Ollie Palmer’s long-awaited Wimbledon debut provided a milestone moment in his career as it marked his 250th Football League appearance.
However, our summer signing is determined that it will be just the start, as he continues a proud association with the club that stretches back decades to a time when his Grandfather Tony Wright played for Wimbledon.
“Everyone knows about my family ties with the club and for me that’s great, but it’s much more than that. It’s my career and I’m here to come and score goals, to lead the team up the league table. I want to be out on that pitch ultimately, and I want to be playing and scoring goals. You are going to see me giving 100 per cent every single week. It’s unfortunate that the fans are not allowed in the stadiums. It’s something that you have to deal with as a player and a fan. Hopefully, that can be resurrected as soon as possible, but in a safe capacity, and getting things back to a little bit of normality.
“I’ve missed a few games, but I’m a determined player anyway. You are always going to get 100 per cent from me out on that pitch, whether it’s my first game, 10th game, or my 50th game. It’s just a case of building up my minutes now, staying out on that pitch, and getting some goals.”
Coming on as a late substitute against Blackpool in midweek meant everything to Ollie, who had not played a league match since February when he was at Crawley. It’s been a long road back since he underwent a groin injury – and he thanked Wimbledon’s medical team for putting up with him!
“It felt unbelievable to be back out there after a lot of hard work and emotion – a lot of dedication built up to that moment. Just to get that 10 minutes felt good.
“It’s been a frustrating time for me and a bit naïve from my point of view because when I signed I thought I would probably miss pre-season and be fit for the first or second league game, but the medical team here were a bit more switched on! They knew how long that I would be out for. I had a little setback with a small quad tear after pushing myself a little bit too hard to get back. Apart from that, it has been bang on and thanks to all of the medical team here. They’ve been really helpful and put up with me on the days I’ve been moaning quite a lot!
“It’s just good to be with the lads. It is a really good changing room, everyone gets on really well. Everyone has been really welcoming, I am really loving being here, and being involved with the lads. I’m looking forward to coming in each morning and that’s credit to everyone in the building.”
Ollie denied he was the instigator of one or two pranks at the training ground in recent weeks! Listen to Ollie’s full interview by clicking on the link below.