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Johnnie Jackson has been speaking ahead of the AFC Wimbledon match against Newcastle United.
The match of course moved due to the flooding at Plough Lane.
Really impressive from the AFC Wimbledon boss.
Johnnie Jackson thanking Newcastle United for their help both financially and logistically, with this money spinner match having been swapped to St James’ Park so swiftly, with Plough Lane out of action.
A total sell out for Newcastle United fans, with early afternoon seeing AFC Wimbledon confirm that over 1,400 of their 3,000 allocation had been sold so far, with a crowd guaranteed of over 50,000.
AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson talking to official club media ahead of playing Newcastle United – 30 September 2024:
Johnnie Jackson once again drew upon our ability to fight on in the face of adversity as a club as we prepare to face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup at the second attempt.
Our manager was speaking at the training ground for the first time, since flooding forced the postponement of the third round tie originally scheduled for the Cherry Red Records Stadium almost a week ago.
“In a really difficult week, I think it’s shown what this club is all about again and I think it’s shown what the football family is all about too,” said Johnnie. “It’s in our DNA as a club that when obstacles are in our way – we knock them down. Hopefully we can get back to playing at Plough Lane as soon as possible,
“I’ve got to say that the way that we’ve dealt with it is a credit to everyone. A big thank you to everyone who played a part in the clean-up operation, the professionalism that all the staff showed in handling the situation and then, obviously, the kindness that people up and down the country have shown in donating to the cause.”
Attention now turns to tomorrow night’s rescheduled match under the lights at St James’ Park against the Geordie giants.
“We want to say thank you to Newcastle as a club,” said Johnnie. “They were really helpful in switching the game so quickly – they didn’t have to do that. They’ve also donated to the fund raising, which is also a fantastic gesture. That probably encouraged others to get behind it too.
“They’re a great side. They were really impressive on Saturday against the champions Manchester City. It’ll be a stern test after they claimed a point. They are coached fantastically by Eddie Howe and his staff and are right up there at the pinnacle of English football as a club. It’ll be a brilliant test for us as players and staff.
Johnnie added: “This is why we do it – this is the reward for beating Ipswich. We took that game really seriously and we went into it believing that we could win, and we pulled it off. It was meant to be a home game, and it becomes more difficult now going to Newcastle, but the lads get to experience it.
“It will be unbelievably hard, but we have to believe we can get a positive result at St James’ Park and go there with a game plan that’s going to give us a chance of doing that. We expect them to be full throttle in whatever they do and we’re preparing to face the best possible Newcastle. If we do that – it gives us the best possible chance too.”
Johnnie does have experience himself of what it’s like to win at St James’ Park – albeit a while ago, coming on as a youngster right at the end of a 1-0 victory for Tottenham back in August 2004.
“I think I had a little cameo towards the end to help secure the points,” said Johnnie with a smile. “I remember how big it is. It’s an unbelievable place to play football, a special place and I’ve had a little run out there. It’s going to be a special place for our supporters to go there and get behind their team.”
Although we’ll be without suspended vice-captain Ryan Johnson and there’ll be a late call on the fitness of skipper Jake Reeves, there has been time to get forward Aron Sasu possibly back in contention – yet to figure so far this season due to a hamstring injury in the build-up.
“Aron has trained with us all week,” said Johnnie. “He’s been out for a while though, so whether we involve him or he just travels with us – we’ll make a late call on that.
“He’s looked good in training, looked sharp and wants to be involved, so we’re hopeful. You can name nine substitutes, so that gives us a bit of flexibility of what we do with the bench.”
Go to 4,30 below on this video of Johnnie Jackson speaking today, for when he starts speaking about Newcastle United.
🗣️ CATCHING UP WITH JOHNNIE AT TRAINING 🎙️
Listen to an in-depth interview 🔉
🙏 Thankful for fund raising efforts and clean up
🏟️ Grateful to Newcastle United ahead of tie
💭 Memories of a win at St James’ Park
🔙 Forward could be in contention for Tuesday #AFCW 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/QOtTot18Mw
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) September 30, 2024
Newcastle United upcoming match schedule, confirmed to end of November:
Tuesday 1 October 2024 – AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (To be played at St James’ Park)
Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)
Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports
W/C Monday 28 October – AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle v Chelsea
Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports
Monday 25 November – Newcastle v West Ham (8pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 30 November – Crystal Palace v Newcastle

 
