Manager grateful for backing he's received to progress club
Neal Ardley has expressed his appreciation for the backing he’s received to progress AFC Wimbledon forward, ahead of tomorrow’s match against Swindon.
The Dons host Swindon for the first time in almost five years tomorrow with AFC Wimbledon having taken four years longer to step-up and make it a League One fixture.
But Wimbledon were League 2 strugglers when the two clubs last met and that sums up the progress made since Neal Ardley took over on 10 October 2012.
QUOTES
Neal Ardley:
“Managers don’t get the scope to build something and do what they want to do at a club. They are under constant scrutiny. I’ve been very lucky from day one as the club board have given us support in every possible way to help us grow the club. It’s been an absolute pleasure and long may it continue.
“The players have been really focused. They have trained really well and they have got a bit of momentum at the moment. They are trying their hardest to keep that going because you know in this league it can quickly go the other way.”
Luke Williams:
“I think AFC Wimbledon will be a high energy, direct team and they will put balls into the box and we need to be able to cope with that. This team has got some momentum from being promoted together, they’ve got a way of playing and they all know each other’s jobs and their own jobs.
“They had a sticky start, but they are now into their flow so I’m expecting to play a very well organised team with a lot of energy and a lot of team spirit.”
TEAM NEWS
Chris Whelpdale is doubtful with an ankle injury and tomorrow’s game is likely to come too soon for the trio of Tom Beere, George Francomb and Sean Kelly.
For Swindon, Conor Thomas and Brad Barry are available after shaking off hip and hamstring concerns respectively, but Jon Obika, Michael Doughty and Lloyd Jones will continue to miss out.
Swindon will also be without Raphael Rossi-Branco, who is set to miss three games after being shown a straight red card against Bolton Wanderers last weekend.
LAST MEETING
Swindon Town 2 AFC Wimbledon 0 (2 January 2012)
(Last 6 in league, starting with most recent)FORM GUIDE
AFC Wimbledon WWDDWL
Swindon Town LDDLWL
LAST TIME OUT
Oxford United 1 AFC Wimbledon 3
Swindon Town 0 Bolton Wanderers 1
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