New Beginnings

The Adkins era starts in earnest tomorrow as we take on Wimbledon as we return to Plough Lane.

Clearly, one can’t draw any real conclusions from tomorrow’s performance and result. Following the game we have a two week break which will serve Adkins well. It affords him the opportunity to work with players and get across his ideas and style of play.

It is very much another must win game although it won’t be easy of course. This season more than most we have struggled to beat teams in the bottom third of the league.

In addition, the Dons are fighting for League One survival as we enter the final straight so to speak.

For our part in this final few games we really need to have a rich harvest of points especially given the games in hand that those around us have.

When we return to action on Good Friday it will be a truer reflection of our position as the other teams catch up.

A couple of weeks ago we would have totally written off our play-off chances but following more consistent results from us and more inconsistent one from those around us, it remains a possibility.

It will be interesting to see how we set up tomorrow. Adkins may have let Jackson choose the team or at least be swayed by his opinions.

I’d like to see Chuks return to the starting line up in place of Stockley. So often he has to come on when we’re chasing the game. It’s a real waste and we don’t use him to our best advantage.

I’m puzzled as to Purrington’s continued absence. He ought to come straight back into the team.

Millar of late, hasn’t looked the same player that started his spell with us so well. DJ probably deserves a start ahead of him.

Those three changes aside (given Matthews injury) I’d go for how we set up on Tuesday.

Pigott has hit a bit of a goal drought of late but of course it’d be no surprise if he scores against us again tomorrow.

The win is probably more important than it’s manner. It’ll keep us in the play-off hunt. The management team can then focus on work on the training ground, addressing any injuries and start some work on contract negotiations.

The break gives a chance to refresh and re-focus minds on the run in. Our final league fixtures are all tough games but with those sides playing catch up there’s no reason to think we oughtn’t win them.

It would be fantastic if not remarkable, if we ended the season with another Wembley final.

Come On You Reds!