The Lounge

[Singapore Don]

Well that was a non event transfer deadline day for us. Plenty of other League One business was done, but you could argue Neal had already done a decent job with the pre planned signings of earlier in the summer – so no need for last minute panic buying or loaning. He clearly is going to stick by Ryan Clarke, so let’s hope that works, and none of us will be surprised when a released centre back is signed later today or more likely tomorrow. And because of the early present peeking/sneaking by some, the name Chris Robertson won’t be a buzzing surprise when unveiled.

For all the talk of new signings, after five league games I really want Neal to be “brave” – his favourite leitmotif – and start on Saturday with two of our new signings who are clearly in form and have taken their “opportunities to stake a claim”: Dean Parrett and Dom Poleon. Parrett could give us real dynamic, forward momentum from midfield from the outset, and a fiery and clinical Poleon could add to his tally of four goals in two games. The Poleon competition could also give LTB the proverbial kick in a certain place to find his scoring boots. Go on Neal, be brave!

[onyadon]

Even in Chesterfield’s championship season in League 2 in 2013-14 the Dons held the Spireites to a 1-1 draw at KM and beat them at home in the previous season. Past meetings show that Wimbledon’s best chance of getting points against Chesterfield is at home, so if the Dons can continue their recent improvement they are a chance of getting something out of Saturday’s game. Despite the agony of the injury-time equaliser at Rochdale last week, the fact is that the Dons were heading to their first L1 win until the 95th minute. So that in itself is encouraging, if not with the Ryan Clarke’s goalkeeping error in punching Dale’s corner into his net. Fans will be expecting the Dons to take the game to Chesterfield, who have drawn at Oxford and lost to Shrewsbury Town in both their away trips so far this season. The longer the Dons stay without a win the more the gloom merchants will predict all manner of doomsday scenarios ahead. The only way is up for the Dons and hopefully Neal Ardley will get his side to play with attacking intent. Maybe it might be time for more game time for midfielder Dean Parrett and striker Dom Poleon after their recent strong showings in development/Cup games. Ardley might not regard cramped Kingsmeadow as a fortress, but the Dons will need to profit from their ‘home advantage’ in what is shaping as a tough first season in L1.

[onyadon]

Some thoughts on the transfer day deadline (well, two days later) of defender Chris Robertson from Raith Rovers. Robertson not eligible for the Chesterfield game as he awaits an ‘international’ clearance.

NA perspective on signing Chris Robertson – with loans their clubs want them to play. We can't guarantee that, CR willing to fight for place

— wombles downunder (@WDownunder) September 2, 2016

Reality (at this stage) – Robertson in pecking order behind Robbo and Charles as 1st choice, but handy backup with Nightingale @AFCWimbledon

— wombles downunder (@WDownunder) September 2, 2016

Ardley criteria for new defender (Chris Robertson) – Someone who gives flexibility✔️, can cope with L1 demands✔️, help younger players✔️

— wombles downunder (@WDownunder) September 2, 2016

[MacWomble]

We are setting this game up nicely. Lots of posts on Parrett and Poleon. But to be honest (shame, shame, repent, repent) I had not especially focused on these players before one of them hits in a brace against (by all accounts) a woeful swans U21 team playing in front of six loyals and a dog. Why does this make Poleon such a commodity? Anyway, clearly these two are knocking at the door of the big-time fitba and the meadow. Good luck to them. But from what I have seen of The Gaffer (groan, it’s the 1940s Boys Own square ball, left peg, gaffer wasn’t happy-fest) he is usually a teensy bit risk averse. Personally I think Chesterfield are for the taking. They have started well, but not well enough to travel away to face a team where the rhetoric is all about how bad we’ve been so far and how jolly hard we are working to get back into winning ways; team spirit great; gaffer’s ethos great; fans great; know wot we ‘ave to do, er… great. What chance could Chesterfield stand against this momentum? I think, just think, that maybe football is coming home this weekend. I predict a 2-1 win to the Dons, hot off my correct 1-1 tip last weekend. But the problem comes in that even this educated forum is setting up Parrett/Poleon as possible barbs if the Dons lose or give away a lead to draw. “Oh no. we lost again! How could The Gaffer play w/o introducing Poleon? Sack the Gaffer! The Gaffer must Go!”. Anyway, it was agreed that ten games was a suitable time to wait until making any bold predictions, so we have a way to go. The Spireites just don’t stand a chance. We will not leave until we see the burning embers of their loss! (I had not realized that Chesterfield had a crooked spire).

[liamwimbo]

Lovely sunny morning here in my part of London. Forecast top of 20C with cloudy conditions, so good for football on my first trip to the Meadow of Kings this season. I was quietly confident of a win last week and we got as close to 3 points as possible. Hopefully two away draws will have built some confidence into the squad. Poleon seems to have done enough to warrant a place on the bench, with a second half appearance likely. We certainly need to start scoring some goals. I am bringing the WDSA banner to the game – maybe that will inspire the Dons to three points!

[Singapore Don]

Here’s hoping for a happy three points Saturday. It’s going to be another tough one, but I’m hoping we can reverse our previous two home score lines of 1-2 in our favour. Poleon to score!

Liamwimbo, take your brolly this afternoon, it’s going to rain during the match! It would be good to say hello before the game, always good to put faces to names. Likewise Windlesham. If you’re on for a g’day/howdy, just say, and we could do so however briefly before to game. I get there around 2.20. Enjoy the game!

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