AFC Wimbledon boss explains why they had different first choice plans for striker loan deal

Mark Robinson has spoken in more detail about why AFC Wimbledon initially went for another forward before bringing in Sam Cosgrove for the rest of the season from Birmingham City.

The Dons were forced into the transfer market after top-scorer Ollie Palme was sold to National League side Wrexham for £300,000.

The South London Press believes that the first forward on Wimbledon’s list was Joe Pigott, who left on a free transfer in the summer after scoring 20 League One goals last season.

Pigott was linked to Cambridge United on deadline day but ended up remaining at Ipswich Town.

“It was just someone that we both know,” said Robinson.

“The only reason he was our first choice was that we know each other, and it would have been easy to come in and slot straight in.

“But the club that he was with didn’t want to release him, despite having five centre-forwards – that just shows the disparity of clubs within this league.

“It was no disrespect to Sam, he was next on the list, and we are really chuffed to have him with us.”

Wimbledon beat Charlton, who were managed by Nigel Adkins at the time, 1-0 back in August in the first round of the EFL Cup, thanks to a first-half goal from Paul Osew.

It is the first time that the two sides have faced each other this season in League One after Johnnie Jackson’s side had the reverse fixture at Plough Lane postponed due to a number of positive Covid-19 cases within their squad.

“I watched them on Monday night, and they were outstanding against Portsmouth,” said Robinson.

“We know what we are going up against. We went there earlier in the season and won. When we are at our best, we are competitive against everyone – we showed that at Wycombe away and against Oxford United at home.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD