ECSTATIC Ryan McLean says his dreams have come true after sealing a switch from Hereford to AFC Wimbledon.
The 23-year-old winger, who scored 13 goals in 81 National League North appearances for the Bulls, moves for an undisclosed fee and has signed a twoyear deal with the League Two side.
“It's an unbelievable feeling,” said McLean, who was released by Shrewsbury Town at 15 before rebuilding his career at Newcastle Town.
“Moving up from Non-League to being a professional is the dream for anyone playing at that level, and it takes a lot of hard work.
“I had a bit of interest in me from elsewhere but as soon as my agent mentioned the possibility of coming to Wimbledon it was a no brainer. I wanted to say yes straight away.”
Priority
McLean's big move comes with the added bonus that he has been able to give up his full-time job as an IT recruitment resourcer. “I've just handed in my notice after a year,” he added. “They've been really good with me because it all happened so quickly and I've enjoyed working there. I'm looking forward to a completely different challenge now and a priority is to go house hunting with my girlfriend.”
Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds had previously promised that any windfall from the sale of McLean would be ploughed back into the team.
And he has proved as good as his word with former Solihull, Stourbridge and Truro City forward Stanley Anaebonam unveiled just hours after Mc-Lean's departure.
“Stan is a player we have kept a close eye on for the past month or so and now we have had the opportunity to bring him into our squad, we are extremely pleased to get him,” said Hereford manager Paul Caddis.
Rebuild
“With Ryan moving on – we all wish him the very best of luck – we have acted quickly, but precisely, in bringing Stan into the club.
“Stan has the physical attributes we were looking for in the wide area and possesses great speed and power which we know will cause the opposition problems.
“He is a down-to-earth and hard-working player, with an eagerness to learn and get better every day. We are very much looking forward to seeing him in a Bulls shirt.
“He is another player who we k nowsupporters will be excited to watch and another player through the door to help us have a positive, energetic and bright season, in what's a huge rebuild at this great club.”
