Johnnie Jackson is expecting a very different encounter on Saturday to our last against Mansfield Town, with the Dons out to show how far we’ve come since August.
As well as looking back to our previous meeting with the Stags, our manager pinpoints how we’re aiming to get the best out of several players and highlights the importance of our Head of Performance and Recruitment Analysis, Tom Daws.
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WHAT ARE THE MAIN THINGS YOU’VE LEARNT AS A MANAGER SINCE THE LAST TIME WE PLAYED MANSFIELD?
I remember feeling a bit hard done by on that night. We started the match well, took the lead and they got back into it because they’re a good side. The red card cost us the game – in the end it got rescinded, so you wonder what might have been had we had 11.
A lot has gone on since then, it feels like a lifetime ago. We’ve changed a lot of personnel since then, we’ve changed our style and our formation. We’re a very different team and for that reason I expect a very different game. I’ve learnt a lot about this league, about my own squad and about how best to approach games.
DO YOU THINK PLAYING IN A FRONT TWO AGAIN IS HELPING JOSH DAVISON?
I believe so. It’s easy to forget how much football he’s played this season. I think he’s played one of the highest amounts of minutes in the league. That’s something we’re well aware of but Josh wants to play every game, which is something we’d never discourage.
Up to now he’s not had a natural strike partner and we haven’t had the luxury of potentially taking him out of the starting 11. It’s given us that flexibility. As a front two they’ve looked good together, they’re dangerous and they like playing together.
KASEY MCATEER HAS MADE A GOOD IMPRESSION ON THE FANS SO FAR. WHAT DO YOU FEEL HIS BEST POSITION IS?
One of the things we like about him the most are the capabilities that he has to play in numerous midfield positions. I think he’s naturally an eight, an attacking midfield player. But equally he can play that role on the right – he can run, he can go past people.
I feel he could do it off the left hand side as well. Leicester City have used him at wing-back and full-back as well. He’s one of those players who managers love to have because of his versatility.
AARON PIERRE HASN’T PLAYED A LOT OF FOOTBALL THIS SEASON. WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE BEEN TO HIM SINCE HE JOINED US?
It’s been difficult for him. We had a good chat with him today. As long as he trains hard and keeps himself in top condition there will be opportunities to play. Injuries, suspensions and rotations – all those things come into it.
INJURY UPDATE
Alex Pearce and Jack Currie are touch and go. We hope to have them available but we will make late calls on both. Huseyin Biler is still a few weeks away – he’s one of the longer term ones along with Diallang Jaiyesimi and Harry Pell.
Tom Daws has moved into a new position as our Head of Performance and Recruitment Analysis. How impressed have you been by his work since coming to the club?
Dawsy has been first class, I’m really impressed with his work. Since I’ve been in management I’ve looked to work closely with analysts – it aids your game preparation through the use of clips.
He’s very thorough and in turn he’s started to learn what I want and what I require from that side of things. It’s a two way thing as I’ve also learnt how he works best.
Rob Tuvey is mic’d up to Tom on the gantry during our matches, he provides us with a different view point and has his input at half-time, full-time and in the build up to games.
PICS: Pro Sports Images and Lucy Dixon