Terry Brown, manager of Blue Square Bet Premier club AFC Wimbledon, may be away on holiday at the moment but that didn’t stop him adding Mark Nwokeji to his squad.
Nwokeji first came to the club’s attention when he had an outstanding season for Staines Town, where he featured against the Dons in a memorable play-off final.
Brown tried to sign him at the time but the lure of League football led him to Dagenham & Redbridge where a promising start was interrupted by a posterior ligament injury.
Brown tried again to sign him on loan last season but just missed out as he had committed himself to a loan to league rivals Luton Town where he continued his rehabilitation from injury.
Now, at the third attempt, the Dons` boss has got his man.
Chief Executive Erik Samuelson, who oversaw the signing in the manager’s absence, said: “We are delighted to have signed Mark. He is a proven goalscorer, with pace and strength, and he will bring real competition to the front line for the coming season.
“I remember speaking to Mark at the Ryman League end of season dinner in our promotion season. He was presented with the `golden boot` award and I told him we would be watching out for him to try to bring him to Kingsmeadow. Although it has taken a little bit longer than we hoped, we’re delighted to see him here.
“With our recent injury record regarding cruciate ligaments we have taken extra precautions in checking Mark’s recovery from injury. Mike Rayner saw him and he has spoken to the Dagenham medical staff who have been very helpful. As an extra precaution, Mark is having a scan and if, as we confidently expect, that is clear, the formal paperwork will be completed soon afterwards.”
Nwokeji said: “I’ve flirted with this club for a number of years now and now it is great to be here. I’m looking forward to showing the fans my commitment my ability - and some goals.”
