Interview with Young Player of the Year
Wil Nightingale is far from resting on his laurels after picking up the Young Player of the Year award as he is eager to stake a claim for more first-team opportunities.
Still only 21 years of age, the defender is determined to make up for lost time with spells of his development having been interrupted by injury.
Speaking during an extensive interview for Dons Player, Will said: “It’s a massive honour to win the award, especially with all my family and friends here to see me pick it up. I want to give back as much as I can to the club and the fans. I want to do a bit more than I have during the last season. The aim is to get myself right in the off season so that I can come back and make an impact next season. I want to strive to be the best. I’ve got high standards and I want to do better. I’m still only 21 and I am going to work harder and keep learning. I need to listen to the manager, Coxy and Reevesy, and take everything on board so that I can make that extra step.”
A clip of Will’s interview is available to view via the link below to our official You Tube channel.
Four years ago, Will needed special dispensation from the league to continue as a third-year scholar with his injury problems taken into account so that he could stay on at AFC Wimbledon.
However, now the former Richard Challoner School pupil feels in good shape and ready to kick-on with his career.
“It’s probably the best I’ve felt in a long time,” added Will. “I can remember doing an interview here after getting an extension to my scholarship due to injury. I’ve had bad times in football and that’s why it’s nicer to have days like this (winning the award). I’ve got so many good memories with this club. I’ve pretty much been here for my whole career and I want to make some more good memories. I am hoping the injury problems are behind me and I want to do my best for all the people who have supported me here.”
The full interview with Will Nightingale is on Dons Player, along with an interview with Player of the Year Tom Elliott.