What Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson said about Bristol City loanee’s future

AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson says Bristol City will be ‘delighted’ with how Ryley Towler’s loan spell has gone at Plough Lane. Towler was sent out on a season-long loan to the League Two club on Deadline Day.

London News Online however has revealed that the Robins have a recall option that could be used in January. City have had availability issues in the defensive area with Kal Naismith sidelined since October whilst Tomas Kalas has been a long-term absentee.

Towler, born in Bristol and an academy product of City, has made several first-team appearances for the club, but it was decided that a temporary move away from Ashton Gate would be beneficial to his experience.

He had a loan spell at Grimsby Town in the National League last season, playing 14 times before a return to City, where he played one Championship match against Millwall, before returning to their Under-21’s.

Towler has since recovered from an injury that kept him sidelined for a chunk of the second part of the campaign and has coped well with the demands of League Two football.

“They are really happy with how it has been going for him,” said Jackson to the South London Press.

“They sent him to us because they wanted him to get games and regular football. “He’s getting that here, and I know for a fact that he is really enjoying his football – he’s loving his time down here with us.

“We’re really happy with him. I’m sure Bristol City are happy with us and the fact that he’s getting the opportunities that he’s getting. Long may that continue.”

The nature of Towler’s move to Wimbledon meant that Jackson was able to pitch a move to him and his parent club Bristol City. Several clubs had interest reported in him including Forest Green Rovers and Salford City, but it was his pitch that sealed the deal.

Towler has gone on to play 18 games for the Dons, earning 11 starts in 13 matches in League Two. He has predominantly played as a centre-back, a position that wants to be recruited in January, but also has been deployed as a defensive midfielder.

“Ryley has been brilliant for us – his level of performance has been outstanding,” said Jackson. I would agree that his performances have been improving game by game.

“He has been a real reliable signing for us. He’s a great character, too – a great kid to have around the place. He works hard every day and there is no fuss. He has been a pleasure to work with.