New signing's delight at joining Wimbledon
Having played against the Dons for Hereford United and visited the Cherry Red Records Stadium as a spectator, Harry Pell says he can’t wait to pull on a Wimbledon shirt if he is handed his debut on Saturday against Burton Albion.
The 21-year-old (pictured in action during his Hereford days) turned down other League 2 clubs to join AFC Wimbledon and in an interview for Dons Player shortly after signing on the dotted line Harry spoke enthusiastically about joining the club. Though he couldn’t quite remember the score, Harry said he was impressed by his last visit to AFC Wimbledon when he helped Hereford United to a 1-1 draw at the Cherry Red Records Stadium in August, 2011.
Here’s the full interview with Harry Pell, which appeared on Dons Player this afternoon:
Welcome to Wimbledon Harry, are you pleased that the formalities have now been completed?
It has been a hectic time the last couple of days and a bit of a nightmare travelling down here, but it is a club which I really wanted to join and I cannot wait to get going now.
What are your main motivations for making this move?
Stepping back into the Football League is a big factor for me and I really like this club. I have been along to watch Wimbledon play before and played against the club for Hereford. I am an Essex boy so being just around the corner really helps. Unfortunately, my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis so coming back home was vital for me.
Did Neal Ardley really have to sell the club to you?
With the history of this club it is massive for me to come here. I have heard good things about the manager and players such as Neil Sullivan. I cannot wait to get started as a Wimbledon player.
What type of player can the Wimbledon supporters expect to see?
I would like to think that I am a box-to-box midfielder and that people know what they are getting from me as I give 100 per cent. I am really looking forward to Saturday if I am involved. I have the rest of the week to prepare for it and get to know the lads in training.
How has the season so far with Hereford gone for you?
I have a lot of respect for Hereford United as I was there for two-and-a-half years. We had a good cup run this season, but it did not quite go according to plan in the league. I am back in the Football League though now. I have been in this situation before when you are in a relegation battle at the bottom of the league. Hopefully, my experiences of that time can help.
?Can you tell us a bit more about your career, starting with your time at Charlton
I was at Charlton from the age of just seven and I left there when I was 18 to sign for Bristol Rovers. I moved to Hereford after doing well there on loan and it is great to now end up here.
So joining a club in the bottom two holds no fears for you?
There are no fears and we have to be thinking that we can get out of this situation. I am confident that we can do that and I will be at this club for a while. Hopefully, we can stay up this season and build on that during the next campaign.
to subscribe.Dons Player offerDons Player subscribers can view the full video interview with Harry Pell, along with the thoughts of Neil Cox, on our premium site. For the rest of this month, supporters can take advantage of a Dons Player January sale. This offers a subscription for just £18.99 until 18 August, 2013. With exclusive interviews, WDON commentary of every game, and match highlights, you can get the latest AFC Wimbledon news first. Click on