Sunday 12 December 2021 is a day that Kasey McAteer will never forget.
It’s the date that our midfielder made his Premier League debut for his parent club Leicester City. As achievements go, it’s one that players understandably hold in the greatest regard but as Kasey states, he doesn’t plan on resting on his laurels.
As part of a wide-ranging discussion, the 21-year-old talks house shares, learning off Brendan Rodgers and looking up to two Premier League stars.
Our number 19 also speaks in-depth about his experience of being on loan with the Dons as he aims to finish with a flourish.
How are you finding life at Wimbledon so far?
I’ve loved every minute of it. Ever since I first walked through the door, I knew this was a place that I wanted to be in. I’ve been made to feel really welcome, on and off the pitch. I’ve made some friends and met teammates who I will remember for the rest of my career.
We’re regularly getting home crowds of over 7,000 every week. Has the level of support surprised you?
It has in a way. I knew how passionate the fans were about this club, but to see it first hand has shown me that it’s a whole other level to what I imagined. We definitely don’t take their support for granted and it makes a massive difference.
What are the main challenges for you as a player in League Two football?
It’s very tough physically. You come up against big guys and experienced professionals. It’s tough but I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s six games to go now. I want to keep challenging myself and give my best for the club.
You’ve played in a few positions since joining. Is that a challenge you enjoy?
The gaffer knew I could play in a number of positions when I came in. All I can do is give my best in the role that he sees fit for me. Versatility is one of my biggest strengths, utilising it helps me get into the team. I’m very fond of the position I’m in on the right-hand side.
Where do you feel we need to improve the most in order to finish the season strongly?
Losing on Saturday left a sour taste in the mouth. We need to ensure our mentality remains strong going into every game. The last thing we need to do is lose belief in what we can do. You look back at the victory over Walsall and we showed exactly what we’re capable of. There is quality in this team, we just need to show it every game.
What’s the main thing that you’ll take away from your experience on loan here?
Learning about what it takes to compete against other players who are fighting for their club and their families. I’ve met great people in all areas of the club that have helped to develop me as a person.
My first impression after walking into the dressing room was that this squad is crazy! There’s some great characters about – the likes of Harry Pell and Alex Pearce spring to mind. They’re great to have about the place. In our dressing room you can be yourself no matter what your personality is. We accept each other for what we are.
You’re set to move into a house share with Saikou Janneh and Sam Pearson. How much are you looking forward to that and who will be doing the cooking?
I’ll definitely be doing the cooking! I don’t trust them two to sort my food out! I do a nice chilli con carne tray bake. It’s layered with mozzarella cheese. It’s not the healthiest meal but it’s my go-to if I need to cater for a group of people.
They’re great lads. We’ve grown closer over the recent weeks and months because we’re all in the same boat, we’re all on loan.
How would you sum up the feeling of playing in the Premier League?
It’s something I’ll never forget and I don’t think I’ll ever get the feeling again. It was a true honour to step on the pitch. A memory that will stay with me.
What would you say separates players at that level from others?
It comes down to how they think tactically and their physical output. The speed of the game is very different. In the Premier League you’re seen as household names, so it’s almost expected that you can produce a top quality output at all times.
However I wouldn’t say there’s much of a difference between that level and League Two. There’s a lot of people in our league that have been there and done it – you look at Pearcey and Chris Gunter in our squad.
With regards to Leicester City, the player that stands out for me is James Maddison. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen in terms of his technical ability. He can play well off both feet, his set pieces are superb. He’s also a very big voice off the pitch, he drives the standards in the dressing room.
I’m on the same sort of journey as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. He went out on loan before breaking into the first-team. He’s shown that it can be done if you put the work in.
Brendan Rodgers left Leicester at the weekend. What was he like to work with and how big an impact did he have on you?
I have to thank him for everything. Me and my family will forever be grateful to him and his staff. We had plenty of one-on-one chats. I felt like I could always go to him and speak about how I felt and about what was on my mind. Not just on the pitch, but off it he was a great man manager.
At the end of the day, I’ll miss him. That’s just how I feel. I’ve messaged him and expressed my gratitude towards him.
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