By Chris Slavin
AFC Wimbledon's search for a new goalkeeper has today come to a conclusion with a season-long loan deal confirmed to bring in Millwall's Tom King.
The 23-year-old, who has made 11 league appearances for Millwall, also gained valuable experience during loan spells at Welling United, Braintree Town, and Stevenage.
His latter loan spell in League 2 at Stevenage was a big success and Wimbledon's management believe he has the right credentials to be a success at the club.
First-team coach Simon Bassey said: "A lot of work has gone into this signing. We've been fans of Tom for a number of years. I recommended him to Danny Cowley (Lincoln manager) when he was going for the play-off final in the Conference at Braintree. Danny still rings me now for players, so Tom obviously did well for him!
"We put together a list of a dozen goalkeepers, looking at their attributes and at the video footage. We look at what we want from them: the distribution, shot-stopping, and ability to take crosses. Then we go through what they will cost and other factors. We tallied the scores up and came up with the favourites and Tom was right up there.
"Tom has played around 60 games, which is good for a 23-year-old keeper. He is a really good kicker of a football, which could give us a good option with James Hanson having joined us. He is a big lad, 6 ft 3 inches, and he will come and take his crosses. Tom is in good shape, he has worked hard all summer, and that shows how much he wants to improve. He has come into the club with a real point to prove."
Tom is pictured at the training ground being welcomed by our Goalkeeping Coach Bayzo. Look out soon for interviews with Tom and Simon Bassey.