For Chris Hargreaves’ first game in charge as the Gulls’ manager, it’s surprising that on the morning of the game no match thread has appeared, so I thought I’d get one going. This is the start of a new era for the Gulls, halfway through the season, and it will require a minor miracle if we are to avoid relegation. But whether or not we avoid the drop, the signs are good that the team is in capable hands, the club having chosen a new young(ish) manager after the recent experiences with two experienced bosses, and I’m getting the same kind of feeling I had at the start of Paul Buckle’s tenure at Plainmoor, one of optimism and hope for the future, with Hargreaves being ably supported by new Assistant Manager Lee Hodges and the rest of the Plainmoor staff.
As for today’s opponents, AFC Wimbledon was founded in 2002 after the original Wimbledon FC was stolen from them and relocated to Milton Keynes and re-named MK Dons. In its short history, the club has been extremely successful, being promoted five times in nine seasons, and going up from the ninth tier (Combined Counties Premier) to the fourth (League Two). The only other club considered to have completed this feat is the now dissolved Rushden & Diamonds.
AFC Wimbledon holds the record of the longest unbeaten run of league matches in English senior football, having played 78 consecutive league games without a defeat between February 2003 and December 2004. AFC Wimbledon hold the distinction of being the first club to be formed in the 21st century to make it into the Football League.
They currently play at Kingsmeadow in Kingston-upon-Thames, London, a ground which is shared with Kingstonian, but their supporters are campaigning for a return to Plough Lane, a move you can support by clicking here: http://bringthedonshome.org/
Their manager is Neal Ardley, who joined the club in October 2012 following the departure of Terry Brown. Their Senior Professional Development Coach is Shaun North, who was Assistant Manager at Plainmoor under Paul Buckle. Their captain is Alan Bennett, and their top scorers are Frampton and Pell, both on 4 goals. For today’s game, defender Jim Fenlon has started a three-match ban following his sending off in the win at Wycombe. Midfielders George Francomb (calf) and Peter Sweeney (foot) and striker Charlie Strutton (leg) are all out.
Wimbledon lie 14th in League Two, with 32 points from 24 games. On New Years Day they lost 1-0 at Dagenham and last Saturday won 3-0 at Wycombe. Last six games: W1 D4 L3 Goals F6 A8
Last week they completed the loan signing of Middlesbrough striker Charlie Wyke. The 21-year-old, who scored twice in 26 appearances during a loan spell at Hartlepool last season, joined the Dons on an initial one-month deal. And yesterday they signed former Aldershot Town defender Aaron Morris on a free transfer. The 24-year-old made 44 appearances for the Shots last season but departed the Hampshire club in the summer after sustaining cruciate ligament damage. The former Wales Under-21 international, who can also play in midfield, began his career at Cardiff.
The Gulls are 23rd with 23 points from 25 games. On New Years Day at Home Park we lost 2-0 to Plymouth Argyle; this was Alan Knill’s last game as Gulls boss. Last Saturday with Geoff Harrop in charge we draw 1-1 at home to Morecambe in a game we deserved to win. Last six games: W2 D3 L3 Goals F7 A11
After last week’s fine performance I would expect few, if any, changes to today’s starting line-up, but this week’s loan signings of Jayden Stockley from Bournemouth and Shamie Goodwin from Brighton have given Chris Hargreaves additional options. Team news doubtless will follow later.
Well, that should be enough to get us started. sorry if i’ve missed anything; this post was written in a hurry. But if I made any errors, I’m sure you’ll soon put them right. Unfortunately I can’t make it to the game, but I’ll be glued to the radio and obviously hoping for a great win to begin the new era.
