Interview with long-serving player after injury lay-off
George Francomb put a tough four months behind him by starting a first-team game last night and he has no complaints about Neal Ardley utilising his versatility.
Francomb was deployed as a right-back in the Checkatrade Trophy win against Swansea, a position he filled after joining Wimbledon on loan in 2012, and the 24-year-old relishes being adaptable for the team.
, Francomb said: “I feel comfortable playing pretty much anywhere in midfield or right-back. When I’ve spoken to the gaffer during the last three years about developing as a player, it’s just having a maturity and knowing different positions on the pitch. I think he trusts me to play in different positions, which is nice, and I enjoy doing it. I’m happy to fill different roles.”Dons PlayerSpeaking during an interview for
channel.You TubeFrancomb spoke enthusiastically about his return after an absence that included missing the play-off final at Wembley and a clip of his interview can be viewed on our official
“I had been itching to get back and it feels good,” added Francomb. “I think it is 18 weeks since I first injured my knee. There was the heartache of not being able to play at Wembley, but we are here now in League One and I cannot wait to get going with the lads again.
“I was hoping to be back training with the lads in late pre-season, but I had a couple of setbacks and I needed injections. It has been five weeks longer than I was hoping for, but I’m just glad to be back. I’m still a bit tentative with certain movements in my knee, but with more training sessions and games it will become natural again.
“After I signed three years ago we were in League Two and had a couple of sticky seasons. The aim was to get into the play-offs and have a great day at Wembley and we did that. It means so much to be playing in the third tier as I’ve been at the club for a long time now.
“The boys are still in high spirits. I’ve not seen all the games, but it seems like we are playing well in games, but we are switching off in certain areas and that is costing us. We came through something similar last season to finish strongly and I’m sure we can do that again.”
The full interview with George Francomb and Neal’s post-match reaction after victory in the Checkatrade Trophy is now on Dons Player.