Midfielder delighted to extend Dons career and push on
AFC Wimbledon scaled new heights at the end of May by reaching League One, but experienced midfielder Dannie Bulman is keen to keep pushing onwards.
Having been an integral part of the Dons side that achieved promotion play-off success at Wembley against Plymouth, Bulman happily extended his stay with the club this summer when an offer was made by manager Neal Ardley.
“Neal’s arm got snapped off when I got offered a new deal,” said Bulman with a smile in an interview to Dons Player. “I’m very happy to stay here and progress the club even more. It’s great to be a part of the best AFC Wimbledon side they’ve ever had and the highest position they’ve ever had. We want to keep moving on and keep improving the team and the squad and so hopefully I’m a big part of that.”
“The reason I came here was the ambition and the history of the club and we’ve made history there and long may it continue.”
It’s the second time the 37 year-old has gone up through the play-offs, having helped get Oxford United into the Football League at Wembley in 2010. New Dons goalkeeper Ryan Clarke was in goal that day for the 3-1 victory over York City and the side also contained former AFC Wimbledon players Alfie Potter and Jack Midson.
Even though he couldn’t indulge at the time, May 30, 2016 with the Dons was even more special for Bulman.
“I’ve been promoted twice now through the play-offs and that was the best for me. The first time is your first time, but the second time you have time to sit back and soak it all up. It didn’t help though that I had to have a random drug test, so I couldn’t celebrate too much, but it was one of the best days of my career.”
Bulman admitted he has to dig deep at this time of the year, as the Dons returned to pre-season training this week.
“It’s pushing twenty now, a fair few. It’s terrible, I hate pre-season! I can run, but I don’t like running unless there is a football involved. I’m getting older and they are getting younger so that’s a bad combination, but I’ll be there or thereabouts.”
When the season comes around though, Bulman will be ready to put in the type of displays supporters have become accustomed to of a man half his age and he’s fully aware of the quality the manager has added recently.
“Chris Whelpdale is a very good wide man and Dean Parrett is very good with the ball and very intelligent and I’m looking forward to playing with both of them.”
“The opposition can respect us or do what they want,” he added in bullish mood. “Wherever we go or wherever we have a home we are going to put our game on it and they better be at their best to beat us.”
The full interview with Dannie Bulman is now available to Dons Player subscribers.