Terry Skiverton is happy with the squad’s fitness levels heading into Christmas, and our New Year prospects for the next transfer window are also looking healthy.
Our Assistant Manager feels that we’ve seen the worst of a bug that swept through the Dons camp in the build-up to Wednesday night’s game at Plymouth, as we prepare for a run of three League Two games in less than a week – starting with the visit of Newport on Boxing Day.
Defender Huseyin Biler missed our Papa John’s Trophy tie at Home Park due to suspension, but he can be called upon again over the festive period and others are also heading back into contention.
“Nathan Young-Coombes is back as well,” said Terry. “Paul Osew has been with the squad and Will Nightingale is not far away with his return now.
“For us, it’s an exciting time getting all these players back and the more that they train with the squad it’s going to make us a lot stronger. We’re hopeful that we’ve got a full squad to pick from.”
After a trip to Colchester next Thursday evening and a derby at Sutton on New Year’s Day, the focus will very much will be on how our management team shape the squad for the second half of the season.
“We call it ‘spinning plates!’, said Terry. “The more plates you spin, the more players you talk to, the targets will drop into place. It’s an important time.
“We’ve been making plans for months, making sure that we’re ahead of the game. When the window opens, it’s really important that we’re not left behind to pick up the pieces.
“This will be our second window since myself and the gaffer came in and we’ve got some really exciting targets and some names in mind, but also, we’ve got to realise where we are and who we’ll be competing with.
“We’ve got ourselves into a good position in the league and I think Wimbledon is a very attractive club for players to come to. We’re still monitoring the players that we have got and there maybe one or two going, as well as one or two coming in.”
More immediately, eighteenth place Newport are next up at the Cherry Red Records Stadium and the Exiles will be looking to put our eight-game unbeaten run in League Two and five successive clean sheets to the test.
“Although it’s very much a working day for us, it’s always a special time for supporters and their families in the football calendar,” said Terry.
“One thing I do share with their boss Graham Coughlan is that we both had Paul Sturrock as a manager! They’re a very good team, and it will be a tough test for us. Going into these games we will have a bit of freshness about us with players coming back.”
Photos: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images).
You can see the full interview with our Assistant Manager Terry Skiverton below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.