Read the head coach's notes from the AFC Wimbledon programme
Everywhere I went for the last three weeks people kept stopping me and tried to tell me how important the Swindon game was to the fans. It was great to hear how much it meant to the supporters and you can rest assured that the message definitely got through to the players on Tuesday night, when I thought we were outstanding and hopefully sent you home smiling.
We had a game plan, as we always do, and we stuck to it admirably. There was a certain amount of pressure on us to perform in front of an expectant crowd, but I thought that the players actually used that pressure to drive them on even further on what was an unforgettable night at the Kassam Stadium.
It was a fantastic performance and what happened on the pitch was matched off it, where your support was unbelievable. You can make such a difference to what happens in the game itself and I have never heard this ground so loud before. I doubt there will be so many people here today, but I am sure you will be just as positive and continue to drive us forwards towards another important win.
We will be without Callum O’Dowda and Benji Buchel who are away with Ireland and Liechtenstein, but Danny Hylton becomes available again and we hope to have Danny Rose involved either today or next week at Orient. The message is the same, whoever plays: forget the last few results, this is a strong Wimbledon side we face today and we need to focus, have the same energy as the last few games and hopefully it will be enough to get us another important three points.
Finally, I want to pass on my condolences to James Roberts and his family on the death of his younger brother Ben last week. James had just gone on loan to Chester and both clubs have told James to take as long as he needs before getting back into the game. It was a tragic event and we’re holding a minute’s silence before today’s game to remember Ben.
Michael
Read the full version in the AFC Wimbledon programme and online at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc