Billy Knott To Be Given Opportunity To Shine This Summer

One of the youngsters who hold the most promise at the club, Billy Knott, looks set to see some playing time in red and white over the summer after AFC Wimbledon boss, Terry Brown, conceded that the former Dons loanee won't be returning to them.

Speaking in the local press down South, Brown said of Knott and fellow loanee from last season, West Ham United's George Moncur;

Both clubs have said they are keeping hold of the boys for the whole of preseason.

The younger players return to training this week ahead of their first preseason game on July 18th against Whitby before further games against non-league opposition and a behind closed doors friendly with Southampton at the Academy Of Light.

Previously Knott himself had stated following the conclusion of his loan spell with Wimbledon that if he wasn't going to get a chance at Sunderland he'd be looking to go on loan again;

I will be looking to go out on loan again as I do not want to go back to playing reserve team football. But I will have to speak to the gaffer and the staff at Sunderland first when I go back there.

It sounds very much as though words have been exchanged if we're keeping a hold of him for the entirety of the preseason, and given Knott's comments about not wanting reserve team football, it sounds very much as though Knott will be on the plane to South Korea in the very near future for the Peace Cup, or at the very least involved against Hartlepool, Leicester City and Derby County upon the return of the first team.

Knott's creation and vision could be a missing spark form our solid but unimaginative midfield, and perhaps as an impact substitute or wildcard, Knott could, if he performs well enough this preseason, be in line for a breakthrough year at the club.