Wimbledon will have a fresh feeling about the squad as we look to combat a heatwave and visitors Doncaster Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
It’s been a busy start to the new campaign, as last Saturday’s long trip to Hartlepool in League Two was soon followed up by our exit from the Carabao Cup at home to Gillingham in midweek.
“It’s warm out there and we’re mindful of that,” said Johnnie after Thursday’s training session. “We’re mindful of the output we’ve had this week, obviously the journey to Hartlepool and a difficult game on Tuesday night as well. Some of the lads played in both of those games, so we’ve had to look after a couple – just make sure that they are recovering right and fresh and ready to go on Saturday. We’ve had a good group out there, working on a lot of things we want to try and implement.
“We’re well aware that rest is best sometimes, and we need to get players ready for Saturday. Others we can push a little bit harder. In terms of injuries though, we’ll be good to go. It’s just about getting the freshest team out there at the weekend which I feel will get us the result.
“I’m not going to talk about individuals, I was just really pleased that the other night we were able to utilise the squad. It was important with those that did come into the team, that I was able to see that they were ready to step in and understood what was required of them - and I saw that. That was pleasing and there were loads of positives.”
Tomorrow’s visitors Doncaster have had a similar sort of start to the season as us, having also dropped down from League One. They picked up a point from a goalless draw with Bradford on the opening day, and then beat Sutton United at home to pick up their four points. However, they also exited the Carabao Cup this week – going out to Lincoln City.
“I know that will be Doncaster’s remit to try and bounce back at the first attempt,” said Johnnie. “I know their manager Gary McSheffrey well, he’ll have been drilling them since day one of pre-season with that in mind. I’m sure he’ll be saying that’s their aim, so it’ll be a tough game. It’s a tough start to the season, as far as the opposition that we’ve faced, but we’ve picked up some good points.
“We want to make our home form count and we’re confident, with a lot of competition for places, that especially on our own patch we’re a match for anyone.
“I’m really looking forward again to Saturday. The sun will be shining and I’m sure they’ll turn out in their numbers and as always get behind their team. We need to match that, as a team, and give them something to shout about and really get behind."
You can see the full interview with Johnnie Jackson below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.