AFC Wimbledon have put themselves in a very healthy position for a run at the playoffs in the second half of the season. Much though will depend on how they manage January, both on and off the pitch.
The past two seasons have seen the Dons slip up at the turn of the year, with players leaving, and not being replaced adequately. The downturn in form has led to a relegation, and almost falling out of the EFL.
Now though, they are in seventh place, largely due to a much better defence, and the at times unplayable attacking form. This has been led by Omar Bugiel, and the hugely sought-after Ali Al-Hamadi.
Today both players have spoken out about the form, and also dropped the biggest hint yet that more is to come and that the Iraq international is going nowhere.
The strike duo have now gone off for duty at the Asian Cup in Qatar. Bugiel was a late call-up by Lebanon, whereas Al-Hamadi is very much part of the Iraq team that is already one of the best sides in the continent.
Talking to the Official Club website, Bugiel spoke of the unity in the squad, and how he has no fear over how they will fare while he and his forward partner are away.
“We’re a team, everyone can step up. We saw it at Portsmouth – people are going to play and take their opportunities.
“When Ali and I return from the competition, we’re going to have to fight for the shirt again. I’m sure the boys will be fine, stick together and get a few results along the way.”
Bugiel has been absent from the Lebanon set-up for some while but welcomed his recall, which shows his hard work is paying off. “I’ve been away for about two or three years from that team. The manager gave me a call and wanted me back, having followed me over the past few months.
“Straight away he wanted me to get involved, so hopefully this is an opportunity to go away and prove a point with Lebanon.”
Al-Hamadi took to X – formerly Twitter – to leave fans a message – which gave a huge lift to fans, as he too hinted that he will be returning to help the club fight for promotion once his tournament is over.
https://twitter.com/alikalhamadi/status/1742199289948897578
Writer’s View
Such is the fragile psyche of the Dons fans; they will take every scrap of positivity this month. The club will do everything it can to avoid a repeat of the collapse that has cost them so much in recent seasons.
The news that the front pair are keen to get back and carry on where they have left off, will be music to Dons fans’ ears. There will still be work to do, and the squad will still need some fresh faces to help them through a tough month that starts with an FA Cup tie against Ipswich, and League 2 fixtures against Wrexham, MK Dons, and Mansfield.
