AFC Wimbledon had no ‘willingness’ to sell striker amid Barnsley and Peterborough bids
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk
Johnnie Jackson has confirmed summer interest in Ali Al-Hamadi was knocked back with AFC Wimbledon never showing “willingness” to sell the striker.
The 21-year-old attracted the attention of Barnsley and Peterborough during the final weeks of the transfer window.
The former Tranmere and Swansea youngster – who won Wimbledon’s Player of the Year last season – has scored 10 goals in all competitions since arriving at Plough Lane.
Iraqi international Al-Hamadi, who is away with his country and will miss tomorrow’s League Two clash against Stockport, is yet to get off the mark this campaign for Jackson’s side.
“There was never ever any indication from the club that there was a willingness to sell,” Jackson told the South London Press.
“As soon as the interest came in, it was knocked back. That was the beginning of the end of the conversations.
“It was the same for Ali – he was completely focused on his football. We were down the road in Wales (when the transfer window shut) preparing for the game.
“He has been completely professional throughout the whole thing – he has never for once second given me a reason to think that he’s not very much a part of what we want to do.
“He’s fully focused on international duty this week, but he’s excited by what we’re doing here.”
James Tilley has bagged six goals in League Two – and one in the 2-1 EFL Cup defeat at Chelsea – since arriving from Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee over the summer.
The 25-year-old recorded five goal involvements – four goals and one assist – in August but was not nominated for League Two’s Player of the Month award.
“It seems a mad one to me,” added Jackson. “What have you got to do?
“I know some of the other lads have scored equal amounts or maybe one more in the league, but this is a lad playing off the right wing – he’s not a centre-forward.
“He’s been outstanding – there is no getting away from that.
“The goals that he has scored, the assists and what he is doing for the team defensively – he’s enjoying his football. He’s playing the football of his life.
“I’m disappointed for him that he hasn’t been nominated because, for me, he is the player of the month.”
The Dons added 12 new additions over the summer, with Charlie Lakin and Conor Evans joining on loan from Burton and Stockport on deadline day.
“I’m well pleased with the window,” said Jackson.
“It’s 12 new players now. We have got good cover and good depth.
“We have already picked up a few injuries so it’s important that we had that cover to come straight into the team.
“We bought Charlie Lakin in late with that in mind as well, and he’s fitted straight in.
“I came up against Charlie last season. He has got bags of experience and this level and at League One level.
“He knows what this league looks like and what it takes. He has a nice left foot.
“Conor is a different type of player. He’s a really exciting one that I have known about and have been tracking since he was at Torquay.
“He was one of the most sought-after in the National League – a real creative player.
“He can play left, right or in the 10 – he gives us flexibility at the top end of the pitch.
“He will create and score hopefully. He wasn’t getting the game time he wanted at Stockport and he was desperate to come to us when we showed an interest.
“We have done our homework on these lads and we’re not taking any gambles.
“It’s a mixture of lads who know what the level looks like, lads who have had success at the level and young and hungry lads who want to be a part of it.
“That’s the biggest thing. All the players that we have brought in, when I have spoken with them, they have shown a real appetite and enthusiasm to come to us. It’s vital.”
Jackson will be without Joe Lewis and new signing Evans tomorrow, with both players on loan from League Two rivals Stockport.
Defender Lewis has started every game this season under Jackson.
Al-Hamadi will also be missing with Iraq participating in the 49th King’s Cup in Thailand.
“I have got to think differently and outside the box,” said Jackson. “I have to utilise the squad.
“It’s disappointing for those guys – they’re big players for us. But it’s an opportunity for someone else and that’s why we have done the type of recruitment we have.
“That’s why you have people who are pushing every day in training to be in the team.
“I have a lot of selection headaches and it will be an opportunity for other people to step up.”
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