Glyn Hodges has confirmed that Nesta Guinness-Walker is ready to face his former club Metropolitan Police tonight (7.45 pm kick-off at Imber Court).
Nesta (pictured in match action against FC Kaiserslautern) has made a good impression during pre-season so far after joining Wimbledon.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s game, Glyn said: “Nesta is fine. He is lucky to go back so early after leaving Met Police. Sometimes you leave a club and you never get a chance to go back or have the opportunity to go and play there again. It will be good for him and it will be good for us. It’s always nice at Imber Court, the pitch is always good. I am sure Nesta will enjoy himself and we are looking forward to the challenge. It’s a local game for us after being away in Germany and Spain, so hopefully there will be a good turn-out to watch the boys.
“I went to watch Nesta play last season. It was in the Surrey Senior Cup against Walton Casuals and I enjoyed the game. Met Police play nice football, they look to play in the right way and knock the ball about, and they have some good players. I’m sure it will be a good game.”
Met Police manager Gavin MacPherson is looking forward to Nesta’s return to Imber Court.
“Our own Nesta Guinness-Walker left us to join the Dons only a couple of months ago,” said Gavin. “It was a very proud moment for the club and if Nesta is in their squad I’m sure we will all give him and all connected with AFC Wimbledon a very warm welcome. I have to mention that the conduct shown by Wimbledon during those negotiations were first class and I’m very pleased to hear Nesta is doing so well.
“Without any disrespect to our pre-season opponents so far, this is certainly a step-up in opposition. Facing teams that play a similar football level to ourselves is usually the norm and tends to present you with the type of tests associated with a season at step three. Of course, I don’t expect to win against Wimbledon but there are certain things we will look to take from the game regardless of the score. Those pluses and minuses should stand us in good stead as we move forward.
“If you give quality opposition one chance, they’ll take it and that’s one thing we have to be mindful of. I think people expect us to park the bus. I’m sure our defensive shape will be a big part of what we will look to work on, but I won’t be parking the bus. I’ve got some great strikers, so I want the team to play with freedom and enjoy being on a fantastic Imber Court pitch.”
We are not selling tickets in advance for tonight’s match and you can gain entry at the turnstiles (cash only).
Entry prices are as follows:
Adults £10
Over-65s and Under-18s £5
Admission to seats is on a first come, first served basis.
The full address for the venue is: Imber Court Sports Club, Ember Lane, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 OBT.