Glyn Hodges today talked enthusiastically about Wimbledon’s preparations for the new League One season after bringing in seven new players during the summer.
The manager has almost a fully fit squad to choose from with only Ollie Palmer and Jack Rudoni missing out. New number nine Ollie has made good progress after recovering from a groin injury, but Glyn doesn’t want to take any chances with his fitness.
Speaking about picking a starting 11 for the match at Northampton, Glyn said: “It’s going to be really hard. There are going to be some disappointed lads, but we have a good squad and everyone is going to be needed. We are going to have to get everyone buying into the idea that they might not be in the team, but they still need to support the lads in it. We are going to need everyone at some stage, so they need to hide their disappointment and wish the lads all the best. If we can stick together as a group and get that in place we will be far better off.
“Eleven players went out the door, so we’ve had to rebuild. It’s been tough, but good because we are really pleased with the acquisitions. We’ve had players with a few tweaks, but we are going in there with almost a fully fit squad to choose from. The seven-and-a-half week pre-season has gone really well with no injuries, so the squad is fit and strong and we are looking forward to it.”
On the fitness of Ollie Palmer and Jack Rudoni, Glyn added: “Ollie has had two weeks back. We’ve been working him hard and he’s been pushing himself. He hasn’t had the minutes that the others have had and we are trying to arrange a game for him next week, but he’s still available if we need to use him. I probably didn’t expect him to be back this early, but he’s come back well.
“He’s a long way behind the other lads. They are really fit and strong because they’ve been working so hard. There’s no rush for Ollie. He’s going to be a big player for us, so I would rather him wait and take his time, so that he comes back in the best physical shape, rather than be open to other injuries. It’s a delicate one, but we are just making sure that we don’t push him too hard because we don't want him to break down.”
“Jack got concussion in the first game of pre-season against Corinthian Casuals, and it’s been a slow one. We can’t push him as it takes time. He’s on the bike and getting going again. Hopefully, he comes through.”
Click on the link below to watch the full interview with Glyn.