A summary of Neal's Dons Player update
both in contention for recalls.Charlie Sheringham and Alan Bennettexpects to have extra options for Saturday’s match at Rochdale with captain Neal Ardley
that Bennett (pictured) has come through training this week after shrugging off a calf strain and Sheringham could feature in the first-team squad for the first time since August after being sidelined with an ankle injury.Dons PlayerThe Wimbledon manager told
both stepped up their fitness with midweek run-outs for the Under-21s to stake their claims.Kevin Sainte-LuceSheringham and
Speaking to Rob Cornell, Neal said: “We got almost 70 minutes into Charlie and Kevin and they have both come through that great. They have put themselves in contention for the squad after training today. Alan had a sore calf after the game at Hartlepool and as much as you want your club captain in the team, it was one that we could not really do anything about. He has come through training this week and we are confident he will be okay.”
is struggling to shake off a bout of illness and he is therefore doubtful for the trip to Rochdale.Charlie Strutton
Neal added that he held a meeting with the squad on Tuesday to run through aspects his players could be doing better to turnaround their disappointing form.
“I did some things on a flip chart prior to the meeting, before letting the boys have their say,” Neal said. “When I flipped the chart over and started showing them some stuff they realised I had guessed everything they were going to say. There are bits that they need to do better from Monday to Friday so we have put a little bit more responsibility in their hands.
“We have a group that do care and they hate losing. I am sure that they will refocus on all the habits they need to put in place to start a run the other way. We cannot guarantee that will happen this Saturday because it is a tough game, but we will work really hard and it will turn for us.”
Dons Player subscribers can now watch the full video interview with Neal Ardley on our premium site, which includes an update from the manager on improving his squad. We will tomorrow feature the thoughts of Peter Sweeney on Saturday’s Rochdale match. More of Neal’s thoughts will be on the official website tomorrow.