As another important Sky Bet League Two fixture approaches this evening, Johnnie Jackson has lifted the lid on how he plans to maximise the potential of our squad.
With seven new additions making the switch to Plough Lane, getting the new men settled in will be key as we enter an important stage of the campaign. Whilst this season is our main focus, the gaffer also reveals that 2023/24 is also part of his thinking in terms of recruitment.
Furthermore, Johnnie also discusses the challenges of rotation and pays tribute to Ashley Bayes, as our long-serving Goalkeeper Coach approaches his tenth anniversary of being a Don.
INTEGRATING NEW SIGNINGS
It’s different for every player in every position. When I speak to a player about coming to the Club, I give them some background on what we are as a team, and how I see them within it in terms of their position.
A lot of it is individual stuff that they are taught from clips but more of it is done on the training pitch. If they don’t get into the team straight away, I’ll speak to them and tell them to make sure they’re observing what the lad in their position is doing. Out of possession matters more than anything really because they have a bit more freedom when in possession.
For example Aaron Pierre was at the Bradford City game before he signed, so he got a great idea of how we defend our box and our overall structure. You also have a number of players that have played under me before, which means there is that knowledge there. However sometimes they come in completely blind and the reality is it’s going to take time for the team to gel.
PLANNING FOR NEXT SEASON
Some of the signings we have made are with the longer term in mind. The likes of Ali Al-Hamadi are players on longer contracts who are going to be with us next season. Other additions are for the here and now and then you have some guys that are with us that perhaps might turn into longer term things.
We’re focused on finishing this season strongly and about where that can get us to, but we also have one eye on next season. Our Club Chair spoke publicly about how we used some of the funds to help in this window but also about how we’ve held some back in the budget for next year. The sales we have made have allowed us to be competitive.
ROTATION AND STAYING STRONG DEFENSIVELY
It’s really positive for me and the group as well to know that we can make changes and it doesn’t affect the team’s defensive performance. We’re solid and we’re continuing to get clean sheets. I keep reinforcing to the boys that we’re going to need every single one of them over these next few weeks.
We’re going to have to be smart and make changes in certain games. Not only for freshness, but also for the different opposition that we’re going to face. Everyone needs to know their roles. I’ve got a real confidence that I can make those changes because everyone is ready to put the work in.
The defence speaks for itself. Chris Gunter was in the side and keeping clean sheets before he went away to the World Cup, he came back and had to wait for another opportunity again because someone got in ahead of him.
Will Nightingale has also come back from injury and found that he can’t get a game because the lads in his position are playing well and doing their jobs. Aaron is also yet to feature but we’re going to need all of them.
BAYZO CLOSES IN ON A DECADE
He’s been huge for me. I knew him a little bit before I came to the Club. Having people like Bayzo and Rob (Tuvey) - those who know the Club inside out - has been invaluable to me. I came in cold as a manager with no previous connections to Wimbledon.
The way Bayzo is around the place and the way he lifts spirits is unique. He’s always positive. It’s great to have those types of people around you and he’s obviously very good at what he does in terms of producing top quality goalkeepers.
PICS: Pro Sports Images and Lucy Dixon