The lure of playing for another passionate fan base, and a club that would help further his development were decisive factors for Nathan Young-Coombes to join us.
The Sutton-born striker completed the paperwork on a season-long loan earlier today, ahead of our League Two opener at home to Gillingham tomorrow. Nathan spoke to us straight after his first training session with the Dons, having been at Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Rangers before signing for parent club Brentford just over a year ago.
“Aaron Pressley came to me last season, when he was on loan here, and said many times about the love that the fans show is incredible,” said Nathan, having received a glowing review of our support. “I can’t wait to get out in front of them and show what I can do.
“Speaking to Pres, he’d given me a few bits of information and detail about the club and he kind of urged me to consider Wimbledon, because of the people within it, the fans and that if I really wanted to make the next step to come here and show what I can do.
“It’s indescribable how life up at Rangers affected me. The appreciation of their fans was second to none. You can’t experience anything like that, it’s hard to put into words. They’re a great bunch of people and you can’t ask for anything more.”
Having netted 34 times for Brentford’s B side and a player of the year title last season, the confident front man is looking forward to linking up again with midfielder Paris Maghoma, who also made the same move from the Bees this summer.
“Paris is one of my best friends at Brentford,” said Nathan. “He’s a great player.
“I signed for Brentford with the intention of playing first-team football. Getting on the scoresheet for the B team last season really proved to myself that I’m ready to make the step. I wasn’t the sole responsibility for all the goals – my teammates helped me in so many different ways. To get that award was a great experience.”
Having earned his first team debut in the Premier League with Brentford at the end of last season, as a second half substitute against Southampton, Nathan is eager for more.
“Brentford said to go and get some first team minutes,” said Nathan. “I think of myself quite highly, of what I can show. I’ve spoken to the gaffer, and he said this is your pitch, your chance to show what you can do and prove yourself right.
“I’ve discussed formations with the manager here – how he likes to play and what he likes to do. I’m quite an aggressive striker that likes to press and score lots of goals, He’s laid down a blueprint where I can really progress and show what I can do.”
Watch the first interview in full with Nathan Young-Coombes below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.