Defender says Dons fans deserve a big cup tie
Adam Barrett says it’s been “fantastic” to play a part in club history for AFC Wimbledon – and he’s hoping tonight’s FA Cup third round draw will reward Dons fans for a great support.
The 35-year-old defender, who is on loan from Gillingham, has played in big cup ties before and he once scored for Southend against Chelsea. However, he says that helping AFC Wimbledon into the third round for the first time since the club’s rebirth is particularly special.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Barrett said: “I’ve played against Tottenham and West Ham during my career, but it was brilliant to see over 1,000 Wimbledon supporters make the trip to Wycombe. They will be dreaming of the big time now and we as players will be too. This football club has a special affinity with the FA Cup after winning it against Liverpool in 1988 and the boys are absolutely delighted to get through. All last week the manager emphasised the importance of this competition to the club.
“It’s fantastic for me to have played a part in creating a little bit of history for the club. I’ve really enjoyed it since I’ve been here. We’ve a great set of lads here and the management team make it an enjoyable place to come and work. They work extremely hard and it feels like a family club. Everyone is in it together and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it here. We’ve been a little bit disappointed with how it’s gone in the league and I think we’re a better team than our position suggests. There’s a long way to go though and I’m looking forward to the next round. Hopefully, we can get a mouth-watering cup draw.”
Barrett felt that victory at Adams Park was fully deserved with Wimbledon emerging victorious thanks to an admirable work ethic against League 2 leaders Wycombe.
“We had a game plan and the players worked their socks off for each other,” added Barrett. “We showed a lot of character. Wycombe are top of the league and flying high and we knew it was going to be difficult because they play in a certain way and make it difficult for teams. We coped with the bombardment though and I thought we played better stuff and deserved to win the game. It was such a great feeling to win and our fans were brilliant from start to finish.”
AFC Wimbledon will be ball number 50 in tonight’s FA Cup draw, which will be made live on BBC Two from 7.00 pm.