‘It was something we lacked’ – Johnnie Jackson makes Omar Bugiel admission with Joe Pigott making AFC Wimbledon return

Johnnie Jackson admitted AFC Wimbledon struggled last season when Omar Bugiel was unavailable – but believes new signing Joe Pigott will help bring different qualities to a competitive forward line.

Pigott rejoined the club on a season-long loan deal from Leyton Orient after three years away from Plough Lane.

The now 30-year-old left the Dons on a free transfer at the end of the 2020-21 season to join Ipswich Town on a three-year deal.

Lebanese striker Bugiel missed five games last season and went to the Asia Cup last January.

“Joe is a clever footballer,” Jackson told the South London Press.

“He’s a big lad who can handle himself physically, but he drops into pockets and can link play. He’s a really good finisher who can also find a pass and bring people into play as well. 

“It was something we lacked when Omar went away. He missed a fair chuck of football for us last season with the internationals, the Asia Cup and a couple of suspensions.

“We did struggle when he wasn’t around. Joe is there now. He’s not here as a replacement, he’s here to push him and the others to get themselves in the team.

“To have those options at the top is really helpful.”

Pigott, who contributed 67 goals in 157 games, joined Bugiel, Matty Stevens, and Josh Kelly in completing the striker department.

He has had spells at Leyton Orient and Portsmouth on loan but has failed to replicate his form in a Wimbledon shirt since leaving.

“He probably had the best stint of his career here,” added Jackson.

“He went on to get the move having played so well for Wimbledon, but he’s a player I have known for a long time after playing with him when he made his debut coming through at Charlton.

“I have wanted to sign him a few times, but it hasn’t quite happened, or the timing hasn’t been right. This time it was.

“It’s not the fact that he played for Wimbledon before that was the reason we wanted to bring him in – that helps – but he’s a top player. 

“He has played at the top level and knows what success looks like in this league. He brings us some different qualities as well and we now have some good options in that forward line.

“That’s important.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD