Striker raring to go for 2016/17 campaign
Tom Elliott bounced back from injury with a bang in his final pre-season run-out – and he reckons that the impact of new signings offer encouraging signs for when the real action begins.
Elliott struck both goals at Woking as he linked-up well with Dominic Poleon and with Lyle Taylor looking as sharp as ever in pre-season, there will be competition for places in the forward positions as AFC Wimbledon approach a first season in English Football League One.
Speaking during an interview with WDON’s Rob Cornell for Dons Player, Elliott said: “It’s all about preparation for Walsall now and everyone is going to be working hard to try and get that shirt for the first game of the season. But if you don’t get that shirt, you still have to be ready to come on, work hard, and try to help the team get three points.
“I know what Dominic is about and he is a good player. He is quick, strong, and has a low centre of gravity – he can work off me. Dominic is direct and I like him a lot. I’m looking forward to playing with him.
“Dean Parrett is a quality player and he showed that by setting up Lyle Taylor for a goal against Palace. Chris Whelpdale is good on the ball, but he’s also good in the air and it saves me flicking it on all the time! I can run off him now. You can also tell that Ryan Clarke is a commanding goalkeeper. We are looking good for the new season.”
On his own fitness, Elliott said: “It was a good run-out for me (at Woking) because I had been out for six days. After the training camp in Wales my hip and back stiffened up, but I was back in training on Thursday. It was great to be back out there and I managed to score two goals so I’m feeling good. I was just happy to get back on the pitch before the new season.”
channel. The full interview with Elliott, along with the thoughts of Neil Cox and Paul Robinson ahead of 2016/17, featured on Dons Player over the weekend.You TubeA clip of Lyle Taylor’s interview for Dons Player is now on our official