I should think if you'd have if you'd have offered anyone who has anything to Wimbledon football club six points out of the first nine, such would have been the eagerness of the recipient by now you'd have stumps for arms at best. Here we are though, and it's not been a fluke either. Infact if anything you could argue that given how unfortunate the late concession was at Luton, we could be doing even better.
For those of us (and there were many) who predicted doom and gloom, it's so far been a healthy helping of very sweet tasting humble pie. Contrary to what us negative nannies were saying, we haven't been overrun nor outclassed, and most importantly we HAVE been able to score a goal. So far so good, so let's have a little look at how we've done it, how we might be able to do even better, and (sorry) what some of the pitfalls might be going forward.
Nathan Asiimwe- I said on Twitter that if Charlton's right back is better than this kid then he must be Kafu reincarnated. Lots of Charlton fans answered that their fella (Kayne Ramsay) practically IS that, so for the near future at least we have Nathan. He's been absolutely superb in every game that he's played for us. There is absolutely no comparison whatsoever between him and Neufville or Tilley, this lad is absolutely different Bisto to either. What a pick up, whoever is responsible take a bow. Our only problem here is when Charlton either take him back or sell him. If it's the latter, I know our limitations but we should do everything we can to afford him. In a couple of years time this lad could play in the top league.
Joe Lewis- I think he's actually improved even from last seasons heroics. He looks to my naked eye like he's lost a KG or two, and like a racehorse thrown into a handicap on a featherweight he's burning up the turf. It's normal for centre halves to read it better, make better decisions as they get older, but only the best do it at the rate that Big Joe is ratcheting up his performances. Like a student who's doing a PHD in Greek philosophy in a fortnight, he is literally growing before our eyes. Joe was in my opinion comfortably the best centre half in L2, I haven't seen a better one in L1 yet and considering we've played against Mads Anderson that's saying something.
The only worry with Joe is the obvious one. Sooner or later a club with deep pockets will come knocking. We should ensure that before we say yes to any offer, we empty those pockets out.
The rest of the defence- Whether you're talking big Ryan Johnson, Steady Eddie Steve Seddon, Isaac Ogundere or our great new keeper Nathan Bishop, these lads have done us proud. We are'nt conceding chances never mind goals, none of this stuff happens by accident any more than it's the result of just playing well on a Saturday. It's because they are working their nuts off on the training ground, doing endless drills, the hard yards that make a difference come kick off. Hats off to them and the coaching staff, they've all been brilliant.
Jake Reeves- I should think just about every Wimbledon fan had doubts about Jake making the step up to L1. So far any worries have been totally misplaced, and once again to the naked eye and without using heatmaps I'd say he's added a slightly "swashbuckling" element to his other talents. He's been great so far and has helped us keep possession on countless occasions. He'll be disappointed he didn't stop Lewis Wing getting the shot off against Reading, but you can't odds worldies. He's been great has Jake, what a cracking little footballer he is.
The rest of the midfield- Ali Smith I personally had no doubts about. He's such a good footballer and his pickpocketing skills were always going to work further up. He's nicking Seikos now as opposed to snide Knock offs, if he believes in himself more he might yet pocket himself a Rolex or two at the top of the ladder. Miles Hippolite too is such a clever player, if he stays fit for us it's massive.
Lets talk Mattie Stevens-Probsbly THE most widely held view amongst punters in the Alex was that Mattie wouldn't "cut it" in L1. Too slow, too small or both was the reasoning, I've got to say I agreed with the doubts. So far he's been excellent though, not just the goals but the way he's led the line. He's been through a bit behind the scenes but it appears to have made him stronger if anything. He's obviously a lad whose character dwarfs his physical stature, you can't help but take to him.
The rest of the attackers- Marcus Browne got a well deserved goal on Saturday. Yes it was deflected, but strikers get plenty that deflect wide, when it actually goes into the goal it counts as one just like the rest. Young Hackford obviously has pace & enthusiasm to burn and took his goal well, while Danillo Orsi is obviously a good player. He's got that "thinking mans striker" thing going on, reminds me a bit of Teddy Sheringham. Josh Kelly it appears is going out on loan, probably a good thing as he's far too good a player to sit on his arse every week. Omar I'm a bit worried about, doesn't look like he's loving life right now. Hopefully he bounces back, he's a great player.
The management team- Obviously none of the good stuff happens on its own. Johnnie, Skivvers, DR & Bayzo are doing a superb job. There have obvious tweaks to last seasons approach, and whether we're talking us playing much more football (as in, "on the ground" stuff) or the much more proactive substitutions, they deserve a discussion on their own.
Suffice to say though that if we continue as we are, teams are going to come knocking for our manager and staff if they aren't already. If it happens, they 100% deserve the interest.
The fans- 1700 at Reading was astonishing, and so far the fans have been like a 12th man. That said, it's easy performing that role and bringing the drinks out when you're 500-3. When you're 67-8 and the fast bowler is trying to knock people's heads off it's not such a cushy number.
We as fans would do well to remember that there WILL be sticky times ahead. We WILL lose football matches, and when we do THAT'S when the team needs your support the most.
All that said though, WHAT A START!. Beware though, we play Cardiff tomorrow & they are a GOOD side.
COYD.
