AFC Wimbledon boss praises ‘outstanding’ Bristol City loanee

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson has praised Ryley Towler and believes the Bristol City loanee was the only player to emerge from the 3-1 defeat against Walsall with any credit.

The 20-year-old joined on a season-long loan from the Robins on deadline day.

Towler, who spent the first half of last season with National League side Grimsby Town, has featured in the last five League Two outings under Jackson.

He has been mainly used as one of the three centre-backs but was forced to play in midfield last time out against Walsall.

Towler scored his first goal for the club in the 21st minute, capitalising on a loose ball inside the area to draw the Dons level. He also won 10 aerial battles – the most of any player on the pitch – during the 90 minutes at the Bescot Stadium last Saturday.

“Ryley has been outstanding,” Jackson told the South London Press.

“He has come in on loan to a new club and had to bide his time for the opportunity.

“He came on against Bradford, was thrust into the action early on, and he was superb. He followed that up against Colchester with a really strong performance.

“He has shown his versatility as well. He came on as the right centre-back of a back three against Carlise, and that wasn’t his natural position, but he got on with it and did the job.

“We have also had to utilise him in midfield as well due to the injuries to Maghoma and Marsh.

“We knew Ryley was reliable, he can handle the ball, and he’s a physical presence, which we felt we would need in that game. Ryley is one who emerges from that game with real credit.

“He wants to play football and gets on with it. We’re really pleased with him and his development, so hopefully that continues.

“He’s a really mature lad – a really good professional. He’s a credit to himself and Bristol City.

“It shows real maturity to his game that he has been asked to play in several different positions already and has performed admirably in them all.

“Whether he has been playing in a natural position or not, he has risen to the task.”