If you go back to the end of the 2021-22 season, Zach Robinson appeared to be the next youngster from AFC Wimbledon’s academy to break through and establish himself in the first team, joining other graduates Ayoub Assal and Jack Rudoni.
Mark Bowen had given the then-19-year-old striker the opportunity to lead the line for Wimbledon, who was winless in 18 League One games and swiftly sinking into the relegation zone.
Robinson returned in his first two appearances under the former Reading manager, assisting at Sheffield Wednesday away and scoring his first senior goal against Charlton at Plough Lane, before suffering an injury in the Dons’ 1-1 draw with Milton Keynes that sidelined him for the rest of the season as the club was relegated to League Two.
“I look back on some of the times very fondly,” Robinson told the South London Press after being released by the Dons.
“It was the first time I felt really involved in the first team.
“It was cut short due to a hamstring injury.” It was a young team, but I believe there were opportunities to remain up.
“We haven’t won a game in a long time and we should have. There were some unforgettable experiences, like as scoring at Plough Lane and playing at Hillsborough.
“For the first time in my career, I truly felt the presence of my surroundings. When I scored my first goal, it was incredible.
“It was late in the game, so I remember picking up the ball after it went in and yelling with jubilation.
“I felt full of confidence. I still remember that day with pride.”
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