In an interview with the South London Press, AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson revealed that midfielder Armani Little and forward Omar Bugiel had received new contracts.
Both players are mainstays in Johnnie Jackson’s squad this season, having joined the Dons in the summer. This season, Bugiel has made 35 appearances in League Two, with Little playing in one extra game. After spending 2023 on loan at the Dons, the latter joined from Forest Green Rovers and has since scored four goals and provided four assists for the season.
Bugiel, a Lebanon international, came from Sutton United, where he played in more than 130 games. The 30-year-old striker, who has nine goals and two assists so far, is the second-highest scorer for the team behind Ali Al-Hamadi. Bugiel’s minuted have increased since Al-Hamadi left to sign with Ipswich Town in January, and this coincides with his recent productivity.
The South London-based team is currently in seventh place, the final play-off spot, and is hoping to make the playoffs this year. If Johnnie Jackson’s team falters, Walsall, Crawley Town, Gillingham, Newport County, and Morecambe are all within three points and ready to strike.
In an interview with the South London Press, the manager stated:
“We’re in talks with them both, We have made the offers which we think reflect their standing at the club and how much we think about them.
“We want them to be a part of what we’re doing. These things are never straightforward, but all the talks we have had have been really positive – we can see no reason why they can’t both be with us longer term.”
Speaking on Bugiel, Jackson added:
“He’s involved in a team that’s pushing at the right end of the table to get into the play-off spots and do something special – he’s happy to be a part of that.
“Of course he wants to score goals – it’s what every striker wants to do – but the work he’s doing off the ball is equally important. He needs to keep doing that and the goals will come. He’s scoring in training and his confidence is still there.
“He’s making all the right runs – it’s just a matter of time. If he keeps doing those sorts of things, it will come. We’re not worried.”
The Wombles travel to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday in an attempt to get back to winning ways after their loss to Newport the previous weekend. Easter Monday they travel to Edgeley Park to play Stockport County, who are currently in second place, after hosting Harrogate Town on Easter Friday. Although the remaining three games are by no means simple, especially considering that two of the teams are among the top five, recent results are encouraging.
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