From headhunter to headhunted – Dons move allowed winger McLean to quit IT recruitment job

BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

From finding work for people in IT to being headhunted himself, it’s been a summer to remember for new AFC Wimbledon recruit Ryan McLean.

It has been an elongated journey to the full-time stage for the winger, who was released by Shrewsbury at 15 after failing to land a scholarship deal.

By the age of 18, he was playing for Sunday League side Allscott FC in the Shropshire County League  and climbed the non-league ladder, signing for Market Drayton before moving on to Newcastle Town.

McLean jumped up two leagues and joined Hereford FC at 21. He was snapped up by Johnnie Jackson’s Dons this summer after bagging 13 goals in two full seasons at Edgar Street.

He has quit his job at Greenfield IT Recruitment.

“I was nervous about handing in my notice but they knew it could happen,” said McLean. “I got that job because I was playing for Hereford part-time.

“We trained during the day. They knew football was my priority and that I was going to leave if I got a full-time offer. They were more than happy for me.”

Wimbledon agreed an undisclosed fee for McLean, who became their fourth signing of the summer transfer window.

The Dons confirmed the deal in late June, just days before Jackson’s squad reported back for pre-season prep.

“It went on for a week or so before anything was official,” he said. “It was leaked all over Twitter – I was at work when it all happened and I got the call.

“I came to the ground, spoke with the manager and Craig Cope (head of football operations), and everything was just top.

“The ground speaks for itself. With the club and the history, it wasn’t a hard decision.”

McLean has gone from being paid £50 a game in his first deal after leaving Allscott to potentially turning out this season against Wrexham, Bradford and Notts County.

“I forget sometimes – my mate reminds me – my family would always come and watch me, even when there were just 20 people there at Sunday league level,” he said.

“It’s mad. There aren’t many people who have jumped this far up. I just have to keep working hard and doing well here.”

McLean has signed a two-year deal with the Dons – with an option for a further 12 months. He has featured regularly during pre-season and produced a solid performance in the 1-0 win over League One side Portsmouth.

“A couple of people told me I looked comfortable at the level,” he said. “That’s a good sign. I knew if I ever became full-time that I’m only going to improve. My fitness levels were there, but it’s about getting that sharpness. I need to become consistent in everything I do.

“Craig Cope said to get up to the level and the standard in the first year and then push on and maintain a starting position – be as good as I can be – in the second.”

The winger may have to wait to make a full impact on the side.

Wimbledon have also signed Josh Neufville and James Tilley this summer, two wingers with League Two experience who both started the final pre-season test before the campaign kicks off tomorrow at Grimsby Town.

But McLean is comfortable if his initial role is as an impact sub.

“My style is suited to that – I can give something a bit different,” he said. “I will come on and be direct. If I need to come on and try and help earn a draw or a win, I’ll do that.”