the full video interview with Neal Ardley and Saturday’s man of the match presentation on our premium site.
Harry Pell, who earned another man of the match award on Saturday after striking the late winner against York, says he is relishing tomorrow’s Southend United match.
“We are buzzing at the moment,” Harry said. “Confidence is not an issue as the gaffer has told us to go out and play our football so that there is no pressure on us. We have no fear of losing when we go out onto the pitch. I have been in a few relegation battles now, but I have never had that before when a manager instils such confidence and you are near the bottom of the table. Hopefully, we can go to Southend and get the points on the board to get us up the league.”
The 14-day trial is on offer for the rest of this month and includes access to exclusive interviews, match highlights and match commentaries of every League 2 match. .Dons Player trialYou can listen to WDON live coverage of tomorrow night’s Southend game for FREE by signing up for a