Despite wanting to play Championship football this season, loanee Jordan Spence admits the opportunity to join MK Dons for a month was too good to pass up.
from West Ham United last Wednesday and the young defender went straight into the starting XI for the trip to Tranmere Rovers three days later.mkstadiumSpence, 23, completed a 28-day switch to
The former England Under-21 international put in an assured performance at the heart of the Dons’ defence alongside Shaun Williams but couldn’t prevent the side from slipping to their fourth defeat in five.
Despite his frustrating start, however, Spence is remaining optimistic and is eager to make the most of his stay in Milton Keynes.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, the 23-year-old said: “The main thing for me was to come here and play football. I spent too long last year sitting on benches at West Ham and not playing any football, so that was my priority coming into this season.
“I had a good month at Sheffield Wednesday and although I didn’t make any secret of the fact I wanted to play in the Championship, MK Dons is one of those exceptions because the style they play and the potential of the Football Club.
“For however many games I’m here, I’m hoping to get as many wins and also to play well and enjoy it. Everything else in football takes care of itself as long as you’re playing well. Hopefully this spell can also push me on, not only for West Ham, but in general.
“I’ve spent too long not playing football consistently enough and when I play football consistently I believe I can play to a higher level and improve any team that I’m in so that’s the aim.”
The terms of Spence’s loan means he only has a short time to make an impact at MK1, with the Woodford-born defender set to return to his parent club following the trip to Oldham Athletic next month.
Spence, though, is confident he’ll still have enough time to not only develop personally, but also help those around him improve too.
"One of the first things the manager said to me when I spoke to him was about the development of players and how this is a great place to do that. He feels that any player who comes through this building, old or young, can improve.
“Hopefully we can develop together, by getting results which is a very important side of development, of course. This Saturday is definitely a chance to gain some ground, especially as it’s a home game and we’ve got a good home record this season, as far as I’m aware.
“This is a lovely place and even on a day-to-day basis this is a nice place to come and work and to operate. I played here for Leyton Orient in 2008 so I’ve got previous experience of playing here before but I’m looking forward to it.
“As a team, we’ll be focused on getting three points and making an impression on the League table.”