Experienced defender on play-offs
Paul Robinson senses a real determination and desire to achieve something among the squad as Wimbledon prepare for the play-offs.
Neal Ardley’s men face Accrington Stanley on Saturday and Robinson is under no illusions that it will be a difficult task against a team that were second in League 2 until the final weekend of the regular season.
However, he believes Wimbledon are well equipped for the challenge ahead after a strong finish to the season earned a top-7 spot.
“It was always going to be a tough game whoever we played out of Bristol Rovers, Oxford and Accrington,” said Robinson. “We know it is Accrington and it’s going to be difficult, but we will have a good week working towards Saturday. Everything is looking good at the end of the season and we are really strong. We got another win on Saturday and 75 points is a really good total for the season.
“We just have to carry on as we have been doing. We’ve been working hard all season and have got good habits. We now have to trust those habits and it’s about focusing on each game individually. We have to prepare right, give it our best, and hopefully we can get the right results to take us through the tie.
“We have a lot of team spirit, a lot of quality and I just think there is a determination in this squad. We’ve achieved a lot getting to the play-offs, but we are not finished yet. Every single one of us wants to leave our own legacy in a Wimbledon shirt.”
Robinson, who played in 44 out of Wimbledon’s 46 League 2 games in 2015/16, had a rare Saturday off with home-grown pair Will Nightingale and Ryan Sweeney helping to keep a clean sheet against Newport. The experienced defender was particularly pleased for Nightingale after his tough road back from injury.
“Ryan has come in this season and played well when he’s been called upon,” said Robinson. “It was obviously good for Will after his injury. He has put so much time and effort into his recovery in the gym. Will earned his reward for that on Saturday, but most importantly it was great to see those two out on the pitch together representing the first-team.”