Dons boss will take League Two approach in mentality and team selection for Wealdstone friendly
BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk
AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson says he will approach tomorrow’s final pre-season test against Wealdstone as if it was a League Two match.
The Dons are unbeaten in their build-up to the 2023-24 campaign, beating Reading, Portsmouth and Met Police, while also picking up draws with Woking, QPR and Brentford B.
Jackson, inset, made wholesale changes on Tuesday night in the 1-0 win over Portsmouth, with this Saturday’s fixture at Grosvenor Vale their final outing before the League Two season starts at Grimsby the following Saturday.
“We will treat it like a league game,” Jackson told the South London Press. “I’ll pick a strong team, as you’re now starting to get in and around about what you’re thinking for the following week.
“I still have decisions to make and have food for thought.
“There is no doubt that we will make changes in the game to impact it – but also to get people minutes.
“We want to go there and replicate a league game as much as possible, but I still have to utilise my squad.”
The Dons completed their 10th summer signing during the week, picking up Rochdale midfielder James Ball on a free transfer.
Ball, 27, scored two goals and picked up one assist last season for Rochdale as they finished bottom of League Two and were relegated.
He has had spells at Stockport County, Stevenage, Ebbsfleet United and Solihull Moors.
“He will bring an abundance of experience at the level,” said Jackson. “He’s a big, physical type box-to-box player that I felt was maybe something extra that we needed.He was desperate to come and really wanted to be a part of what we’re doing.
“A couple of weeks ago, we were given permission to talk, but we haven’t been able to move on it until now.
“I’m really impressed with his enthusiasm and his desire for what we want to do here.”
Former Sheffield United youngster Jean Belehouan is on trial with the club and started in the pre-season clash against League One side Portsmouth on Tuesday before being forced off with an injury.
The French defender, 22, was released by the Blades following their promotion to the Premier League and has had spells at Halifax Town and Boston United on loan.
“He played in the behind-closed-doors gave against Brentford and did well,” added the former Charlton boss. “It’s just rotten luck that he’s got injured or felt something.
“It’s a credit to the lad because he’s come in, knuckled down and got right on board with what we’re trying to do. We will keep him around the group, keep taking a look, and then make a decision.”