Our manager is keen for our side to avoid becoming back-page news this weekend as we take on Weymouth in the first round of the FA Cup.
A competition built around a history of providing giant-killing moments, the Dons have been on both sides of the fence in previous years – with our highpoint being the 1988 final as we defeated the mighty Liverpool at Wembley.
This time around we are seen as the favourites and with that in mind the gaffer is keen for our team to not take the task of facing the National League South side lightly.
As part of an extensive preview, Johnnie discusses our preparations, his memories of the cup and more in wide-ranging interview.
HOW HAVE YOUR PREPARATIONS BEEN THIS WEEK?
We’re approaching it like any other game. We’ve done our homework on them to understand how they play and what they try and do. We’ll certainly show them respect and pick a strong team that can go and win the game for us.
IS THERE A TEMPTATION TO POTENTIALLY KEEP FAITH WITH SOME OF THE LADS WHO PERFORMED WELL AGAINST PORTSMOUTH?
A lot of the boys have shown me that I can trust them. They’ve showed me that they’re up for the fight that is required to challenge for a shirt in every game. There’s some good stuff that’s come out of it and it will affect my thinking. Everyone needs to continue to do that on a regular basis in training and in games.
HOW CLOSE IS ALEX PEARCE TO A RETURN?
Pearcey won’t be involved this weekend but we hope to have him back in training at the start of next week.
WHY DID YOU FEEL ISAAC OGUNDERE WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE TO BE CAPTAIN FOR THAT GAME?
Ogs has been excellent since he’s been called upon. He’s featured in every game since his debut up at Bradford. He’s a shown a great level of maturity for someone of his age and conducts himself well. I felt that because of the position he was playing and the exposure that’s he’s had, he was the right man to lead the team out.
THE FA CUP IS A COMPETITION THAT WE HAVE A RICH HISTORY IN. IS THAT SOMETHING THAT YOU’LL REMIND THE PLAYERS OF?
Of course. I think it’s an important message. It’ll show in the team that I pick for the game. We’re taking a lot of fans down for the game and it’s a big occasion. It’s always been a big deal for this club. Our supporters will help us as they always do but the motivation to get through to the next round has to come from within.
HOW WARY ARE YOU OF A POTENTIAL GIANT-KILLING?
Weymouth will be looking at it as an opportunity to put their name on the map. We need to guard against that and understand that we don’t want to become the story of the round for the wrong reasons. I’m always wary of it. We need to match them from the start in all aspects.
WHAT MEMORIES DO YOU HAVE OF THE FA CUP?
I’ve got a couple but they’re not all that rosy! I played in the quarter-finals when I was at Charlton and we lost to Sheffield United. It was gutting for me as we were in the league above at the time. We were expected to win and missed out on the opportunity to play at Wembley in the semi-final.
I also played for Spurs against Manchester City. We were 3-0 up and then lost 4-3. I’ve experienced some mixed emotions in it but it always throws up some dreams.
WHAT DID YOU MAKE OF LAST NIGHT’S FA YOUTH CUP WIN?
It was a really good performance. They scored some unbelievable goals and played some great football. There was a great crowd in attendance too which helped to create a good atmosphere. I really enjoyed the game and I thought the lads were a credit to Simon Clark and his staff.
PICS: Pro Sports Images and Lucy Dixon