MK Dons have signed experienced central midfielder Andrew Surman to a short-term contract.
The former AFC Bournemouth captain arrives at Stadium MK on a free transfer, to reinforce Russell Martin’s squad.
Surman has totalled over 450 appearances so far in his career, the majority of which have come in the Premier League for clubs such as Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Norwich City and, most recently, the Cherries.
He could make his debut this weekend when MK Dons take on Hull City at Stadium MK, subject to EFL clearance.
“I’m delighted to be here and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Surman said in his first interview with MK Dons – an interview that is exclusive to watch for iFollow MK Dons subscribers.
“I know Russ from our time at Norwich together and I know what sort of football he wants to play. It’s a brand of football that is all I’ve known for the past six years that I’ve been at Bournemouth – it’s something that suits my game.
“I’m hoping I can come in and add something to that. I’m a player that wants to get on the ball and keep it moving, and I look to impose my technical ability on every match I play. By the looks of it, I’ve come to the right place to do that.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to getting into training and having my first session. I’m looking forward to the game on Saturday. It was a massive result for us at Sunderland on the weekend and hopefully, we can follow that up this weekend.”
Born in Johannesburg in South Africa, Surman moved to Southampton as a youngster and began his footballing career with the Saints. He enjoyed loan spells with Walsall and AFC Bournemouth, before earning a call-up to the Southampton first-team midway through the 2005/06 season.
Surman played 146 times for the Hampshire club, and scored 18 goals, before joining newly-promoted Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £1.2 million in July 2009.
Spending just one year at Molineux, the midfielder moved to Norwich City ahead of the 2010/11 season and helped the Canaries achieve promotion to the top-flight that same campaign.
Surman featured in a total of 58 games for Norwich, playing alongside now Dons boss Russell Martin until he joined AFC Bournemouth, initially on loan, in July 2013. Quickly establishing himself as a key player for the Cherries, the now 34-year-old went on to tally 198 appearances during a six-year spell at the Vitality Stadium, which ended back in June.
In his final season with on the south coast, Surman played nine games, including two starts in the Premier League as recently as February.
Russell Martin added, "It’s an incredible singing, he was a captain of a Premier League team last season. He’s going to add a huge amount on and off the pitch, we’ve talked about the importance of having experience and people who have been there and done it, and suit our style – he’s exactly that.
"It’s another player I’ve played with, but hopefully, people can see we don’t just bring in anyone. The biggest reference for me is the fact I’ve spent time in the dressing room with these players and spent time on the pitch with them. He’s one of the best footballers I’ve played with and he’s only got better with age.
"He’s played for a team that like to play good football so he really does suit us. He’ll help the younger players as he’s a really good professional. He’s kept himself in really good shape and has been training all the way through lockdown – now we need to get him match fit. Adding Andrew Surman is a huge boost for us all, he’ll come in and get himself fit as quickly as possible and add a huge amount to the squad."
