Longest serving player vows to get better
Sammy Moore says he’s determined to rise to the challenge of earning a regular starting place at AFC Wimbledon once again next season after signing a new contract.
The 26-year-old midfielder will be a part of the club’s plans for a fifth season in 2014/15 after joining in 2010, but he’s only survived so long because of a steely work ethic that was tested last summer when Neal Ardley said he was not fit enough.
“When the manager first came in I was injured and I was told later that I was not fit,” said Sammy, who is pictured receiving congratulations from team-mates and fans after his last-gasp equaliser at Northampton Town. "Last summer the manager said that I had to come back ready to make sure that I was in his starting 11. It was a wake-up call and I discussed it with my family. I came back after the summer super-fit. Though I was left out of the side to begin with I grabbed my chance with both hands when I got it.
“It’s going to even more difficult next season though. If the manager gets the players in that he wants then maybe we can challenge for the play-offs. I will therefore have to come back in better shape than last year and show that I can be in the starting 11 again come August. Personally, I felt that I had a good season, but I cannot wait to get started again. I want to be an even better player next season.”
At the age of 26, Sammy feels his best years are still to come and he wants to stay at AFC Wimbledon long-term.
“There was speculation about me going to other clubs this summer, but my heart was always set on Wimbledon,” Sammy added. “I want to be here for years to come. I knew where I wanted to be at the end of the season and that was to be a part of this club. It’s been a dream come true to be at this club for four years. When I first came in I was made to feel so welcome. I wanted to be at this club for a long time and I’m delighted to still be here.
“We under-achieved last season and we let ourselves down with the players that were in the squad. We proved in certain games that we could match the best teams, but we were not consistent enough. We have a great manager and backroom staff so everything is in place for us to go onto a higher level.
“I’m really excited about next season. The experiences of last season will make us stronger. Hopefully, the fans will come back thinking that it could be our year. The backing that we get home and away is unbelievable and I’ve had great support from the fans since I first joined the club.”
Watch out later on the official website for Sammy’s best six matches since he joined the club in 2010.