An update from the manager for Dons Player
Neal Ardley said he is happy with the options in his squad as there are no fresh injury worries to be concerned about ahead of Saturday’s match against Notts County.
Though Lyle Taylor serves the second match of his three-game suspension, Neal has virtually a full squad to choose from and he gave a positive update to Dons Player about the work he has done on the training pitch with Wimbledon’s squad.
“We are happy because we have not got too much that is getting in the way of us picking the team,” Neal told WDON commentator Rob Cornell. “We are trying to see a positive to Lyle being out and we are using these two or three weeks to really get him up to speed. Lyle is doing a lot of extra work and hopefully he will be sharper when he comes back.
“We try and make sure that the boys are focused. We aim to ensure they have had a good week by doing a lot of work. They are fit, fresh and raring to go. We are trying hard to say ‘this is us and let’s do it well’. We keep on and on about it and we do it nearly every day in training. Hopefully, the feeling is good amongst the boys and we can keep building some momentum.
“We have planned quite a lot of fitness elements for these periods because we know that when the Tuesday games come around again it is more about recovery. The boys have worked very hard and they did a really tough session on Tuesday. Added to that we have worked hard on how we are trying to play and how good we can be going forward. We are hopeful going into the game.”
Jon Meades (pictured above) and Jake Reeves, two players who initially joined the Dons on loan during 2012/13 before signing permanently in the summer, have both earned high praise from Neal Ardley for their recent form.
“Jon is a massively under-rated player,” added Neal. “When I re-signed him he kind of went under the radar a little bit because of some of the other signings. He never quite got going at Oxford after he broke his leg and there was a change in management. For me, he could be whatever he wants to be. Jon is powerful, quick, two-footed, and has a good engine. I have been delighted with him.
“Jake is a good player and technically he can handle the ball well. He does not mind having the ball when a man is on him. Jake has unbelievable stamina, he runs all day, and I would be surprised if there is anyone in the league who can match him for running. But he is also a passer and a lot of his good stuff he plays and follows.
“Jake could add a couple of goals because he is certainly getting in the positions now, but his main job is to win the midfield and set the team alight. He has certainly done that in the last couple of weeks.”
The full update from Neal Ardley is now on Dons Player and an in-depth interview with Tom Elliott will follow tomorrow.