Wally Downes has bolstered his attacking options by signing Michael Folivi on loan from Watford until the end of this season.
The 20-year-old striker, who played for Watford in the Premier League in 2017, spent the second half of last season on loan at Boreham Wood, helping Luke Garrard’s side into the National League play-off final against Tranmere.
Shortly after signing for AFC Wimbledon, Michael said: “It was transfer deadline day, so I didn’t know what to expect really! At one stage I was going up north, next minute I was coming down here, so it was a case of keeping my phone on and hoping that the right move would come up.
“You get clubs thrown at you left, right, and centre, but that’s the transfer window. When it comes towards the end of the deadline everyone is after a striker. I spoke to my agent and I was aware of Wimbledon’s interest yesterday. I got a call from Watford saying I should come in and sign, so I was buzzing with that. Coming to Wimbledon is a great move for me as it's a big club with a big history. I want to come and work for the club and get us out of the trouble that we are in.
“I try to be clever in the final third, a good finisher, and show movement off the shoulders of the defenders with good pace. I have to first of all train well, meet the squad, and prove myself on the pitch. No one here knows what I can do, so I need to prove that I am ready for the fight.”
Michael, who has also had a loan spell at Coventry City, has been in good form this season for Watford's Under-23 side.
Speaking about his signature, Wally Downes said: “Michael is a player with a lot of pace who gets in behind defences. He is a young forward who has a good attitude and he puts pressure on defenders. We believe he will be a good addition to the squad.”
Michael progressed through Watford’s academy ranks into the first-team squad - and he’s actually scored against Wimbledon before. That came in an FA Youth Cup tie at Vicarage Road in 2015 when The Dons edged out Watford on penalties!