AFC Wimbledon boss makes transfer admission as he discusses future of player linked with Bolton and Ipswich Town
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Wally Downes has revealed he would not be comfortable blocking the chance for AFC Wimbledon’s players to ply their trade at a higher level.
The Dons turned down offers at Championship level for club captain Deji Oshilaja at the end of the summer transfer window.
Bermondsey-raised Oshilaja, 25, ended a month out with an ankle injury when he resumed training on Tuesday. And Downes admits his own plans for incomings will be shaped by exits as well.
Asked about whether Oshilaja could move before the end of January, he said: “I think he has been very professional to play the amount of games he has, having had a move turned down when it was.
“That’s the sort of situation that I wouldn’t like to get myself into. If he is offered the sort of money that can change his life – and be better then it is – the club’s responsibility is to have people coming through who are ready replacements for them.
“It is a heck of a lot of money for a club like us to turn down.
“At the moment I’m only really looking to strengthen one area, but if there are comings and goings elsewhere and money involved, then I think the club is duty-bound to take it while we can get it. It’s important for us to have a succession plan.”
PICTURE BY PAUL EDWARDS
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
