Johnnie Jackson delivers verdict on Ayoub Assal’s imminent AFC Wimbledon departure

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson has spoken about Ayoub Assal’s imminent departure to Qatar.

The Dons announced last week that the 20-year-old was in advanced with a club in the Middle East.

Our paper revealed that the Dons attacker was in discussions over a move to Qatar Stars League side Al-Wakrah.

Academy graduate Assal scored 10 goals and bagged five assists in 31 appearances this season under the former Charlton boss.

“This is the game and this is the level that we’re at,” Jackson told TalkSport2 of Assal’s imminent departure.

“When your players excel in League Two, obviously people are going to be looking.

“Certainly, a  player such as Assal, a winger who is exciting and wants to take people on – I think we have really helped his game come on this year.

“He has added assists, he has added goals, and we have really worked hard with him to make him a better player.

“It’s paid off, because there is that interest in him. It’s nice as a coach that you have helped improve players and progress their careers, but at the same time, when you lose your better player, it makes your job more difficult as well.

“It’s that balancing act. We’re in it to win games, but we’re also in it to develop players and improve them. Sometimes that comes at your detriment when they move on.”

JACKSON PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD

ASSAL PICTURE: LUCY DIXON