Johnnie Jackson has moved quickly to seal an important signing for next season with confirmation that Omar Bugiel has committed his future to AFC Wimbledon.
Apart from his spells away on international duty with Lebanon, Omar was one of the first names on Johnnie's teamsheet every week, impressing everyone with his performances on the pitch and winning plenty of friends off it.
His eye-catching displays up front have included 11 goals in all competitions this season, making him one of the most feared forwards in League Two.
After Omar penned a new two-year contract, our Head of Football Operations Craig Cope summed up his delight with retaining his attacking talents for the next campaign and beyond.
“We are really pleased to retain Omar," said Craig. He has played a pivotal role this season - both on and off the pitch. He has become a firm fans’ favourite and I know that Omar and his family really feel a part of the Club. We are all keen to continue working together to progress AFC Wimbledon forward as much as we possibly can after the improvement shown this season.”
Though the 30-year-old was aware of interest in his services, he feels that Wimbledon is now his home, so that was a main factor in the decision to stay.
“I’m delighted to have signed," said Omar. "From day one when I signed here I told everyone what I was all about and I’m pretty sure that I’ve backed that up this year. I’ve tried to perform week in and week out, aiming to be consistent, and it’s great to extend my stay here.
“There have been talks since I came back from the Asia Cup, and there was a lot of interest in me, but deep down I feel this is my home. I want to give everything for the Club in the next two years.
“My family love it here and they played a big part in getting this done. The fans have made them feel welcome, which made my decision easier. If you go elsewhere you have to relocate with your family, so that was one of the main reasons why I didn’t want to leave this beautiful place.”
With the Dons in eighth place and still mathematically in contention for a play-off place, Omar believes the Dons are in a great position to move forward as a club.
“This season could have been better in terms of personal and team goals, but you have to be realistic – we’ve lost players and had injuries – but we’re still in a great position to push on this season. At the worst case, we can obviously build on this for next season.
“The manager wants to keep his key players and to attract better players you have to do this. I'm one of the key factors in the way he wants to play. We have the core of a good team and we just need to build around it to become a better team for next season.”
