POLEON AIMS TO BIN THE SUPER SUB TAG
HE CAME off the bench to bury Bury and bank his club a cool £100,000 in the process, but AFC Wimbledon striker Dom Poleon fully accepts that simply scoring won’t keep him in the team.
The striker, with eight goals, is now one behind Dons’ leading marksman Lyle Taylor after coming on to inspire a 5-0 FA Cup replay win, netting twice.
The Dons’ three-pronged attack seems to change every week as manager Neal Ardley plots a surprise assault on the League One play-offs, having won the League Two version last May.
He believes keeping his attacking trio fresh could hold the key, but Poleon, 23, does not want to be known as this season’s super sub.
“I believe in my ability. I have shown already in a short space of time what I can do,” he said. “I bring goals and that’s just me. I’ve got to try to continue that and make the manager pick me.
“But getting goals sometimes isn’t enough to keep you in the team. I have to work on other aspects of my game, but I’m feeling good now. I’ve had a bit of a groin strain, but I’m on my way back to full fitness.
“I’ve got a goals target but I’m keeping that quiet! I don’t want to get the super sub tag. Any professional wants to play every game and I’m no different.”
Wimbledon will receive a welcome windfall after their second-round game with National League North Curzon Ashton was selected for live TV.
Taking in £72,000 from the broadcast fee alone, they also pocketed £18,000 for seeing off the Shakers. With gate receipts on Sunday, December 4, they will easily clear £100,000.
“The money is great for the club but don’t forget we’re one game away now from the third round when the big, big clubs come in,” Poleon added.
“It’s so important we go up there in a few weeks and play to our maximum.”