Downes expresses pride in AFC Wimbledon players as they secure survival

Posted Sunday, May 05, 2019 by PA

Manager Wally Downes hailed AFC Wimbledon’s achievement in avoiding relegation after a 0-0 draw at already-relegated Bradford City kept them up on goal difference.

More than 2,000 travelling fans celebrated League One survival with the players after the match at Valley Parade.

Downes said: “We were ten points adrift of safety when I came into the job last December and we were the same distance away in March. A lot of people were saying that survival couldn’t be done, but me and the players always believed we could do it.

“It has been a terrific achievement and I am just so proud of the lads and what they have done.

“It was terrific to see the number of fans who travelled here and to get the result we all wanted.

“The last three months have shown how much character the players have. When they had to step up, they stepped up.

“Bradford play possession football, but we are comfortable with that and we can then take teams on the break.”

In a game of few chances, Wimbledon came nearest to breaking the deadlock in the second half when leading scorer Joe Pigott and former Bradford striker James Hanson had successive shots blocked.

Then substitute Mitch Pinnock had also a shot cleared off the line while Anthony Hartigan’s follow-up effort was blocked.

Bradford’s best effort was a shot from the edge of the box from right back Kelvin Mellor, which Aaron Ramsdale turned over the crossbar.

Bradford manager Gary Bowyer, who plans a major overhaul of his squad during the summer, said: “I thought we controlled possession, but we didn’t have enough shots and the players did not take enough responsibility, not just in this game but throughout the season.

“We didn’t put enough balls into the box – we always wanted to play in front of the defence – nor did we move the ball quickly enough.

“There was a little bit too much of an end of season feeling about the game which I didn’t like but at least we kept a clean sheet and we have ended the season with three games unbeaten.

“It’s done now and we have got to finish the job when I meet the players on Tuesday and make them aware of my decisions about their futures.

“After that meeting the work will continue – it has already started – to bring in new blood. First and foremost I want to bring in people who understand what the fans here want, people who can handle the expectations of this club and the big crowds we get at Valley Parade and are excited and motivated by that.

“I know that if we get it right and bring back happy times to this club this place will be rocking.”

There was a minute’s silence before the match in memory of the 56 people who died in the Valley Parade fire disaster in 1985.