‘If you’re not targeting promotion, what is the point?’ – Dons’ transfer window signing on setting his sights high

BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

New AFC Wimbledon creative spark James Tilley is targeting a shot at promotion with the South Londoners.

The 25-year-old has joined the Dons on a deal until 2025 after they shelled out an undisclosed transfer fee to secure his services from League Two rivals Crawley.

Wimbledon finished 21st last season but have been extremely active in the transfer market, already completing nine signings.

“If you’re not looking to get promoted, then what’s the point?” versatile playmaker Tilley, who can play on the wing or behind the attacking line, told the South London Press. “That’s the aim for everyone.

“You want to do the best you can. It’s going to be a tough league with some top teams in it. We have to make sure that we stick with what we’re good at and take that into every game.

“Hopefully the results will come. I can’t wait to get going.”

Tilley’s route to Plough Lane has taken him from Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy to learning his craft in the League of Ireland with Cork City and varied loan spells – from Grimsby to Dorking Wanderers – in order to get to where he is today.

“It’s all been character building,” said Tilley, who grew up idolising Wayne Rooney and Ronaldinho.

“I had to go from a boy to a man. All the loans have added to my armour. They have been massive learning curves and helped build my personality.

“I have had a mental career. The Cork City loan was one where I wanted to get out and experience first-team football so I could get away from Brighton – it was a massive shock.

“I had been at home my whole life, and then, the next minute, I moved to a different country to play football. It wasn’t a long loan, but I enjoyed it – I had to do everything for myself.

“I had everything I needed at Brighton around the training ground, and Cork was completely different.”

Although this will be Tilley’s first time working with Dons boss Jackson, his path has crossed with assistant manager Terry Skiverton before, when he went on loan to then-National League side Yeovil at the start of the 2019-20 season.

“We got on well,” said Tilley. “I can tell straight away that he plays a big part here. Whether it’s training or leading the speeches before the game – he’s a massive character to have around.”

Although Crawley is never the fixture Wimbledon fans instantly look out for when the fixtures were released at the start of the season, there has always been an added needle between the two clubs.

The Reds finished one place below Wimbledon last season, with their 1-0 win at AFC Wimbledon – their first away three points of the season – crucial in keeping them in the fourth tier.

Tilley grabbed the only assist of the game, setting up forward Ashley Nadesan for the winner early on.

He said: “I had a good couple of years at Crawley. It wasn’t hard to leave, but it was sad to say bye to some of the boys. I’m happy to be at Wimbledon.

“I saw it as a new challenge. Coming to a very well-supported club where I’m buzzing to get going.”

Tilley has more than 100 appearances at League Two level and is coming into this campaign with the Dons after his best goalscoring season, bagging five last year for the West Sussex club.

“I’m coming into my prime years,” he said. “I want to hit the ground running, score and create a lot of goals.”

PICTURE: AFC WIMBLEDON