Alan Bennett believes that new AFC Wimbledon signing Dylan Connolly has the attacking qualities to excite Dons supporters.
As a defender at Cork City, our former captain knows all about Dylan's talents as he played against him in the 2017 FAI Cup Final.
Though Dylan was on the bench for Dundalk in the 2018 equivalent, Alan has seen enough of his ability to make a good judgement on what AFC Wimbledon are getting.
"Dylan is a very quick winger and at 23 he still has a lot of potential," said Alan. "He can prove to be a very exciting player for Dons fans. He is a pacey player down the flank who has impressed in the League of Ireland.
"The January arrival from Ireland can be tricky as our season finished in November. It may take time for fitness and sharpness to return so there may need to be patience and understanding for that reason."
Of course, Alan played a key role in keeping Wimbledon in the Football League back in 2013 and he hopes that his old club can survive in League One this time around. Having also worked with Wally Downes during his time at Reading, Alan knows that he is a man who can have a positive effect on a group of players. Reading won the Championship back in 2006 with a record points total with Wally making a big contribution to that success.
"That group of players at Reading at the time were exceptional," added Alan. "The group was the key to the progress of the club. They drove each other on and demanded the highest standards. When faced with challenges they found a way to overcome them. Steve Coppell, Kevin Dillon, and Wally Downes were the staff that put those players in place and created that culture.
"AFC Wimbledon is so special. With it being fan-owned it means so much more to the people and the community. It's inevitable that it will succeed."