Interviews with Nightingale, Barcham and Robinson
Will Nightingale followed in the footsteps of Andy Barcham and Paul Robinson by signing a new contract yesterday and all three spoke passionately about what it meant to prolong their spells at AFC Wimbledon.
.Dons PlayerIn-depth interviews with the trio ahead of tomorrow’s home match against Northampton are all on
For academy product Nightingale, it rewarded his impressive first-team comeback after injury, and now the 21-year-old is determined to make the most of his opportunity.
“I don’t want to be known as the person who can get injured easily,” said Nightingale. “That’s why I’m working as hard as I can. I want to put everything behind me and get games under my belt. If I can do that, I will be known as somebody who can take this club in the right direction, not somebody who has nearly made it. I want to be the person who really comes through and has an impact on this club.
“It is brilliant (to sign). To know that I have a bit more insurance and time on my hands is brilliant. I just want to knuckle down, stay focused, and play more games. It is a brilliant day for me and for my family as well.”
Click on the link above to watch a clip of Will Nightingale's interview for Dons Player.
Despite turning 30 in December, Andy Barcham says he’s still learning plenty under the guidance of Neal Ardley and his management team. The in-form winger also spoke with great pride about wearing the Dons shirt.
“The manager came to me with the offer and I couldn’t wait to sign,” said Barcham. “I’ve enjoyed my time here so much. It’s great to be a part of where this club is going. With the history of this club, it is unbelievable to be a part of it.
“I said to the manager the other day that I wish I had worked with him earlier. The manager has been great for me, both on and off the pitch. He is a great guy and a great manager. Even at this stage of my career, I feel that I am still learning off him.
“It is nice to go out there every day knowing that you are learning something and you are trying to better yourself. That’s what the manager and his coaching staff do for me here. Every day they are telling me different things to try and improve my game and I am trying to take that on board and apply it on the pitch.”
channel to view a clip of our interview with Barcham.You TubeVisit our official
At the age of 35, Paul Robinson believes he still has plenty of football left in him – and he doesn’t have to look far for examples of that.
“I’ve got some good mentors here in Neil Cox and Alan Reeves as they both made it to 38 as players,” said Robinson. “I also share a dressing room with Dannie Bulman as well. I never really had pace so it is not something I am going to lose as I get older. I am sure that your knowledge and reading of the game improves with age. I am just going to give myself the best chance really. I want to keep playing and stay in that rhythm. As long as I keep looking after myself off the pitch – something I have always done in my career – I am hoping to reap the rewards of that as I come towards the latter years.
“I am over the moon to sign. As you get older, you do not take things for granted, and it doesn’t get much easier to get those contracts! It is great to sign a new deal and carry on as part of this Wimbledon journey. I have really enjoyed my time here, it has gone well on many fronts so I am delighted to be staying for longer.”
channel has more of Paul Robinson's interview, which featured on Dons Player yesterday.You TubeOur official