The view from the other side: AFC Wimbledon

What have you made of the season so far?

“A mixed bag really. A disappointing start where all hope of remaining in League One looked lost, to a recent recovery where hope has been renewed. And an FA Cup run to the last 32 where we have banked a tidy sum which will hopefully be used wisely.”

Wimbledon are still bottom of the table. Why do you feel this season hasn’t gone to plan so far?

“A combination of some poor refereeing decisions in early games where we were denied three or four stonewall penalties that cost us up to seven points, plus some iffy summer recruitment and a previous manager who was retained beyond his sell-by date. Other teams have also put good runs together.”

Wimbledon have won their last two games. Is there hope you can still survive?

“There’s genuine if cautious hope now. We are still four points from safety (five with goal difference) but with eight of our last nine games against clubs involved in the relegation scrap, it’s in our own hands and that’s all we can ask for.”

You have three former Southend players in your squad. How have they been doing?

“Joe Pigott has been frequently asked to play a target man role that he’s not entirely suited to but has chipped in with vital goals - a hat-trick at Rochdale and late penalties he has shown real steel to convert.

“I was delighted to see us land Anthony Wordsworth in the summer as he’s a player I’ve long admired. He’s blown a bit hot and cold and sometimes could get stuck in more, but clearly offers more mobility and goals than those he replaced.

“Mitch Pinnock has a wand of a left foot but seemed to have stamina issues earlier in the season. I’m happy to have him in the squad though and feel there’s more to come from him.”

Who is the dangerman?

“Probably our super sub Dylan Connolly. He terrified Peterborough with his electric pace in midweek.”

What’s the predicted line-up?

Ramsdale, Nightingale, Kalambayi, Thomas, Sibbick, Wagstaff, Hartigan, Wordsworth, Seddon, Pigott, Folivi