Experienced centre-half sees progress among new additions
Centre-back Paul Robinson has backed the efforts of AFC Wimbledon’s key summer signings at the back and up front, ahead of Sheffield United’s visit on Saturday.
“The games are coming thick and fast,” said Robinson, who netted the Dons equaliser against Chesterfield on Saturday. “There are big clubs at this level and we’re under no illusions and there will be some great games.”
“That’s why we wanted to get into this league. We’re looking forward to working hard on the training ground and improving as a squad and every game we’ve got to improve on our performance levels and there’s a nice, tough challenge at the end of the week in Sheffield United that is what we’re working towards,” he added.
“It was important to get the three points on the board last Saturday. There was a sigh of relief to get them with a win at home and it feels like we can really get our league campaign really up and running now.”
“We’re playing against good teams this year, better teams. It’s going to be tough and when you are going for it and trying to get back in a game or trying to get a winner it’s also going to mean you leave yourselves open a little at the other end. We know it’s going to be a bit like that, but we’ve got brave players and we’re willing to take on that challenge.”
Robinson acknowledged that manager Neal Ardley could have a selection dilemma up front when the Blades visit in Sky Bet League One at the weekend. New additions Dominic Poleon and Tyrone Barnett will be pushing for starting places, after Poleon came up with a dramatic injury-time match-winner against the Spireites and Barnett collected the sponsors’ man-of-the-match award.
“Dom played against Wigan and scored a couple of goals and then did it again the following midweek against Swansea. He’s been working hard and patient and waiting for his chance and I think you could sense a bit of frustration because he wanted to come in and make an impression, but I think it was also important that when he got his chance he took it and he’s been in good form and I’m really pleased he got the winner.”
“Tyrone worked tirelessly against Chesterfield. He challenged for a lot of headers and kept running and kept going and he’s settled in well among the lads and he works hard. For the fans to recognise that by giving him man-of-the-match it will give him a good boost and hopefully he will continue to assimilate himself into the group and hopefully we’ll see even more from him as well.”
At the other end, Robinson knows that the experience of goalkeeper Ryan Clarke proved vital last Saturday.
“He pulled off some important saves at the right time, saves that kept us in the game and kept us alive. We’ve only conceded two goals in the last four games now, which is starting to be a bit like our old selves really. We’re not giving a lot away and always end games and always be competitive and when you do that you give yourself a chance.”
“Zeros and ones especially as defenders are where you want to be at and that’s where we’ve been over the last couple of games and you can see that’s why we’ve had positive results out of those games,” added Robinson.