The real thing can’t come soon enough for midfielder Harry Pell, as he’s counting down the days to the start of the new season.
“Bring it on! I’ll play wherever the gaffer wants me to play,” said Harry after our 2-0 victory away to Wealdstone rounded off an unbeaten pre-season campaign, with just one goal conceded in 540 minutes.
“The new lads aren’t so new anymore! It’s been really positive, but I for one am really looking forward to seeing the back of pre-season now and getting our teeth into the real games."
“I think we’ve got a clear way of playing. Everyone has bought into it and there’s a lot of positive energy around the place at the moment.
“That week we spent as a squad of players in Benidorm, we lived in each other's pockets. I’m really thankful for that, because after a few days - as I said - the new players weren’t seen as new anymore.
“The Club has given us everything we’ve needed, so now it’s over to us, the players, to push forward and to hopefully make a really positive start to the League Two campaign.”
“You’ve got 24 players raring for the opportunity to put the Wimbledon shirt on and go and do ourselves justice this year. I’m hoping that we can go to Grimsby and really put in a solid effort and grab those three points - it’d be a great start.”
Having rejoined the club last year, Harry also spoke about his role going forward - such is the competition for places this season.
“The gaffer spoke to me a couple of times about it,” said Harry. “It’s something I think that I’ve got in my game from when I was at Accrington Stanley.
“I played off Colby Bishop and scored eight or nine goals and he was a pleasure to play off. Further forward, I do think I’m more effective, but first and foremost I’m here as a player for Wimbledon and if the gaffer wants to play me in midfield, up front or in goal - it’s no problem!
“I want to do my bit for the team and hopefully help this club have a really good season.”
Harry was also sad to see midfield colleague Alex Woodyard move on from the Dons in recent days, someone who welcomed him back to the Club.
“Alex is a real good friend of mine,” said Harry. “I think he was a bit unlucky last year. He didn’t really get a full pre-season behind him. As an experienced pro, I can tell you how difficult that is, when you haven’t had a solid pre-season you’re continuously playing catch up.
“I’m really sad to see him go, because when I first moved here he was in my car school. I spent so much time with him and I’ve known him for years and years. He’s a great guy and I wish him all the best at York, I hope he has a really good season and I will miss him.”
Photos: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images).