Showing posts with label oufc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label oufc. Show all posts

Sunday, 19 May 2013

Jonathan Meades

Jonathan "Jon" Meades signed for AFC Bournemouth from Cardiff City in the summer of 2012, following a successful trial period at the club. However, Meades hasn't made a competitive appearance for Bournemouth this season, spending the entire season on loan at AFC Wimbledon, joining ex-Cherry Warren Cummings at the League Two team. Dons fans Alice was kind enough to answer a few questions for me on the Bournemouth loanee:

Meades during a pre-season friendly


Firstly, could you introduce yourself briefly?

Of course, I'm Alice, a lifelong Wimbledon fan luckily (or unfortunately) born into a Wimbledon supporting family. From the Premier League to administration, re-birth in the Combined Counties to the Football League in 9 years - I've seen it all. Currently studying Journalism at the University of Westminster. 


Despite being our player, most Bournemouth fans have never seen him play. Was he a regular for you this season?

"Jonathan Meades; AFC Wimbledon Young Player of the Year" says it all. When he signed on loan in October his first game was a 3-0 loss at Exeter and he looked like just another average young loanee. But we soon saw his potential, he played week in week out as we fought hard to stay in the football league. Whilst out injured for 2 (I think) games we saw a massive void; and ironically lost both. And no-one can fault his one and only goal vs league Champions Gillingham. 

Most Bournemouth fans know him has a left back. Has he only played there or has he filled various positions over the season?

Meades is a player you can build a squad around. We signed him as left back cover and but the boy has more positions than kamasutra, towards the end of the season he was our midfield wingman. He could fill any position you wanted him too and he sure wouldn't let you down, well we didn't see him in goal but I'm sure he could do that too! 

Jonathan has not played too much football outside of League Two. Do you think he's capable of playing at a higher level?

He stood out in League Two. Not only because our team was fighting at the bottom, but because of his pure class. He is a step above the rest and I don't doubt he could do a job higher up. Billy Knott who came on as a substitute for Sunderland today (Sunday) vs Spurs was also a loanee at Wimbledon who won Young Player of the Year like Jon - which says a lot about the young players we rate highly.


Lastly, there has been speculation regarding his future. With it looking unlikely he will stay at Dean Court, can you see him returning to AFC Wimbledon next year?

I know Neal Ardley will offer Meades a deal, there is no doubt. But it looks unlikely he will take our offer, he said at the end of last season we were a "possible option". There have been rumours that Portsmouth and Oxford have offered him terms and Ardley spoke this week saying he (Meades) had received and "unbelievable offer". John Sullivan, a keeper we had on loan this season also turned down our offer to sign for Portsmouth, so it is clear they will be a huge driving force this season. After all, we are the small fish in a big pond nowadays!

Every Wimbledon fan would join me in wishing Jon well wherever he plays next season, he has fantastic talent and played a huge part in keeping us in the Football League. He always gave a hundred percent and will always be held in high regard by all Dons fans.


Meades helped AFC Wimbledon escape relegation to the Conference this season


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Thank you Alice for answering the questions, I think most Bournemouth fans will have learned more about our own player from reading this than they gathered over the whole season! Jon has evidently had a successful season and it's shame we'll likely not see him play at Dean Court. You can follow Alice on twitter - @afcw_alice


Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Oxford vs Bournemouth- Post Match Thoughts

Bournemouth's season began with a bang. Wait no, let me try that again. Bournemouth's season may as well have not started, because last night they played 120 minutes of no score football, and ended up losing on penalties. With an impressive away support of 691 at the Kassam Stadium, the Cherries faithful were hoping to see what Groves' new look side had to offer.

Unfortunately they would all end up being very disappointed, as the team offered little to show fans what they're all about. Perhaps a more positive note is that only one new signing played last night, hopefully suggesting that the new signings will add the much needed extra flair and skill.

What I gathered from last night is that once more Thomas and Tubbs can't play up front together, I do not know what it is, but they is a noticeable lack of cohesion and chemistry between the two. If i'm honest, I don't think either of them are good enough for the team, but hopefully they can prove me wrong. Also, Shwan Jalal cannot save penalties, I knew he couldn't kick the ball, but his record proves we should always avoid penalties when he is in goal.

All in all, it will take an improved performance to beat Portsmouth on saturday, although anything but a win would be a disaster against such a weakened Portsmouth side. The season has not begun bright, but lets hope that the team can learn from there mistakes and make this a successful season.