Keeper feared he might need to quit AFC Wimbledon to secure first-team football

BY EDMUND BRACK

Nik Tzanev says that becoming AFC Wimbledon’s number one means “the world” to him. However, it wasn’t long ago that the Kiwi believed he might have to leave to fulfil his desire of playing regular first-team football.

The 24-year-old’s route to becoming Mark Robinson’s first choice hasn’t exactly been straightforward, with successful loan spells and frustrating periods on the bench.

When Tzanev returned from Sutton United – where he earned plaudits and recognition as he kept six clean sheets in 19 games – he expected to force his way into Glyn Hodges’ plans and claim the starting spot for the 2020-21 season.

Despite starting the first game of the new campaign away to Northampton, Tzanev was dropped to the bench in favour of Birmingham City loanee Connal Trueman.

Tzanev told the South London Press: “Coming back from Sutton, I thought that I had a real chance. The reports that Wimbledon were getting back were really positive. I was pretty confident.

“But once you get a loan goalkeeper in, it’s difficult not to play him. That was quite frustrating.

“Then, with another loan goalkeeper [Sam Walker] coming in at Christmas, that was the point when I thought I needed to speak my mind and potentially look elsewhere.

“It was probably the most difficult time in my career but also it built character for me. Speaking with the manager one on one, not being afraid of it, and gaining that experience and social skills have helped me a lot.”

The sliding doors moment for Tzanev came when Robinson was appointed head coach on a permanent basis in February. Tzanev established himself by mid-March.

Over the course of the remaining 14 games, Tzanev demonstrated his ability to play out from the back with natural ease, use his towering six-feet five-inches frame to claim crosses, and he even pulled off a last-minute penalty save against Northampton to secure a vital three points in the relegation battle.

“It’s been a rocky road – there are always ups and downs in the journey – but it’s come to a point where it was all worth it,” said Tzanev.

“It means the world to me being Wimbledon number one. Just being able to play for the badge week in, week out, and in front of the fans, it’s just amazing. Playing for a club with such a rich history is another thing that I really appreciate and will continue to do so for a long time.

“Robbo put a lot of trust in me last season. Especially in the way we play, it’s quite an expansive style of football with me dropping into the central position or out wide to give the players angles.

“I have been able to impose and build on my game. It’s improved me and made me a lot braver. When the manager has that trust in you, you can play with more freedom and not worry about making mistakes.”

Tzanev’s standout performances for the Dons has not gone unnoticed. He was recalled to the New Zealand squad this season for their friendlies against Curaçao and Bahrain, ending a three-year international absence.

He has one senior cap to his name, in a 1-0 win against Chinese Taipei in 2018.

“It was unreal being able to play for your country,” said Tzanev.

“It was such a long time since we had been together, so it was an amazing experience going away with them again. I’m excited for what the future holds there.”

Tzanev was rewarded for his mature and impressive performances with a new three-year contract at Plough Lane.

“In the past, I have always worried: ‘Am I going to get a new contract? What am I going to do if I don’t?’ All these things go through your head,” he said.

“Having that security for three years, being able to build a future with the club hopefully, and push the club along in the direction we want to go in, is an amazing opportunity. The main thing that we’re trying to build is excitement around the club. I’m certain we can pull through and continue to progress as a team. With the group of players and staff that we have, we can really build something.”

There has been one prominent figure alongside Tzanev for his rise to AFC Wimbledon’s number one – goalkeeper coach Ashley Bayes.

“Bayzo saw something in me,” explained Tzanev. “That whole time when I wasn’t playing constant football, and where I should have been out on loan way earlier than I was, he just kept me switched on and focused on football by telling me: ‘Just be patient – your time will come.’

“We will be friends for life as well. Even if we were to move on in years to come, I will always have that relationship with him. I know that he’s always there for me, and I respect that a lot.”

Tzanev was a boyhood Arsenal fan despite growing up idolising Edwin van der Sar’s game, and he played at the Emirates in the EFL Cup third round tie in September.

“It didn’t really sink in until I walked out,” said Tzanev. “I went in 20 minutes early before the game after I had done my warm-up, so the stadium didn’t feel that full. When I came out, there was this massive roar. I will remember it for a long while.

“I wouldn’t be playing football if I didn’t think I could reach the highest level. That’s always the dream and aspiration of being able to play in that league, and walking out in front of that crowd in front of that many people has to be the end goal.”