Dons boss explains why patience required after swooping for Fulham striker

Mark Robinson has outlined why AFC Wimbledon fans may have to be patient with new signing Terry Ablade’s initial game time.

Ablade became the South Londoners’ first signing of the January window after joining on loan from Fulham for the rest of the season.

The Finland U21 international, who scored eights goals in 11 appearances for Fulham’s U23 side before making the switch to Plough Lane, was on the bench for Saturday’s 2-0 loss to National League side Boreham Wood.

The Dons only had one fit recognised striker heading into the transfer window after Brentford loanee Aaron Pressley suffered a hamstring injury.

“He had Covid, so he hadn’t trained for quite a while,” Robinson told the South London Press of Ablade. “With Terry, we know what his main assets are, so the key thing is just getting him fit and sharp for a really busy schedule.

“He had been quite a while without a game or without training, and because he is an explosive player, his game is all about pace. It’s important that we get him back really, really sharp so he can have an impact.

“When you get any signing, the fans always look forward to seeing him. I don’t want to do the boy a disservice by sending him out when he isn’t match fit or match sharp, especially when your game is all about explosive pace.

“I want to get the lad as sharp as we possibly can before we give him his opportunity, so hopefully he can have the impact we want.”