When January rolls around, AFC Wimbledon supporters frequently find themselves holding their hands to their faces and guessing what will happen next. There was always a feeling that, in 2024, both their darkest fears would come true and that they would also appear hopeful.
It is well knowledge that the team owes people who helped fund the construction of the Plough Lane stadium a “friendly debt.” As a result, they become a selling club that occasionally finds a gem to sell and use the proceeds to pay off debt and fund the playing budget for the astute people who are doing the recruitment of players. Craig Cope, Head of Football Operations, and Chief Scout Andy Thorn have done a sterling job since their introduction which has given supporters a new belief.
The football team has always thought ahead. More progressive, but anchored by a sturdy defence. Due to this, the Dons have finished in the top half of the standings every game since their opening two league games, which ended in draws.
The Wombles are poised to climb into the playoff spots after winning their last two home games against rivals Mansfield Town and Barrow, who are both vying for promotion. With a game left to play against the team now occupying third place, they are only eight points off of the automatic spots.
After receiving some harsh lessons last year, Johnnie Jackson is still getting used to life in the murky waters of League Two management eighteen months into his job. Given the disappointing second part of the previous season and some occasionally quite perplexing tactical choices, many would have seen the axe fall. Despite occasional tactical errors, he has managed to find a formula that works, and as a result, the team is competing for positions, which leads to improved performances. As a result, he recently received two-year contract extensions, as did his assistant Terry Skiverton. As he attempts to take the club to new heights, this will provide him stability as well as a sense of loyalty and belonging.
A long Christmas and New Year can wear clubs out, and this time of year is no exception. Players arriving and going, suspensions, and injuries. All of this wears on you, and sometimes the familiarity that keeps a strong defence cohesive might fade. Despite navigating all of this over the past month, Wimbledon has good cause to think that everything will work out in the end. After signing a permanent contract with Stockport County following his productive loan stint, the well-liked centre back will now be out for up to a month. When you combine this with Ryan Johnson’s same length of injury, things might not get any better.
The Dons have barely missed a beat in the last three games, surrendering only once, thanks to the arrival of Kofi Balmer, on loan from Crystal Palace, and the veteran Lee Brown’s move from left back to the middle. Paul Kalambayi also filled in for the draw at Bradford. Hus Biler and Isaac Ogundere are both youthful and competitive candidates for the right back position, with the former starting at this time because of the latter’s ban. The fight for spots and the knowledge that every position is covered once everyone is well again will be excellent news for the Dons.
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