Dons boss expecting transfer progress next week – but loan hit Dobson won’t be incoming deal
Mark Robinson is hopeful that AFC Wimbledon will make transfer breakthroughs by the end of next week – but George Dobson will not be one of them.
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder, who impressed on loan in the second half of last season, is set to be released by Sunderland.
Romford-born Dobson, a former Arsenal junior, made 24 appearances for Wimbledon after arriving towards the end of January.
“We love George and we made him an offer,” said Dons head coach Robinson. “But I’m not sure we’ll be able to meet what the player and the agent want.
“We have got quite a few things in the pipeline that I hope will come to fruition by the end of next week at the latest.
“There are four or five in the pipeline that are all quite close and we have got back-up options as well. I’m feeling more confident on quite a few of them but I enjoyed the relegation battle more than this [negotiating].
“I’ve loved doing the presentations to the clubs, in regards to loans, and also presenting to the players. That has gone fantastically well. It is important. I want to get to know them as people as well. Some have been up to three hours. It is really key that I sell the club to them, but they need to sell themselves to me. With some players I have met them twice.”
Robinson says there has been no approach for Jack Rudoni, 20, who was recently linked with QPR.
“No offers have come to the club at all,” he added. “As far as I know Jack will be a very big part of what we’re doing.”
Robinson is targeting four additions, but there could be other arrivals who are instantly sent out on loan – therefore not impacting on the wagebill.
“I won’t have a squad bigger than 21 players,” he said. “I’m happy with that.
“Our budget is what it is. We’re going to be bottom three budget, at best, based on what I’ve got.
“But I don’t want to look at that as a negative. There are plenty of other ways to find positives and outperform our budget massively.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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