Midfielder on tonight's Bristol Rovers challenge
Jake Reeves says the whole AFC Wimbledon squad are enjoying fighting for points at the right end of League 2 with Bristol Rovers up next tonight.
The 22-year-old midfielder’s previous spell at Wimbledon came during the 2012/13 season when the Dons were fighting relegation, but it’s a different kind of feeling this time around.
Reeves is enjoying every minute of it after being a part of the Brentford squad that won promotion to the Championship two years ago.
“The last few games have been tough as we’ve been playing against teams in the top-five,” Reeves told Dons Player. “It’s going to be similar tonight, but we are going to enjoy it. It’s a hard period at the moment, but all the boys are enjoying being at the right end of the table.
“The club was fighting at the wrong end of the table for a few years and it’s nice for everyone involved, including staff, players and fans. There is more of a buzz and a joy about looking forward to games, instead of thinking ‘what if we don’t win next week?’ It’s the same sort of feeling I experienced at Brentford. You enjoy coming into work and learning new things. The games are coming thick and fast, but you just want to help the team get as many points as possible.
“It was a false game against them (Bristol Rovers) last time because we went down to 10 men so early. We did really well and played some good stuff. They had a lot of the ball, but could not really do anything with it. I think they will be trying to rectify that on their own patch. It will be good for us though because our form is quite good away from home. We are expecting a tough game, but we are confident that we can get a result.”
Reeves has had a different midfield partner in recent weeks with Connor Smith having been handed opportunities by Neal Ardley. Reeves has been impressed with the former Watford man and he says all the midfielders have to accept that they may be rotated at some point during a hectic schedule.
“I’ve really enjoyed this season,” added Reeves. “It’s been nice to have played a big part right the way through. Even if you are not one of the fitter players in the squad I don’t think you want to be rested. You just want another opportunity to play well and get points on the board for the team.
“I’ve not had to adjust much because Connor is a good player. I am sure from now until the end of this season he will show that when he is handed more opportunities. Though no one wants to be rested, midfield is a tough position to try and play every game. The manager has rotated quite well recently, but I like playing in there with Connor and Dannie.”
The full interview with Jake Reeves is on Dons Player, along with Neal Ardley’s full update. Join our WDON commentary team from 7.45 pm tonight for live coverage of the game from the Memorial Stadium.