Dobson: I’m looking forward to being a Don – it’s great to feel wanted

George Dobson says a belief that AFC Wimbledon was the right place to reignite his career led to him snubbing interest from other clubs.

The midfielder swapped Sunderland for the Dons last week after falling down the pecking order under head coach Lee Johnson, sealing a loan move until the end of the current campaign.

Dobson had attracted interest from a number of other clubs this month, but has opened up on why he decided to make the switch to Plough Lane.

"Looking at the club with the new stadium, there’s a lot of potential,” he told Wimbledon’s official website.

"I haven’t been there yet, but it looks beautiful.

"There was that element and the manager sold it to me.

"I could have went elsewhere, but I felt this was the best place for me to continue my development and get back playing games.”

Dobson made his debut for Wimbledon as a secondhalf substitute in their 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, having met his team-mates only hours before kick-off.

His appearance topped off a frantic day for the midfielder, with the loan move only signed and sealed shortly before the cut-off for involvement in the weekend’s fixtures.

"The deal got finalised on Friday and it had to be completed before 12 noon for me to be involved in the game,” explained Dobson.

"I drove down from up north to meet the squad and the manager at the hotel, and I had a bit of dinner.

"I was straight in and singing, which is the worst thing in football!

"I have done a few (initiation songs) and you get used to it, but they don’t get any easier!

"All the lads were great, it has only been a day, but I am settling in fine.

"I am looking forward to getting to know them more.

"It was frantic, but enjoyable, and to be chucked straight in for the last half hour was what I wanted at a new club.

"I really enjoyed it as it is great to feel wanted and I am really looking forward to being a part of the team for the second half of the season.”

Dobson joined Sunderland from Walsall in July 2019.

The 23-year-old scored two goals in 47 appearances for the club.