“They’ve called me a farmer already,” quipped proud Bristolian Ryley Towler as he reflected on his first few days as an AFC Wimbledon player.
Our new number 12 already feels like he’s part of the furniture down at our New Malden training ground, with both players and staff making the 20-year-old feel welcome.
“I’m delighted to have joined Wimbledon. The lads have been great, they along with the staff welcomed me on my first day. There’s loads of characters here. Pearcey (Alex Pearce) has been brilliant and has spoken to me a lot.”
Watch the full interview on our Official YouTube Channel.
Ryley is a player that Johnnie Jackson admitted had been on his list of targets for a long time, however the move itself didn’t come to fruition until the final few minutes of Deadline Day – meaning that the player himself had to move quickly to complete the relevant paperwork!
“It was a bit manic really! I was tucked up in bed when I got the call – it was all a bit of a rush to sign things but I’m glad we got it done and over the line,” he said. “The style of play suits me. I like to play out from the back. As soon as I spoke to the gaffer I wanted to get the move done.
“Moving through the (youth) set-up (at Bristol City), all of the teams play with a three at the back. I prefer being the left-sided player but I am comfortable with being in the center.
“I’m more of a ball player. I like defending, I’m a hard worker, I’m honest and I want to get better every day. The target is to play as many games as I can.”
The defender isn’t a stranger to heading out on loan, having played for Taunton, Frome and most recently Grimsby Town.
Although the move to the Mariners was a bit of a culture shock for Ryley, he quickly settled and admits that it helped to build his character.
“I missed home a bit but it was brilliant. I loved playing up there, the lads were quality and it was a big learning experience for me. I’m ready to kick on again now.”
With plenty of seasoned Wimbledon pros by his side, our newest addition has been well informed on our club’s rich history and is already relishing our upcoming London derby against Leyton Orient this Saturday.
“I’m getting filled in. It’s a big club and I know the fans have been brilliant – on Saturday (at Stockport) they travelled in their numbers.
“It’s a good one to come into (the game against Orient). I can’t wait to see the fans at the ground - hopefully it’s a sell-out.”
MATCH PICS: Paul Thompson (Pro Sports Images)