Terell Thomas bounced back from a difficult start here to play a big part in Wimbledon’s Great Escape and that magical FA Cup night against West Ham.
Now the in-form centre-back, who has made 46 appearances for Wimbledon, is determined to battle against the odds once again in the famous knockout competition. A Wimbledon squad without several senior players will be seeking to upset a Doncaster side 10 points ahead in the League One table.
“It’s important in every game that you show a bit of character, it doesn’t matter who you play against,” said Terell. “Last season we faced non league opposition in the early rounds. You can’t just roll up to any game and expect to win, you have to show that character. You have to show the right mentality and professionalism. They will be a decent side, but we are a decent side as well. It will be a good game and I believe that we will show our quality right throughout the 90 minutes.
“With that underdog spirit we’ve had, even last season, we showed what it is to be a Wimbledon player. Having the fans behind us keeps us going, they helped us to escape from the situation we were in last season. That was fantastic, but the FA Cup win against West Ham was amazing.
“The first moment that springs to mind is the fourth goal. That’s my biggest memory, but a close second was when I had an opportunity to score in the first-half, but I smashed it over the bar from six yards out! It was a fantastic night for the players, the fans, and the club. It really showed the spirit that we had as a group, as a club, and as a fanbase.
“It was most definitely my favourite FA Cup memory. The win against West Ham was a big thing for me because you are actually in it! Most of the time I’ve been watching on TV, as a kid growing up watching my team, but to actually be a part of it makes it more special.
“I’m really enjoying it here. The games are coming thick and fast and we are doing well. In the last six weeks we’ve put in some good performances. I think I’ve found my feet here after having injury problems at the beginning of last season. I’m really looking forward to the rest of this season.”
Terell added that he’s relishing life at Wimbledon under the guidance of Glyn Hodges and Nick Daws and interacting with the supporters is something he believes is very important.
“The management team are very clear and precise with what they want us to do, how they want us to defend, and how they want us to attack high up," said Terell. "They want us to take the game to teams, not just sitting off and stuff. I’ve really enjoyed Dawsy’s input. He’s told me a few things about myself so I’m really happy that he’s there.
“It’s good to go in the bar afterwards and meet the fans, even if someone else has won Man of the Match. I’ve been in there a few times, just around the fans and answering questions. I like that side of it because it’s all like we are one group, not just players and fans. It’s a whole community and a family as a club.”
