FA Youth Cup focus ahead of Newcastle tie
AFC Wimbledon’s current crop of youngsters have been gaining inspiration from the amazing achievements of the Crazy Gang ahead of tomorrow night’s FA Youth Cup tie.
The young Dons travel to Newcastle United aiming to upset the odds, a feat that Wimbledon achieved on a regular basis during the club’s remarkable rise from the old Fourth Division to the top-flight in the 1980s.
Copies of the Crazy Gang book by Dave Bassett and Wally Downes – “The True Inside Story of Football’s Greatest Miracle” – were presented to the Under-18s squad recently by one of AFC Wimbledon’s founder members Marc Jones and fans.
Speaking ahead of the Newcastle game, captain Jason Stripp (pictured left above) said: “It is very inspirational to read how they used to be with each other on and off the pitch. The old Wimbledon were always the underdogs so we can try and imitate them. It shows how we can take that into our FA Youth Cup games. We did it at Watford and now we can do it at Newcastle.
“Fans have been talking to us about the Newcastle game and it would be great if we could get as many of them along as possible supporting us on the night. It is a massive occasion for the club and for us.”
Fellow midfielder Seanan McKillop was pictured on Twitter reading the Crazy Gang book on the coach up to Newcastle earlier today as the young Dons prepare for the biggest match in AFC Wimbledon academy history.
to watch a video interview with Jason Stripp and Alfie Egan on our official You Tube channel with WDON commentator Rob Cornell posing the questions.Cup FocusClick on
Alfie Egan, who scored the last-gasp equaliser at Vicarage Road to keep the dream alive, said sacrifices have been made over Christmas to ensure the squad are in good shape and he’s determined that his side will perform on the big stage.
“I ate less and ran more over Christmas, just to keep fit,” said Alfie. “I wanted to stay in tip-top condition for a massive game. We believe that we can go and get the win. We know a little bit about Newcastle, but we are just concentrating on ourselves and what we can do. I am looking to get another goal, help the team out, and win the game.”
Extensive interviews with Alfie Stripp, Jason Stripp and Mark Robinson all featured on Dons Player yesterday.