By Rob Cornell
Cody McDonald said that a Dons hero from the past had a big part to play when he decided to commit to a new challenge with AFC Wimbledon.
"I was at Gillingham with Danny Kedwell, who had that great season when Wimbledon were promoted from non-league," said Cody in an interview for our new, premium iFollow channel.
"I was aware of the Wimbledon story in the past, back at Selhurst Park, when they were playing with Crystal Palace. It was sad what happened to them, but I heard from Danny about AFC Wimbledon. He said what a great club it is and that it's on the up - the proof is in the pudding with the go-ahead for the new stadium this week. Hopefully, I can do well and maybe look to move into the new stadium with everyone on board."
"Everything excites me about the club. The history of having to start in non-league, it's a great story, and hopefully it can keep growing and growing and we'll be playing Championship football at least while I'm here."
Having become a firm favourite with Gillingham fans in his time at Priestfield, including a very successful goal scoring partnership with another Dons' hero Bayo Akinfenwa, the 31-year-old will have a few familiar faces to help him settle into his new environment.
"I already know a few of the lads to fair! I played with Andy Barcham, Barry Fuller and Chris Whelpdale at Gillingham, George Francomb at Norwich and I know Paul Robinson from playing against each other throughout our careers."
"Maybe it'll make it that little bit easier! When you go somewhere new it's like starting the first day at a new school, but I can't wait to meet up with them all and get that hard work rolling and have a successful season.
Centre-back Deji Oshilaja also made the move from Gillingham to the Dons during the break and Cody is fully aware of the improved player Wimbledon are getting, since his last loan spell with the Dons a couple of years ago.
"Deji is a great player," added Cody. "He's so comfortable on the ball, strong, quick, a great lad to have around the dressing room and it's going to be nice to see him again on Monday! We haven't had time to speak over the Summer, due to other things, but he's a great signing and I'm sure he's looking forward to it as much as I am."
The full, seven minute exclusive interview with Cody McDonald is available to subscribers of our premium iFollow channel via the link above. Click below for a clip on our official You Tube channel.