AFC Wimbledon boss Downes: We’ll be ready for Charlton game – no excuses

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Wally Downes says there will be no excuses if his AFC Wimbledon side are not ready for Saturday’s derby at Charlton.

The Dons have a full week to prepare for the fixture at The Valley. The hosts are in action Tuesday night at Portsmouth.

New Wimbledon manager Downes said: “It’s a week that everybody is used to. It’s a week I’m comfortable, I know exactly what I’m doing.

“We’ll go into the Charlton game and they’ll be no excuses for us.

“Monday we will review this game [Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Rochdale] and get it out of the way. Their legs are going to need to recover but we’ll get some work into them Tuesday and then prepare for the game on Thursday and Friday.”

Former Dons player Downes too charge of his first game at the weekend.

Andy Barcham curled home an equalising goal at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. Wimbledon are six points adrift of safety.

Downes said: “There was one bloke still shouting at me. It used to be ‘get off Downes’ and now it is ‘Downes’ out’. If I can just find him after all these years!

“The fans were behind the boys. As long as they can see the team are having a battle and a go out there then they are very forgiving.”

Pics by Paul Edwards