Football Season Guide

Mark Robinson was a surprise choice to succeed Glyn Hodges as AFC Wimbledon head coach back in February. The Dons were in the midst of yet another relegation battle in League One and Robinson pulled off another escape with a series of impressive results. Robinson comes over as an intense and drive man and he wasn’t prepared to define survival as success at the conclusion of the last campaign. Having worked his way up through the youth system at Plough Lane, he was quick to give young players a chance. The introduction of 19-year-old midfield playmaker Ayoub Assal was a masterstroke as he gave the side a flash of individual brilliance which had previously been missing. He provided several assists for striker and leading goalscorer Joe Pigott, who had already announced his intention to leave this summer. He has signed for Ipswich Town. Replacing Pigott will be incredibly difficult, although Ollie Palmer has something to prove after an injury-hit first season. Key loanees have returned to their parent clubs this summer and the loan market will need to be utilised again this time around. Young striker Aaron Pressley has already arrived on a season-long loan from Brentford. The standout capture has been midfield playmaker Luke McCormick, who has signed a permanent deal from Chelsea, having shown glimpses of his talent whilst on loan at Bristol Rovers last season. The return of fans at the new Plough Lane should have a galvanising effect and there is plenty of cause for optimism in SW19.