Football Season Guide

Having shown they can compete in League One, AFC Wimbledon will be hoping to avoid second season syndrome. The current financial disparity between clubs means the rise up the leagues of the great Wimbledon team of the 1980’s is unlikely to be repeated. Slow and steady progress is instead the aim and repeating the results and performances of last season will be foremost in the thoughts of manager Johnnie Jackson.. The absurd turnover of managers means he’s already one of the longest-serving managers in League One and brings stability to a club fighting for their survival. The Dons remain just one of two EFL clubs under fan ownership, however there is clearly a growing belief they will need outside investment to grow. Keeping hold of his best players has been one of Jackson’s biggest challenges, although this summer has marked something of a change in that trend. A trio of players have left, full-back Nathan Asiimwe, centre-back Joe Lewis and striker Omar Bugiel. It would have felt a little significant twelve months ago however the influence of the trio waned in the second half of the season. Lewis is a leader but started just over half the league matches due to a number of injuries and has yet to sign a new deal. Bugiel, who has been the focal point of the attack, started on the bench more often and is probably better suited to League Two. Asiimwe was always going to return to parent club Charlton Athletic following the end of his loan. He lost his place to James Tilley after the turn of the year, who was one of the standout performers in the side. The latter has now returned on a permanent deal from Wycombe Wanderers and is a great example of the shrewd recruitment needed in the transfer market. Midfielder Zack Nelson is another who has returned on a permanent deal and will be looking to shown his potential. The loan signing of midfielder Ollie Harrison from Chelsea could be one to watch. The biggest questions remain in attack, especially with the expected absence of leading goalscorer Matt Stevens for the first two months of the season.