Harry Pell has fronted up after Saturday’s disappointing derby defeat to Sutton United and has spoken of his determination to get us back on track.
Our number eight discussed the mood in the camp, respecting the views of our supporters and how he believes we can battle out of the situation that we currently find ourselves in.
The full interview with Harry can be read below.
WHAT’S YOUR MOOD LIKE AFTER THE DEFEAT TO SUTTON?
If I’m being honest I feel deflated. I spoke to some fans after the game and I told them that I’m never going to shy away from responsibility. We’re going through a difficult period, there’s no denying that, but if I could ask for one thing it’s that we all stick together.
The fans all have the right intentions. Without them the club wouldn’t be here. We desperately need them behind us.
There are no hiding places. The players and staff will work tirelessly to put things right. We know our form is nowhere near good enough. We want to be at the opposite end of the table. It’s important that we pick up some points quickly.
HOW MUCH DOES THIS SQUAD CARE ABOUT THE CURRENT SITUATION?
We’ve got the right characters within this group. If someone didn’t care they’d soon be singled out by others. There’s no chance that we would let it come to that. If you look through the squad there’s boys who have come through the Academy and it’s their dream to play for Wimbledon.
People pay their hard-earned money each week to come and watch us and they have every right to voice their opinion if we haven’t been good enough. Emotions run high and at the end of the game it wasn’t a nice environment but at the same time I will never have a go at a fan for stating their views.
The most important thing right now is Wimbledon Football Club. The best thing we can do is create a positive vibe around the place. We want to ensure that our younger players thrive off the pressure as it is a learning experience for them.
IN YOUR FIRST SEASON WITH US YOU HELPED US THROUGH A TOUGH PERIOD. WHAT’S THE KEY TO GETTING THROUGH SITUATIONS LIKE THIS?
With the career I’ve had I know that there’s plenty of highs and lows. The only way to get through this is for us to put our shoulders back and stick our chests out. I watched the gaffer’s interview after the game and he’s right – you have to look yourself in the mirror and ask if you’re doing enough.
I feel that I could have scored a few more goals than what I have at key moments in games. It’s easy to drop your head and not keep going. If you’re going to war you need to know that your mate has got your back. It’s an important stage of the season.
THE MANAGEMENT TAKE A LOT OF THE BLAME WHEN WE AREN’T WINNING. HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE SQUAD?
We are doing everything we can. We get every single piece of information that we could ever need to help us win. The staff are in the same boat as us but when we cross the white line it’s up to us to get the job done. I felt the criticism of the manager was harsh – we as players were the ones that deserved to be booed.
PICS: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images)