AFC Wimbledon’s manager Terry Brown gave his opinions on the club’s future in the first Meet the Manager session of the new season last night.
By Maxim McDonald
AFC Wimbledon’s manager Terry Brown gave his opinions on the club’s future in the first Meet the Manager session of the new season last night.
Around 150 fans were in the Kingsmeadow middle bar to hear Brown discuss topics including the new team formation, the players going full-time and this year’s World Cup.
The new home and away kit was also on sale and many fans made sure they did not miss out.
Brown, Dons manager of three years, said: “It is a great turnout and I am really pleased. It’s good for the club’s coffers and we will try and spend the money as wisely as we can.”
AFC Wimbledon this year will play an attacking 4-4-2 formation, as opposed to last year’s diamond shape, hoping to reach the Conference Premier League playoffs.
Brown explained the change was necessary as more teams pack the midfield with players, and argued it was therefore important controlling this area to press forward onto the opposition’s side of the pitch.
On the club’s players now being full-time, Brown said: “This is the most exciting thing that has happened since I have been here, the club had to go full-time and bite the bullet if it wants to progress.”
He said the difference in performance will especially be noticed after the Christmas period, when the players start to use heavyweights to maintain fitness that would not have been possible otherwise due to restricted time for proper training.
Regarding the World Cup, Brown criticised the England squad for lacking heart and the quality on show in general: “It has been bitterly disappointing, we wanted the best stars to produce, I know none of ours did.”
He mentioned AFC Wimbledon players he was particularly excited about this season including Andre Blackman, Ismail Yakubu, Lee Minshull, Rashid Yussuff, Mark Nwokeji and Christian Jolley.
On Saturday, AFC Wimbledon plays its first pre-season friendly match at home against Charlton Athletic where Brown will be trying out 11 different players for each half.
