Harry Hickford has spoken of his determination to follow in the footsteps of those he used to watch in the stands and Don the Club’s colours on a regular basis.
Milton-Keynes born Hickford was a season ticket holder at the National Hockey Stadium before joining the Dons’ Academy at the age of 10 and subsequently progressing into the first-team set-up.
"I used to be a season ticket holder and then to come through the Academy into the first team is a dream," he told MK Dons Player. "When I was younger, this is where I wanted to be and I’m fortunate enough to be here.”
He added: "I’m always looking to learn – I’ll keep taking bits of everyone, each player, and hopefully I’ll get there.
"I’m really excited. Getting promoted into the Championship and signing for another two years is fantastic."
Hickford & co return on Friday ahead of the Club’s inaugural campaign in the second tier of English football and the centre-back is relishing the challenge rather than being daunted by the hard work that lies ahead.
He said: "I really want to try and impress the gaffer in pre-season, with the ultimate aim to get into the first team. Whether that will happen next season or not, I’m not sure but I’m just going to work as hard as possible."
The recently-turned 19-year-old enjoyed a loan spell at Conference South side Chelmsford City last season – one which he says has massively benefited him.
"Playing at centre-back as an 18-year-old was hard but it’s matured me and toughened me up. It made me learn the real game."
"I used to be a season ticket holder and then to come through the Academy into the first team is a dream," he told MK Dons Player. "When I was younger, this is where I wanted to be and I’m fortunate enough to be here.”
He added: "I’m always looking to learn – I’ll keep taking bits of everyone, each player, and hopefully I’ll get there.
"I’m really excited. Getting promoted into the Championship and signing for another two years is fantastic."
Hickford & co return on Friday ahead of the Club’s inaugural campaign in the second tier of English football and the centre-back is relishing the challenge rather than being daunted by the hard work that lies ahead.
He said: "I really want to try and impress the gaffer in pre-season, with the ultimate aim to get into the first team. Whether that will happen next season or not, I’m not sure but I’m just going to work as hard as possible."
The recently-turned 19-year-old enjoyed a loan spell at Conference South side Chelmsford City last season – one which he says has massively benefited him.
"Playing at centre-back as an 18-year-old was hard but it’s matured me and toughened me up. It made me learn the real game."
