Jack Rudoni is relishing the opportunity to be involved in AFC Wimbledon’s exciting future – and he’s working hard every day to build upon his impressive cameo role at Rochdale.
The 19-year-old midfielder has spent a significant part of his life at Wimbledon, keeping a keen eye on the club’s progress before making his first-team breakthrough. Jack is one of a crop of players to have emerged into the first-team squad from the academy with Will Nightingale, Paul Kalambayi, and Anthony Hartigan also featuring during Wimbledon's Plough Lane return season.
“It’s great for us to have come through the academy and progress through to the first-team, especially with the direction that the club is going. Coming back to Plough Lane is unreal for the boys that have been here for a long time. To play at Plough Lane now is brilliant.
“I think I coped well last season when I first came into the team and I want to push onto the next level. I want to be hitting some good stats and become a key player for Wimbledon.
“All the coaches here are great, they are trying to help me to fulfil my potential. It’s great to have Robbo a part of it as he has known me for such a long time, since I joined the club. This is my ninth season here and Robbo helped me come through the academy. For us both to be in the first-team set-up working together is really nice
“We are on a good run and to get that victory in the last minute has really boosted us, so we are in great spirits heading into the game. If we get another win we are going to be in a great position and we can really push up the league on Saturday and have a fantastic season together.”
Speaking ahead of tonight’s game at Gillingham, ‘Rudi’ is determined to help the team by registering more assists after his notable contribution on Saturday at Rochdale.
“I want to effect the game and get goals and assists for the team, so it was good to play a part and help us to get a win in the last minute on Saturday. The manager told me to go on, get the ball, and settle us down, and try to create something. That’s what I tried to do: drive us forward, and try to help us get the win, which we did.
“One of my targets is to try and get more goals and assists because I feel I can, and I feel that’s what my strength will be. I’m working on that every day, talking to the coaches, and focusing on that to help the team.”
Jack recalled the drama of our last visit to Gillingham on the last weekend of February, a great Dons travelling support cheering on their team to last-gasp victory, thanks to Callum Reilly’s winner, and he was quick to spare a thought for our fans.
“Last season was a great game at Gillingham, a great atmosphere, the fans were unreal in that game. Callum got the last-minute goal, and got us the win. Hopefully, we can go there again and get the three points.
“I want to say thank you for all the support on social media and all of you watching on iFollow. We know you are behind us and we just want to do it for you when we are out there on the pitch. We do miss your support at games, but we will do all we can until you can be back in the stadiums.”