Under-21s coach on Bournemouth win
Alan Reeves said it was a “great achievement” to beat AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League Cup today, but he challenged his players to produce such a performance on a regular basis.
Wimbledon triumphed 1-0 thanks to a last-gasp Will Nightingale winner and Alan said that the Under-21s have now set a high standard to follow for the rest of this season.
“I thought that we thoroughly deserved it,” said Alan. “We had most of the possession and the better chances. Our attitude, commitment and work-rate pleased me. The first teamers who came in were excellent and that goes for the Under-21s and youth teamers too. I told them afterwards that they have beaten an Under-21 side from a club two levels above us. It’s a great achievement and they need to enjoy it for a day or two.
“I talked to the players beforehand about what has happened in the past month with Tom Beere and Ben Harrison earning first-team opportunities. The manager does not care how old the players are if they are good enough and he trusts me if I say that they’re ready. But they need to produce what they did today on a regular basis.”
Alan added that he believes match-winner Will Nightingale has the potential to step-up into the first-team ranks in future.
“Will’s physique for a centre-back is immaculate,” said Alan. “He is quick, strong and brave too, but he has not played that many games at centre-back after playing in midfield for the youth team. Will is getting better and better with every game, but I’ve identified a few things that we need to iron out in his game. He has all the attributes to be a good centre-back at this level.”
Dons Player subscribers will be able to watch a full video interview with Alan Reeves on our premium channel.