An update from Under-21s coach Alan Reeves
AFC Wimbledon will field a mixture of first-team players, Under-21s and trialists in their Final Third Development League opener at Leyton Orient tomorrow (1.00 pm start).
This game will take place at the Matchroom Stadium in a competitive league that aims to bridge the gap between youth and first-team level. However, senior players are also eligible to play too and Andy Frampton will make his comeback after five weeks out with a broken ankle.
Ade Azeez, who struck a last-gasp equaliser at Carlisle on Saturday, and Kevin Sainte-Luce will both play a part at Leyton Orient. Young trio Ben Harrison, Will Nightingale and Tom Beere (pictured) – all in the first-team squad at Carlisle – are also pencilled in to play.
Under-21 coach Alan Reeves takes charge of his first competitive match since returning to Wimbledon in the summer.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Alan Reeves said: “We will have quite a strong squad out tomorrow. It will include first-teamers who need minutes, Under-21s and trialists who I will be taking another look at in this match. It is nice to win for any footballer at any level, but it’s all about the first-team and development. If my players are getting minutes under their belts and improving game by game then winning is not the be all and end all.
“Under-18 matches are usually played at training grounds and it needs to be another step-up for young players when they play Under-21 football. That’s why we’re playing our home games at Merstham FC. It’s good for them to play at a proper ground so that it’s another step towards the first-team.”
Development LeagueAFC Wimbledon’s first home game in the Final Third Development League is against Gillingham at Merstham FC on Tuesday, 23 September (7.00 pm start). To view the full list of fixtures, click on . Tomorrow’s match at Leyton Orient is open to the public with the following prices: Adults £5 Concessions £3.
An interview with Alan Reeves is now on Dons Player.