Dons boss: Our schedule is mind-boggling – we’re being punished and Covid-19 cases wasn’t our fault

BY DANIEL MARSH

AFC Wimbledon manager Glyn Hodges has slammed the “horrendous run of games” which has been forced upon his side following their recent enforced break due to Covid-19.

The entire Dons first-team group were forced into a two-week isolation period following a number of positive tests, leaving them with a hectic run of fixtures until the New Year upon their return.

Last night they were due to play their rescheduled FA Cup first round tie at Barrow – just 48 hours after their 2-1 defeat to Gillingham in midweek. A win would set up a Sunday clash with Crawley Town in the second round – that would be Wimbledon’s fourth game in just eight days.

Hodges said: “We’ve got a horrendous run of games now where you don’t really get looked after by the powers that be, so we’ve got to look after our players.

“We’re quite proud that we haven’t got any soft tissue injuries because we’ve got to get through this unscathed. It’s a battle and a challenge – we’re looking at the run of games we’ve got and trying to come through it with no injuries.

“With the virus, we couldn’t help getting it. Everyone in the country has it. Yet we get punished by coming back and having to play this run of games. It’s mind boggling and disappointing that the welfare of the players isn’t at the front of peoples’ minds.”