Keeper secures Dons deal after fine run of form
Goalkeeper Nik Tzanev has been rewarded for his impressive end of season form with a new contract at AFC Wimbledon.
The 20-year-old former Brentford keeper today signed on the dotted line after a string of fine performances for our development squad at the end of 2016/17.
His form resulted in Neal Ardley handing him a first-team call-up for the final home game of the season against Oldham.
“Nik came in to play for the Under-21s at the back end of the season and he impressed everybody,” said Neal. “We want Nik to continue his development with us and his addition strengthens our options in the goalkeeping department.”
Click on the link below to watch a video interview with Nik.
Speaking to WDON’s Rob Cornell, Nik spoke of his delight after signing for the Dons.
“As a young boy, I was always playing against Wimbledon and now to have a chance to be a part of the first-team is amazing,” said Nik. “I could have slowed down a bit when I got a short-term deal here, but I kept on going and the hard work has paid off.
“To be a part of the first-team squad motivated me to keep going and try to get more opportunities. I am getting to the stage now when that is what I need to be doing. I know about the history of this club and the fans – it is an amazing club.
“I get along well with the boys here and the coaches have been really nice to me too. I really appreciated the fact that Bayzo took me in to train here in the first place. From where I was when I first started training here to where I am now, I can only put that down to him. He has been training with me every day, I like working with him, and I think we have a lot to bring to the future. I need to keep proving myself more and more. Pushing into that first-team squad is the ultimate aim.”
Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Nik gained international honours for his home country at youth level, and made the squad for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup two years ago.
After moving to England in 2006, Nik joined Brentford and progressed through the academy ranks, earning the Youth Team Player of the Year in 2015, which resulted in his first professional contract.