A Saturday game at Plough Lane is always something to look forward to – and this weekend’s fixture is one that Ryley Towler is relishing.
The Bristol City loanee was thrust into the action far earlier than planned against Bradford as he replaced the injured Alex Pearce but it was a challenge that the young defender took in his stride as he produced an assured display at the heart of the back three.
Now he’s looking forward to experiencing our home support on a Saturday for the first time since moving to the Cherry Red Records Stadium as we take on Colchester United.
Watch the full interview on our Official YouTube Channel.
“I remember Tim (Maynard) telling me to get warm. I wasn’t expecting it but I’m always ready and prepared,” he said. “We did well – the forwards pressed, the midfielders pressed and the defenders backed them up. We were unlucky not to get three points in the end. It was a brilliant feeling to celebrate the goal from Chis (Ethan Chislett) with our fans and see them going mental.
“I haven’t played at home on a Saturday yet. Hopefully it’ll be three points in the bag and then we can celebrate with the supporters again. I’ve been really enjoying the games. I think I’ve done well. We haven’t got the results we’ve wanted just yet but I’m telling you – they’ll be coming soon.”
When he’s not getting minutes in for the Dons on the field of play, our centre-back is fine-tuning his rap skills to entertain his new team-mates.
“I did my initiation at Carlisle away,” he explained. “A few of the boys had to do it too, which made it a bit easier. I ended up singing Juicy by Biggie Smalls. It was a good little rap and I think it went down well!”
Ryley slotted in seamlessly alongside Lee Brown and Will Nightingale – a pairing that he has a lot of admiration for despite the fact that the former previously played for his parent club’s arch rivals!
“I’ve spoken to him (Lee Brown) about (Bristol) Rovers and where he lived when he was there. I think he scored a goal to take them up a few years ago. He’s quality, he’s always talking to me, and giving me little pieces of advice.
“He (Will Nightingale) put everything into it (the Bradford game). He put his head through everything. He was brilliant. On the ball he was hitting good diagonal balls too, he was different class.”
Last, but by no means least, Ryley also paid tribute to a man who knows a thing or two about the art of defending.
“Terry (Skiverton) helped me straight away with my communication. It’s about me being louder, making demands of others and not showing players inside.”
PICS: Pro Sports Images and Lucy Dixon