Nesta Guinness-Walker says he can identify with the AFC Wimbledon story after battling his way through non league to earn a chance here.
Having grown up locally, Nesta knows all about the club's rise through the leagues and he kept a keen eye on Wimbledon's Great Escape last season after joining us on trial.
“It summed up the mindset and the ethos of this club, as it’s a never-say-die attitude," said Nesta. "I’ve been working hard in semi-professional football, so I feel that I can relate to the club. I’ve had my doubters, but I’ve had to push on, and now I can’t wait to get started. I am quite a raw talent, I’ve come from non league, but the manager just wants me to work hard, keep learning, and to develop further."
The 19-year-old only started to come to the attention of Premier League and EFL scouts after switching to a left-back role at Metropolitan Police in the Southern League. Nesta had played for Chelsea and Spurs in his early football years, but he had to reignite his football career in non league.
“When I was younger I played as a left-back, but in more recent years I had played in a midfield role. My club wanted to adapt me though, they saw that ability in me in the left-back role. I’ve embraced it and I’ve matured since I was younger. I feel that’s where I want to play now.
“I’m a local boy, I only live down the road. Everyone who is a football fan knows about AFC Wimbledon and the story of this club. The sky is the limit with the talent of the squad and the experience of Wally Downes. There is no limit to what can be achieved here, it’s a great club.”
Click on the link below to watch Rob Cornell's full interview with Nesta.