Experienced warrior ready for a battle
Paul Robinson is raring to go for tonight’s match against Northampton after coming through tough battles recently – and the experienced defender is determined to help Wimbledon climb the table.
The scars of being a League 2 defender have been all too visible on Robinson’s head recently, but there’s no complaints from a man renowned for his commitment at previous clubs Portsmouth and Millwall.
Speaking to Rob Cornell during an interview for Dons Player, Robinson said: “I am fine after another three stitches for the collection at Luton! I’ve had a mad run lately as I had a tooth knocked out and needed stitches at Yeovil. I am just trying out all the different doctors and I will start doing a ratings scheme on Twitter! I am all good and looking forward to the game against Northampton.
“You need a good squad in this league because it is a long, hard season. Every game in League 2 is a war of attrition as my head can probably vouch for! It’s really good to have competition for places. Any successful team needs players to be pushing each other in training and in matches. Even in defeat at Luton on Saturday, I felt the signs were good that we’re moving in a positive direction.
“It’s up to us to put the results together and really show the quality and potential that we have got. We were five unbeaten before Saturday, but now it’s up to us. The challenge is there to go on another unbeaten run, hopefully starting tonight.
“Northampton have started the season reasonably well, but it’s going to be another good game. The lads put in a really good shift on Saturday, particularly with 10 men for so long, and I think we showed our team spirit by working incredibly hard for each other. It was just unfortunate that we could not quite hang on for a point. We will be going out there determined tonight at our home ground to get back to winning ways and put on a performance for our fans.”
Since joining Wimbledon in the summer, Robinson has been impressed with young talent pushing first-team players for the shirts this season.
“The backroom staff here and Alan Reeves have done an incredible amount of work to build that structure behind the first-team,” Robinson added. “At this level, you know a spate of injuries could come at some point. The youngsters will get their chance and it is up to them to take it. I have been very impressed. I have heard a lot about Ryan Sweeney and I have trained with him a few times. He looks a very bright prospect with a good future.
The full interview with Paul Robinson featured on Dons Player yesterday, along with Neal Ardley’s full update ahead of Northampton.