Experienced defender outlines his ambitions
says he is “excited” by the challenge of turning AFC Wimbledon into a League 2 force next season after committing his future to the Dons.Alan Bennett
He may now have turned 31, but Alan’s ambition to succeed still shines brightly – and the defender insisted “I am not just here to see out my career”.
Wimbledon’s management made keeping Alan a priority and the former Republic of Ireland international was convinced by their desire to push the club on next season.
“I am delighted to stay here,” said Alan. “I am really excited as well because the manager has a big summer ahead of him. The remit of the management was to keep us in the league and they have done that now. The club seems to be moving forward and the management want to move us onto the next level.
“I have only been here for three months, but I know that the club moved up from non league two years ago and now it is established in League 2. I am looking forward now to trying to improve the club again. I am not here just to see out my career because I only have a few seasons left. I want to be successful. The clubs that have gone up from League 2 in recent years have spent big money, but I believe you can get to the play-offs if you are organised and professional. The top-10 should be our target.”
Alan, who has helped both Brentford and Wycombe Wanderers to promotions during his career, says that helping Wimbledon to survival on the last day ranks alongside his best achievements. However, he is determined not to go through all that again after an anxious finale to the season.
in January. I am not sure how much impact I had myself, but I am just chuffed that we stayed up in the end. I am most happy for the fans because they never gave up even when we 18 minutes away from going out of the league.Harry Pell and Gary Alexander“There were times when I was looking at the table six or seven times a day during the last few weeks of the season,” Alan added. “When things are not going well you need strong characters and the manager brought in
“I have been there and done it and I know how much hard work is required both and off the pitch to challenge. Staying up with Wimbledon was up there with the promotions I have had. However, I am excited about us improving during the next campaign and I am looking forward to getting ready for pre-season.”