Site-Wide Activity

A suspiciously quick recovery from a calf strain by Lyle Taylor? Reading between the lines there may have been something in the rumours of a falling out behind the scenes. Either they have been sorted, or he will be off within the next four weeks – let’s hope it is the former…

Windlesham. Who was who said, “Attack is the best form of defence”. That would be an exciting formation, but I can’t see it happening until we’re 6-0 up in a game with 10 minutes to go, or early April when we’ve nothing to play for.

Of course, while talking of formations the one I’d love to see the gaffer try (but I’m not holding my breath) is a 3-5-2 as follows:
Long,
Charles, Robinson, Fuller (centre backs),
Oshilaja, Sibbick (wing backs with pace to burn),
Abdou, Trotter/Soares, Parrett (centre midfield),
Appiah/McDonald/Taylor (best pair out of 3).

IMO this would be a…[Read more]

Many thanks for the Aldershot and Ebbsfleet updates guys, now we just wait for the real stuff to begin!

I cannot help but think that the PSFs may have left the squad slightly undercooked. I’d have liked to see the starting XI for Scunny given a run out together this weekend so that they could iron out any creases in a friendly, rather than in…[Read more]

I wouldn’t disagree much with your starting 11 Singapore.

Back four is 100% correct in my opinion, especially with Darius out, though I’d expect him to reclaim his spot once fit.

The rest is more tricky and depends on the formation being played.

If 4-4-2 I’d go with a diamond of Parrett (forward) and Abdou (back) with Francomb and Barcham out…[Read more]

Another grey, wet setting for a pre-season friendly, what on earth has happened to our summer?? But there were rays of sunshine in the Dons’ play at Ebbsfleet, and it was a bright outcome with a deserved 2-1 win. I’m happy too to be able say that I was there for the very rare, lesser spotted Fuller goal – only his second in his time at Wimbledon…[Read more]

Remind me which month we are in. At Aldershot the weather was more agin to January than July. Heavy rain rolling in with a heavy wind. It ruined the game. The open nature of the Shots ground didn’t help. It meant goal kicks barely reaching the half way line, over hit paces, miss hit passes, lots of mistakes, you get the picture.

We had a VERY…[Read more]

With unwanted Chris Whelpdale released by ‘mutual consent’ and returning to former club Stevenage, Neal Ardley now has his chance to add a fourth striker to his squad for the coming season. There has been some chatter [and I hasten to add I have no clue of the current situation] about a return of striker Michael Smith, who had an impressive loan…[Read more]

Hi Liam,

I will be at the Brentford game, but probably won’t arrive until 18:30ish. Will you have a UK mobile when over here? My number is oh771oh 142oh74 – give me a bell if anything changes, or post a message on here.

Looking forward to meeting a fellow WDSA contributor!

John Martin (aka Windlesham Don)

No worries, Pete. Am there until early September so will be at the home game v Donny. Also going to Blackpool away, even though I can’t stand the place.
Hopefully no news about LTB is good news. Hope you enjoy the Ebbsfleet game and the Dons put in a good performance.
COYDs

Hi Liam. Unfortunately O won’t see you at any of the first three games – I’m off in India and Pakistan for the 70th anniversary of Partition, but back till Aug 16. Great shame. How long are you in the UK? I went to Wycombe and am going to Ebbsfleet to see some Dons action and suss some of the new players. It would be great to see you at a game, so…[Read more]

Hi Windlesham, hi Singapore. Despite the Wycombe result, I am still quietly optimistic about the coming season. Would be a big blow to lose LTB but that rumour seems to be losing legs so fingers crossed we keep him.
First home game for me will be the Brentford LC game. Arguably the most attractive fixture in the first month.
So how about we meet…[Read more]

Down to earth with a bit of a bump last night, at the hands of our ‘old friends’ from Wycombe.

We couldn’t handle their direct style and in the first 45 minutes Bayo gave our defence a torrid time. He often had several runners off him which he picked out at will seemingly.

In general, Wycombe seemed to treat it as more of a competitive fixture…[Read more]

Some very interesting but upsetting news this morning about a potential departure if true it could be very heartbreaking for myself and many fans

If the sign of a good close season is where the team improves in quality, we just may all give a sigh of relief. What was interesting about last night’s performance was the number of academy players who impressed, the new signings all putting in good performances, and the general style of football.

It was evident from the off that we were playing…[Read more]

Liam, I’m sure that both myself and Singapore Don would love to meet up with you and chat over the prospects for the new season when you are here!

I’ll not be at Scunny, but I’ll be at KM for the Brentford cup game and Shrewsbury – it would be great to meet up!

Post on here what time you will be at KM and we can arrange to meet. I am normally…[Read more]

Thanks again to Singapore and Windlesham for the PSF match reports. I was feeling pessimistic after the departure of Reeves, but the incoming players and Ardley’s comments at the Meet the Manager evening have given me confidence the Dons can survive again in L1.
It is very dangerous to read anything into PSF results, but two wins over higher…[Read more]

Below is a view of new signing Liam Trotter from a Millwall fan:

“This debate about Trotter has gone on for a long time and was at its peak when he played for us. The honest truth is that on his day he could boss a game and win it for you with some great insight, some incisive passing and the odd goal or two at vital moments.
Sadly, his day…[Read more]

Good to meet up with Singapore Don for a beer and a chat (congrats on the work promotion BTW!) and great to see another uplifting performance from the boys.

Firstly, Burton, who were frankly awful. They lacked desire and fitness in my view. During the second half they resorted to some fairly crude challenges, which just illustrated that they…[Read more]

Frustratingly I wrote a detailed report of tonight’s Burton game here – and it disappeared. Grrr! So suffice to say, it was a thoroughly entertaining game, all the more enjoyable for being watched alongside Windlesham Don. I can’t rewrite the detailed report, too late and tired, so in a nutshell:

Parrett was deservedly man of the match – very…[Read more]