‘It’s bittersweet’ – Dons boss Jackson on loanees leaving Plough Lane

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson was pleased that his side came through a “tricky” week to pick up a point in their 0-0 draw away with Crewe.

Jackson also said that seeing three loanees returning to their parent clubs was “bittersweet”, with Ryley Towler earning a permanent move to Portsmouth, Paris Maghoma returning to Brentford, and Kyle Hudlin recalled by Huddersfield.

Wimbledon are 13th in League Two and just three points off the play-off places.

“First of all, I’m delighted with the clean sheet,” said Jackson to Wimbledon’s official YouTube channel.

“It’s a tough place to come – they had a good result in their last game here. To keep them out, I’m pleased with that.

“Scrappy game and conditions didn’t really help. The pitch was pretty poor. It didn’t help when you’re trying to play and conditions got a bit tricky in the second half – it probably wasn’t a great spectacle.

“But we take our point, our clean sheet, and get back down the road.”

The Dons saw defender Ryley Towler, midfielder Paris Maghoma and forward Kyle Hudlin all recalled by their parent clubs this week.

Towler, who was due to spend the season with the Dons, has been sold to Portsmouth on a permanent deal by Bristol City.

Paris Maghoma is set for a loan higher up the football pyramid once he returns from injury.

Wimbledon recalled Zach Robinson, who was set to spend the season with Dundee. Aaron Cosgrave was also recalled from Southend.

“It’s been a tricky week,” admitted Jackson.

“I’m delighted for Ryley that he’s been about to get a move to a higher level – a big club in Portsmouth. It’s a good move for his career.

“The boy has been unbelievable for us. You couldn’t find a nicer kid. We’re gutted he’s not with us, and we were preparing for this game with him in the team. 

“Paris wouldn’t have been involved in this game [due to injury], but he has been an important player for the football club.

“A little bit out of the blue – unexpected. The dialogue we had been having with those two clubs was that they were really happy with their progression and how it’s going.

“It’s the nature of where we’re at as a football club. It’s bittersweet. Not to have our captain as well today was a double whammy.

“It felt as though it was set up for us to come here and not get anything with the way that the week has gone so far.

“But we have come here, put in a solid performance, and got a clean sheet.”

PHOTOS: KEITH GILLARD