Ashes hero loved his day at Wimbledon
Mark Wood described his first visit to AFC Wimbledon as a “fantastic” experience and he hopes to be a lucky charm for the club in the future.
Though Ashes hero Mark came all the way down from Northumberland to watch Wimbledon FC games as a child, he had not attended a Dons match at the Cherry Red Records Stadium until Saturday.
Speaking to Rob Cornell during an interview for Dons Player after he was special guest at the 2-1 win against Exeter, Mark said that his visit lived up to expectations.
“The whole day was fantastic and I cannot thank Erik, Ivor and all the others enough,” said Mark. “The reception I got from the fans on the pitch was brilliant. I tried to give a little bit back by bringing my Ashes winning medal and having a few pictures taken with supporters. It was not much, but I was happy to do anything to make someone’s day.
“I think the main thing is that the people behind the scenes here know how to run a football club. I could not believe that an hour before the kick-off, we had mascots and supporters in the dressing room. I thought that would be ‘team time’. It is great that the club supports the fans the way it does and AFC Wimbledon is very much a community club. The way that the club is run is definitely the right way.
“It was the first time that I had been here at the stadium and I thought we played really well. During the second-half, in particular, I thought we were excellent. If we keep performing like that we will get the right results. I hope I am a lucky charm and I would love to come back.”
During an interview for the official website in the summer, Mark spoke about how his love for Wimbledon came about and that led to him being presented with a signed photograph of former Dons goalkeeper Hans Segers after Saturday’s game.
“When I was four my favourite colour was blue and one of the stickers I had looked like my Dad,” added Mark. “I am sure that was Hans Segers and that led to a fantastic presentation (on Saturday) when I was presented with a signed picture of the man himself. I will put that up on the wall next to my Dad and I can compare the two forever now! I came along with my Dad and we were looked after brilliantly. I cannot thank the club enough.”
Up next in his cricket schedule is the one-day internationals for England against Australia and AFC Wimbledon wishes Mark every success in his future career.