Academy product on his step-up to the first-team
Alfie Egan summed up a “crazy” six days for him after making two first-team appearances – and he said that tips from Wimbledon’s more experienced midfielders made the step-up much easier.
Over four years after joining the AFC Wimbledon academy, the 19-year-old played in the Checkatrade Trophy win against Plymouth, before making his league debut at Oxford on Sunday.
Click on the video link above to view an interview with a delighted Alfie after our great win at the Kassam Stadium.
“It’s been amazing and this game (Oxford) tops it off,” said Alfie. “To play in the league in front of the TV cameras after a really memorable moment for me (Trophy game), has made it a crazy week. These are the games you live for when you start off your career. Coming off the bench to get minutes, you want to show what you are about and hopefully I’ve done that. I’m really looking forward to the future now.
“It feels like I’ve been here forever! It feels like this is the only team I’ve ever played for. I want to go out on the pitch, play for the club, and hopefully achieve some big things. It’s only the start really. Hopefully, I can make a few more appearances coming off the bench and carry on showing what I’m about. I am hoping the manager likes it and puts me in as part of the team.
“When I came on Jake Reeves and Dannie Bulman were on the pitch encouraging me and telling me what to do. They gave me little tips and pointers about where to go on the pitch. It really gives you confidence on the pitch when you have those players encouraging you.”
After making his league debut on Sunday, Alfie had plenty of congratulatory messages on his phone, including from Under-18 manager Mark Robinson and former team-mates who starred in last season’s FA Youth Cup run.
Alfie added: “I checked my phone and the first message that came up was from ‘Robbo’. I’m always texting him and he is always coming up to me and having chats still. He’s not my coach technically now, but he is still coaching me through life and football. ‘Robbo’ has played a massive part, as well as Jeremy Sauer (Academy Manager).
“I’m still in touch with all of the lads from last season’s Under-18 squad. It was a tight-knit squad and we showed that last season. We’ve gone our separate ways, but we are all still together.”