An overnight football trip that Alex Woodyard hailed as the best in his career paved the way to an important Wimbledon victory last weekend at Fleetwood.
Having served 10 clubs, including Peterborough United and Lincoln City in recent years, making almost 300 senior league appearances in his career, Alex knows the importance of team spirit in successful sides.
Speaking ahead of the home match versus Accrington Stanley, the 27-year-old midfielder said: “Last week the new boys had to sing and it was probably the best overnight stay I have ever had in my career! It was great banter, the gaffer just let the boys get on with it, and it was brilliant. All of us new lads have settled in well because those that were already here are all great lads. Cheye (Alexander) was funny, I don’t know about his singing, but he came out with a comment that got the lads going, so it was brilliant.
“I have really enjoyed it here: the boys, the coaches, and the gaffer have been great. It’s been excellent so far and the move has been great for me. It’s good to always play with different players. There are a lot of games this season in quick succession, so it’s good to play with everyone and get those partnerships going.”
With our first game back at Plough Lane having been confirmed for 3 November, Alex added that he can’t wait to play at the new stadium – and he believes the move can help the club to really push forward.
“It’s definitely in the minds of the lads about going back to play at Plough Lane,” said Alex. “We all can’t wait for that. We’ve been down there a few times and it’s a great stadium. The pitch looks unbelievable. It will be brilliant, but also when the fans come in it will be extra special. We are all hoping it will happen soon and fans can come and watch us play. We want to give them something back by winning in front of them.
“Especially with where the stadium is – in the heart of Wimbledon, which is a great place – I think the club should be looking to progress. Hopefully, we can progress the team on the pitch and stuff off the pitch will move forward as well.”
On the challenge of facing an Accrington Stanley side that the Dons have had plenty of important tussles against in recent years, Alex said: “Accrington are a very good team, they have good coaches up there and they always play the right way. They always bring in good players and they have recruited well this season, so it will be a hard game. We have been working on it all week, learning about their strengths and weaknesses. We are ready to go for Saturday and hopefully we will get the three points again.
“We just have to take it game by game and prepare for what is in front of us. All we have been thinking about all week is Accrington and once that is out of the way we will prepare for the next game.
“The lads feel very confident. Fleetwood were a play-off team last season. It’s a really tough place to go Fleetwood, not just because they are a good team, but also due to the travelling. It can be a tough job, but the gaffer gave us a game plan and the boys stuck to that. This week has been brilliant, like every week. The boys work hard and there’s a good buzz around the place. We are all excited about Saturday.”
Click on the link below to watch Rob Cornell's extensive interview with Alex.