Terry swoops for Pim
AFC Wimbledon have moved swiftly to complete the signing of experienced centre-back Pim Balkestein.
Terry Brown was quick to swoop for the 25-year-old following his release from League 1 Brentford and the Dons boss believes he has pulled off a real transfer coup by bringing Pim back to the club. Dutch defender Pim was a huge influence during a loan spell in March as he helped us to three crucial wins that eased our relegation fears.
The signing ends Terry Brown's summer-long search for an experienced centre-back and Wimbledon beat off interest from other clubs to sign Pim.
"Pim ticks every box for us," said Terry Brown. "He is a left-sided centre-back, who is big, strong, and has a great attitude. I know that we made him feel comfortable here and the fans took to him straight away. The first header that he won against Dagenham, the ball went about 40 yards, and straight away you could tell that the fans here would appreciate that kind of effort. Pim wants to play for a club that really wants him and I think that is a big factor in him coming here. He is a fantastic signing for us and he has chosen to come here even though a League 1 club were interested in him."
Pim admitted that the management team's determination to bring him back to the club played a big part in his decision to sign permanently for AFC Wimbledon.
"I was really impressed that Terry and Stuart Cash still thought about me and tried so much to get me back here," he said. "The fans showed that they liked me last time I was here and I hope to play a lot of games next season. We have made some good signings and hopefully we can do better than 16th next season. I think that we can climb six or seven places and maybe challenge for the play-offs. It was made clear to me that I was not part of Brentford's plans after they signed another centre-back and it is great for me to get another chance in English football."
See the official website later for a full interview with Pim.