Dons new boy delighted to be skipper (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Dons new boy delighted to be skipper

9:32am Wednesday 30th May 2007

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New AFC Wimbledon signing Jason Goodliffe says he is raring to go after being handed the captain's armband by boss Terry Brown.

In the wake of Steve Butler's departure, defender Goodliffe was appointed club captain immediately after signing for the Dons last week.

And the 33-year-old admits he is honoured to be named as the new skipper.

He said: "Wherever I have played I have been captain, so I'm no stranger to the role.

"Terry has decided I am the right man for the job, and that is a massive thing for me.

"It is a great honour to be named captain of such a big club that has fantastic support and, hopefully, I can lead the team to success."

The former Rushden & Diamonds and York City man revealed that other Conference National and South sides had been chasing his signature but, once he knew of the Dons' interest in him, there was only one destination for the centre-back.

"I was contacted by a few clubs but I feel this is a good move for me in terms of my footballing ambitions and the club's," Goodliffe said.

"AFC Wimbledon didn't need much selling - it's a fantastic club already - but it has got so much potential and I want to be a part of that."

However, Goodliffe insists his first job would be to force his way into Brown's starting line-up after the impressive displays from Paul Lorraine and Antony Howard at the heart of the Dons defence last season.

"The defence did really well last season and that's something that I am aware of," he said.

"There is already a good back four in place and, hopefully, I can add some experience to it."

Goodliffe may be a Dons new boy but he can look forward to seeing some familiar faces when Brown's newly assembled squad begin pre-season training.

"I know Terry from my time at Hayes and I know a few of the new lads who have signed," he added.

"I have played against quite a few of the existing squad and I know Roscoe Dsane from my time at Aldershot, so I'll be familiar with some of the faces."

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