Karl Robinson hopes his new recruit, West Ham United defender Jordan Spence, can provide stability at the back over the coming weeks.
Spence joined the Club on a 28-day loan on Thursday lunchtime, just two days after the disappointing defeat to Carlisle United in which the Dons had just one natural centre-back available due to injuries and suspensions.
The former England Under-21 international has seven Premier League appearances to his name as well as over 50 Football League games under his belt, having spent time on loan with Leyton Orient, Scunthorpe United, Bristol City and, more recently, Sheffield Wednesday.
And his new manager, Robinson, is hoping he can make an immediate impact this weekend away at Tranmere Rovers. Speaking ahead of the match, the 33-year-old said: “(Jordan’s) played seven games with West Ham’s first-team so I trust Sam’s judgment on him.
“Bobby, our head of recruitment, has been to see him a number of times in West Ham’s reserves and also when he was with Sheffield Wednesday. He’s someone with a bit of pedigree and a bit of youth as well, so he’s just the type of character we want.
“He’s a good size, he’s been brought up well at a good Club and he should bring us some stability. He trained with the back four and we’ve tried to integrate him in straight away. We don’t have a lot of time to prepare but we’re working around the clock to try and do it fully.”
Spence, primarily a right-back who can also play at centre-back, holds an impressive stat of representing the England national at every youth level up to the Under-21s. The 6ft 2in defender also made his first appearance for West Ham United against Premier League giants Manchester City.
However, the 23-year-old has yet to feature for the Hammers this season and therefore he’s hoping his stint in stadiummk can provide him with the opportunity to impress Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff.
Spence, in his first interview with the Club, added: “I found out about the move the other night but I’m pleased to be here. It was nice to train yesterday and I’m looking forward to the weekend.
“Having been out on loan before I’m used to getting that phone call and having to be somewhere else. This one happened quite a lot slower than my Sheffield Wednesday one, when I got the phone call on the Friday and had to go up to Middlesbrough to play, so I feel like I’ve got loads of time.
“I’m excited to play some good football. The manager and I have spoken and he’s passed on the ethos of the team so I’m looking forward to getting involved and hopefully putting in some good performances.”
