Alfie Egan on his AFC Wimbledon exit and decision to sign for Dulwich Hamlet

BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Alfie Egan feels he should have had more of a chance to impress in AFC Wimbledon’s first team but has now set his sights on taking Dulwich Hamlet back up the football pyramid.

The 26-year-old joined the Dons academy at the age of 12 – after initially coming through at Dulwich  – and progressed through to the first team under Neal Ardley.

Egan made 21 senior appearances for the Dons, including heading out on loan spells at Sutton United and Kingstonian, before being released at the end of the 2018-19 season.

“There were times when I thought that chance should have come,” Egan told the South London Press.

“Things could have worked out differently.

“Football is all about chances. If you get them, you have to take them.

I could have had a bit more of a chance but I’m happy with my achievements and time with the club.

“I never look back and regret anything.

“I loved my time at Wimbledon. Most of my core memories growing up were being involved in the FA Youth Cup run and making my debut.

Playing at Wimbledon was the best time of my life. There are loads of things that you would change when you look back – working harder and things along those lines.

“The club will always be a part of me.”

Egan had spells at Dorking Wanderers, Lewes and AFC Totton as well as a handful of seasons with Ebbsfleet in the National League.

The Lambeth-born midfielder is juggling a job working in recruitment for his family’s company while also pursuing a career.

Dulwich is his first playing spell back in South London since leaving Wimbledon.

“I have known Hakan [Hayrettin, Dulwich boss] for a while – he tried to sign me at Maidstone a couple of times,” said Egan.

“When he first went to Dulwich, I went to Lewes and AFC Totton. Work is really busy, so I couldn’t keep up with the travelling.

“Hak reached out and as soon as he mentioned it, I thought ‘It’s time to go back where it started to be close to home again’. My mum and dad live in Stockwell, so it’s my local club – it’s nice to be back.

“I have always kept an eye on Dulwich and I played against them for Ebbsfleet too. But when I signed before the game against Hashtag United, I came to watch and I couldn’t believe there were 3,500 people here and others getting turned down at the door.

“It’s some achievement at this level. I said to Hak when I joined that this is somewhere that I want to stay, as long as they will have me, for a good few years to come.

“I want to get settled, enjoy football, and get the club back to where it belongs. It shouldn’t be at this level – it should be in the National League South or above.

“I just bought a flat in Purley with my girlfriend, and I work in Beckenham – it’s the perfect little set-up where everything is 20 minutes away from each other.

“It works out a lot better – it’s a lot more comfortable for me.”

Egan made his debut for Dulwich in the 2-2 draw at Hastings United.

The Champion Hill-based side are 11th in the table but recently went on a run which saw them unbeaten in 10 outings in all competitions.

Hamlet are 11 points off the top five.

“It has to be trying to get into the play-offs,” said Egan on the target for the rest of the season.

“I know it’s a little bit far-fetched, but madder things have happened in football. If we can do it this season, then it’s a great achievement.

“If not, then we need to be looking at the minimum the play-offs. If not now, then [we should be] looking to win it next year.”

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