Assistant manager praises striker's team ethic
Neil Cox says that Lyle Taylor has earned his reward this season for an “unbelievable” work-rate.
The striker’s goal at Plymouth last Saturday made it 18 in all competitions, highlighting an impressive first season at AFC Wimbledon.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player ahead of the match against Crawley, Neil Cox said: “All centre forwards just want to score goals and Lyle is on a run at the moment. I think we have to give him credit because his work-rate off the ball is unbelievable. He defends from the front, which is a bonus for everyone. He has had a lot of moves in his career and never really settled. But he came in here, wanted to settle in and do well for the team, and wanted us to put an arm around him, which we do.
“The front two or front three have defended well recently. They’ve worked really hard to stop the ball coming forward. With set-pieces against they have also done their jobs. Everyone has taken responsibility to do a job for the team and that will continue.”
Wimbledon’s assistant manager has been pleased with the form of Darius Charles since he joined on loan and he believes competition for places at the back will get the best out of him. With only Karleigh Osborne and George Oakley currently on the injury list, Neil also highlighted the great work of AFC Wimbledon’s medical team.
“Darius is an experienced player,” added Neil. “He missed long periods of the season through injury, but a few of the boys already knew him and he’s stepped right in. Ryan Sweeney also did well before Darius came in and Will Nightingale is getting back to fitness now. Everyone is fighting to be in the team and places are up for grabs. Players know they have to play well to stay in the team.
“Stuart Douglas and Jason Moriarty work really hard out of training to make sure the players are fit. The players are given protein shakes and massages so that they are looked after properly. Our staff also looked after what they eat. The players are athletes now and you have to feed them well if you want them to play well every week.”
Full interviews ahead of Crawley with Neil Cox and Lyle Taylor are now on Dons Player.