On the eve of the new season, we’ve brought back a Wimbledon favourite and someone who knows our new manager very well to ask some searching questions.
Anthony Wordsworth and Johnnie Jackson were both born in Camden, grew up on the same estate and later in life were teammates at Colchester United. While Johnnie took charge of the Dons in May, Anthony is now aiming to carve out a different career for himself – as a sports journalist, as he is currently studying for a degree in sports writing and broadcasting at Staffordshire University.
“It is important to get off to a good start to the new season, regardless of what has gone before," Johnnie told Anthony.
“Last season is history, if you like, but there is no skirting around it – supporters haven’t seen their team win for quite a while. We’re really keen to give them that winning feeling back. It’s great that we start at home and in front of our own fans. We’ve had a big turnover of players, so there shouldn’t be a hangover from last season.
“I don’t want my players to be burdened by the past – it’s gone, it’s done. We’re just looking forward now and I know they’re really excited about the new season and we’re confident we can make this place a fortress.”
While we’ll have to do without captain Alex Woodyard (calf) on Saturday, we will have another option to choose from up front for the visit of Gillingham tomorrow afternoon.
“Aaron Cosgrave (ankle) has returned to training, so we are getting bodies back,” said Johnnie. “David Fisher (hamstring) is close to returning, but he won’t be ready in time. The only sort of long-term injury at the moment is Woody. We’re assessing Luke McCormick, as he missed out last weekend with a knock, so we’re keeping an eye on that one.”
With the manager still looking to bolster his squad, Anthony, with somewhat of a smile, did suggest he knew of a left footed midfielder! Barring the prospect of a second coming for him, Anthony asked Johnnie for the latest on strengthening his squad.
“I would like to bring in one or two more players, in an ideal world,” said Johnnie. “It’s not an ideal world and I won’t just bring in bodies for the sake of it. It has to be the right positions and as I’ve always maintained – the right characters. I would like to do a couple more signings, as there are areas of the squad that could do with the depth.”
Music plays a big part in both their lives, with Johnnie having listed that he is a recording artist in his twitter biography and having released work previously for charity. He also sent our interviewer Anthony a cover version of a song by The Libertines! So, when are we likely to see the gaffer break out his guitar?
“I haven’t got the guitar out in front of the lads; I don’t think we’re quite there yet!” said Johnnie. “I know I’ve done things before, but that was me miles out of my comfort zone. It’s more a thing for when I’m at home, relaxing.”
Watch Anthony Wordsworth’s full interview with Johnnie Jackson below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.