Neal Ardley's speech pays tribute to Barry Fuller
Barry Fuller’s desire to prolong his career as a professional footballer is an example to all young players in the game today.
.You TubeThat’s the view of Dons manager Neal Ardley, who paid tribute to AFC Wimbledon’s vice-captain during his end of season speech, which can now be viewed by clicking on
Barry, who earned the club’s Player of the Year award for 2013/14, bounced back from a career-threatening injury two years ago with a professionalism that has earned huge respect from his peers.
Neal Ardley said: “One thing I find wrong with modern society is the attitude and application that young people put into whatever jobs they go into. But when I look at our Player of the Year for last season he is a role model in every aspect with his application, attitude and desire. In training we have to constantly try and slow him down. He trains like he plays and his statistics in training show everything that you see on the pitch.
“All of this came after having a knee injury that was probably as bad as it could get. Barry was told that he would do well to play 20 games a season and for the last two seasons he has played 40-plus games. That’s a testament to the character of the player.”
Barry (who is pictured with the WDON award above), also made a speech at the end of season awards, a tradition at the event, and this will feature on You Tube later in the week.