Dons boss Mark Robinson explains reasoning on secondment of Chelsea coach
Mark Robinson has cited James Simmonds’ arrival as a perfect example of keeping the coaching fresh at AFC Wimbledon.
The Chelsea U18 assistant manager has joined the League One club on a secondment.
Dons head coach Robinson had previously temporarily drafted in Justin Cochrane, recently appointed Manchester United’s head of player development and coaching. Cochrane had been an England U17 coach at the time.
“It worked really well with Justin – having that fresh pair of eyes on things,” said Robinson. “You can get on a bit of a treadmill, you don’t want to just keep doing the same things.
“When you look at our resources as a club, it is about thinking outside the box.”
Robinson pitched the idea to the Champions League holders after a presentation explaining why they should loan them their promising youngsters.
“We know lots of clubs have top coaches,” he said. “They suggested James and I met him. The early signs are that he is going to be an absolutely brilliant, top-quality coach. He has already come up with a few ideas that are in line with what we do.
“If you get the right person it is a win-win for both clubs. They can add value but they are also getting good value, in terms of first-team coaching experience, with us.”
Rob Tuvey has been appointed as assistant head coach. He had previously been U18 manager and started off coaching the U7s.
“Some people are a bit surprised, because they are young people, but they get age and experience confused,” explained Robinson. “Rob has been a coach for 13 years. As far as I’m concerned he is a very experienced coach – and the players loved him last season.
“I’ve put quite high demands on him and he has been outstanding. You have to have one eye on the future and I see him being a massive part of the club moving forward.”
MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD