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    My dad is Premier League cult hero… now I’m making my own way as a presenter – I’ve even interviewed Kane and Bellingham

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    KENZIE BENALI will have had plenty of practice interviewing footballers before quizzing the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on live TV.That is because the rising reporter is the daughter of Premier League cult hero Francis Benali.Kenzie Benali is the son of Southampton cult hero FrancisCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe is forging her own career as a broadcasterCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliBenali interviewed Harry Kane on the Wembley pitchCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe worked in the media at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie is set to become a mum in 2024Credit: Instagram @kenziebenaliThe former full-back certainly has legendary status in Southampton after coming through the academy at his hometown club and spending his entire professional career on Saints’ books. Benali Sr racked up more than 350 appearances for Southampton across 16 years from 1988 to 2004, chipping in with just one solitary goal. He did get a runners-up medal from the FA Cup despite not being involved in the 2003 final, then turned out for Eastleigh for a season in 2006-07. After retiring, he set up the True Greats website and co-founded the 73 Management agency company – both alongside former Saints team-mate Matt Le Tissier – and does some after-dinner speeches and punditry work. READ MORE ON SPORTBut it has been his charity efforts that have led to his MBE and Freedom of Southampton.His heroic challenges include a marathon and a 75-mile cycle ride each day for two weeks to visit all 44 Premier League and Championship stadiums in October 2016.Then in 2019, he attempted to complete seven Ironmans in seven days – he completed five and was hospitalised but still raised a staggering £1million. Benali’s son Luke had brief stint at Winchester City in non-league but it is daughter Kenzie who is flying the football flag for the family now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBorn in May 1995, she is already forging a stellar career in front of the camera as a broadcaster.She presents the Premier League Rising Stars show with Ben Foster and has done various gigs with the likes of The Hundred and England cricket, England rugby, Southampton and Wimbledon, where she interviewed Andy Murray.Playboy model and daughter of LaLiga legend banned from dating footballersBenali Jr has helped cover The HundredCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie married Northamptonshire cricketer Lewis McManus in 2021Credit: Instagram @kenziebenaliBenali rocked a red suit to cover England rugby – nicknamed the Red RoseCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe was clearly delighted to chat with Jude BellinghamCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliHowever, her biggest jobs have been in the Qatar World Cup, FA Cup and for the England football team, chatting on live TV to the likes of Kane, Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones.The popular star even got her football boots on as part of a shoot with Puma in 2022.Away from her job, Kenzie married her Northamptonshire cricketer husband Lewis McManus in November 2021.They are set to welcome her first child, a daughter, in 2024. Glamorous Kenzie is also a huge fan of the theatre and an animal lover and posts plenty of stunning content from her wonderful lifestyle on Instagram – including her highlights at work, family photos, baby bump pics and even horse riding. Alongside dad Franny, she is also an ambassador for the Saints Foundation.The glamorous presenter lives an incredible lifestyleCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliHer knowledge of a wide range of sports has served her wellCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie interviewed Andy Murray at WimbledonCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe regularly posts smiley pics from various sporting venuesCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie even showed off her baby bump at WembleyCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliHer love for Wimbledon is clear to seeCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliDad Franny received an MBE for his incredible physical challenges for charityCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe talked with Kevin De Bruyne after the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie loves horses and likes to go out ridingCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliThe star is also a huge fan of the theatreCredit: Instagram @kenziebenali More

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      My dad is a former England coach and top-flight star – now I have fourth most English league appearances in history

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      TONY BLAIR was Prime Minister, The West Wing was on TV and 18-year-old Dean Lewington made his senior debut for Wimbledon.And 21 YEARS later the defender is still going strong.Dean Lewington is still going strong after over 20 yearsCredit: GettyLewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegationCredit: PAHe is set to make his 939th appearance in a huge fourth-v-third clash when MK Dons host Mansfield today.Lewington sits fourth in the all-time English league outings with 814 — a feat bettered only by England legend Peter Shilton (1,005), Tony Ford (931) and Graham Alexander (833).Meeting for coffee in leafy Surrey, I asked what secret lay behind his astonishing career.He laughed: “I wish I knew because I’d sell it for a few quid! Probably being happy and lucky with injuries.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut for a man who turns 40 next month, there must be more to it?Lewington said: “I caught the back-end of old-school football when there was the drinking culture. “Yet I’ve been lucky to benefit from modern training methods and nutritionists.“The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlthough he technically stayed at one club, he made 32 appearances for Wimbledon before they controversially switched to Milton Keynes in 2004 — with pre-MK history officially relinquished to AFC.Lewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegation from the Premier League and was in the team that moved to MK.Super League star wakes up unemployed after nightmare spell of just EIGHT games in which he forced a rewriting of rulesAFC Wimbledon were created, gaining EFL status, building a new stadium at Plough Lane, not far from their old ground, and now in the same division as MK.Lewington, the only MK player left from the ‘old’ Wimbledon, said: “It was a baptism of fire — but lucky most of us playing then were youngsters who came through the youth side.“Because of our age, we saw it as a good opportunity and didn’t worry about the side-effects.“Hindsight is wonderful and no one would want to repeat what happened.“But AFC have gone on and done well. There’s no animosity from me. I’m glad they’re doing what they’re doing but my focus is on MK.”Lewington has played in all three EFL divisions — enjoying three promotions but suffering five relegations.Last season’s drop into League Two came only a year after almost winning promotion to the Championship — following a heartbreaking loss to Wycombe over two play-off legs.He said: “I’ve been relegated twice and promoted twice on the last day. It’s been a career in the lower leagues, so unglamorous — but a happy one.The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.Dean Lewington“I’ve changed position slightly but was always a tall full-back, quite aggressive, composed on the ball, good passer. “But I’m not overly athletic so that’s held me back.”His career highlight was winning promotion to the Championship in 2015 under Karl Robinson with Dele Alli leading the way — prompting Tottenham to sign him for £5million.And Lewington said: “After relegations from the Championship to League Two, we wanted to get back there.“It took more than ten years but the club got into a positive place.“We had Dele coming through, the youth team was producing and everything was on the up.“Dele trained with us since he was 15. It was a pleasure to play alongside and see him fulfil his potential.“Getting into the Championship felt like a chance for the club to establish itself. It didn’t work out but that brief moment was the best.”’I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere’The club were only in the second tier for a season, and two years after that they were back in League Two.Lewington’s stay with MK came close to ending twice.A swap deal involving Huddersfield’s Pawel Abbott in 2006 fell through when the Terriers man pulled out, and in 2017 Lewington was frozen out by ex-boss Robbie Neilson.The latter was Lewington’s lowest moment. He said: “Neilson banned me from the club for about six weeks. “I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere. That’s when I thought, ‘Perhaps my time at MK is over’. But he got sacked and things changed.”During that time, his dad Ray — ex-Fulham, Brentford and Watford boss and England No 2 — was invaluable.He said: “With dad being in the game, I’ve learnt to realise it’s not personal. Managers try to pick their best XI and sometimes it doesn’t include you.“You feel like they don’t know what they’re doing and the world is against you but they’re trying to do their best.”His standout manager was current Southampton boss and former team-mate Russell Martin.Roy Hodgson with with assistant Ray Lewington during their England daysCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe explained: “Russ believes in what he does 100 per cent. There’s no Plan B — it’s his way and you stick to it.“Some managers, when hitting a tough patch, change things but not him. That’s what makes him effective.“He took over when we were fighting relegation from League One.“He changed us to complete football, which is the opposite of what teams usually do in those situations.“It was a real risk but he believed in it. It’s like going back to your childhood, playing free-flowing football.”His only regret is MK having not fulfilled chairman Pete Winkelman’s ambition to reach the Prem — or stay in the Championship.But Lewington said: “The reality is it costs a lot of money to get in the Premier League now. “When the club was formed, the gap between the top flight and the EFL was smaller.“The stadium and infrastructure are there so if someone wants to take it on, it could definitely happen.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSo with his 40th birthday approaching, what does the future hold?He said: “At some point I’ll go down the coaching route. But I’ll keep playing for as long as I can.” More

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      Kick-off DELAYED in huge EFL grudge match between AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons after team bus held up

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      WIMBLEDON’S home clash with hated rivals MK Dons has been delayed 15 minutes.The two sides were due to collide at 12:30 in League Two.AFC Wimbledon’s clash with their bitter rivals was delayedCredit: Olivia WestMK Dons arrived late at Plough Lane to face AFC WimbledonCredit: RexHowever, the kick-off had to be moved back due to the late arrival of the MK Dons team.Their team coach only got to Plough Lane at around 11:45am.That was after it had been delayed in South West London “traffic” .It was then announced that the start of the showdown had been put back by quarter of an hour.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe bad blood between the two clubs has existed ever since MK Dons were formed in 2002 when the owners of the original Wimbledon FC moved the side up to Buckinghamshire.Furious supporters of the old club formed AFC Wimbledon, and they worked their way up from non-league back into the professional game.Since they returned to the Football League, the two teams have faced-off several times.The first competitive fixture between them took place in December 2012 in the FA Cup second round, a game that MK Dons won 2-1.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSToday will be the 15th time that the two teams have collided.As well as that FA Cup match, they have met in the EFL Trophy, the League Cup and the Football League.We live in shadow of football stadium – fans fall asleep drunk on our sofas and ‘p*** on walls…we know it will get worseMK Dons have enjoyed eight victories, while AFC Wimbledon have been victorious on just two occasions.Irate fans also believe that the Dons nickname belongs to Wimbledon and that MK Dons is a completely separate club who should have no claim to the history of the original side.That has even led to AFC Wimbledon landing themselves in trouble for refusing to use MK Dons’ full name on their stadium scoreboard.It was MK Dons celebrating in January when they last met as goals from Dan Kemp, an own goal from Ryan Johnson and Warren O’Hara earned a 3-1 win over their rivals, who had two players sent off. More

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      I was called a P*** b*****d in an EFL match last week – it’s second time that’s happened on the pitch… it’s sickening

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      OMAR BUGIEL was called a ‘P*** b*****d’ at a League Two game last Saturday — and said: “This isn’t the culture I want my two little girls to grow up in.”The AFC Wimbledon star was racially targeted at Bradford and on the same day, Birmingham’s Juninho Bacuna was abused during their game at West Brom.
      Omar Bugiel (left) in action against Bradford, the match in which he was racially abused by a supporterCredit: Rex
      Bugiel says he does not want his daughters growing up in such a cultureCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      Bugiel, 30, who has daughters Bria, four, and Bonnie, two, with wife Lauren, said: “It’s sickening to think someone would say such a thing.
      “I can’t believe this is still happening in football — and especially in a multi-cultural city like Bradford.
      “This isn’t the culture I want my two little girls to grow up in.”
      Towards the end of Saturday’s goalless draw at Valley Parade, ref Ross Joyce halted proceedings after a spectator was heard abusing the Wimbledon forward.

      Bugiel said: “I went down after being fouled and took my time getting up because I’d received a kick to my shin.
      “The home crowd were getting angry and vocal because they wanted the game to restart quickly.
      “But, just as we were about to take the free-kick, the ref stopped to speak to one of his assistants.
      “It was only a few minutes later, when the game had finished, that the ref approached me and said, ‘Omar, something racist was said towards you, the linesman picked it up’.
      Most read in Football
      Even though I didn’t hear the racist abuse on Saturday, it’s upsetting to think that was directed at me just because I look a bit different.Omar Bugiel
      “It was then explained a spectator had said, ‘Get up, you P*** b*****d’.
      “I was shocked because it’s the second time that specific word has been used against me.
      “When I was at Sutton, we played Barrow in April 2022 and it was said to me face-to-face. That really shook me because I’d never experienced racism on a personal level.
      “Although, that particular season my team-mate Coby Rowe was racially abused during a game at Crawley.”
      Berlin-born Bugiel was brought up in Germany by his Lebanese dad Khaled and Polish mum Ewa. He moved to the UK aged 16 after his mother paid for him to study English in Chichester.
      The winger, who fully embraced and enjoyed English culture, became a professional footballer for Forest Green, Sutton and the Dons after doing the hard yards in non-league with Selsey, Burgess Hill, Bognor Regis, Bromley and Worthing.
      He became the first Lebanese international to play in the EFL and score at Wembley — having netted for Bromley in the 2018 FA Trophy final.
      Bugiel, whose side face Barrow on Saturday, said: “Even though I didn’t hear the racist abuse on Saturday, it’s upsetting to think that was directed at me just because I look a bit different.
      “The language might have been heard by others of a particular ethnicity or children in the crowd. It’s very sad.
      “At Barrow, a middle-aged guy directed the P-word at me.
      “I immediately reported that incident to the referee. The culprit was arrested by police for questioning and it turns out he had been drinking.
      “I completely understand emotions in football can run high — but I don’t understand how anyone can then turn that into racial abuse.
      “I’d never dream of even criticising someone I’ve never met.
      “What is ironic about Saturday is they even had ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ displayed on the screens before kick-off.”
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino has called for clubs who have a match abandoned due to racism to forfeit the game.
      But Bugiel is not convinced that is the answer. He said: “No one wants to see a game forfeited and I don’t think that would necessarily work.
      “However, if it gets to the point where the abuse from the terraces doesn’t stop, then they should perhaps play a game behind closed doors or face a points deduction if they continually step out of line.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Ultimately it’s down to the home team to control their spectators.”
      Bradford are co-operating with West Yorkshire Police to identify the fan and confirmed that anyone found to be racist in their stadium will receive an immediate life ban.
      Birmingham’s Juninho Bacuna talks with the referee David Webb after he was racially abused by a West Brom fan last SaturdayCredit: Reuters More

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      I played just once for Chelsea in shortest Premier League career ever – I earned next contract at trials with 500 others

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      ONE FORMER Chelsea player holds the honour for the shortest Premier League career ever – and then he had to compete with 500 others for another contract.The now 45-year-old Joe Sheerin was a forward that came through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge right at the height of the club’s foreign invasion.
      AFC Wimbledon legend Joe Sheerin holds an unwanted Premier League recordCredit: Getty
      Sheerin played only a matter of minutes for Chelsea in 1997Credit: Rex
      Ruud Gullit had arrived in 1996 and he was followed the following year by Italian superstars Gianluca Vialli, Roberto Di Matteo and Gianfranco Zola.
      Despite that vast competition, he got his debut aged 19 in April 1997 when he came off the bench to replace Zola in the 1-0 Premier League victory over Wimbledon at Selhurst Park.
      However, despite the obviously proud moment, Sheerin did not even manage to get a touch of the ball before the final whistle went less than a minute after his introduction.
      And that gave him the unwanted record for the shortest Premier League career ever.
      READ MORE CHELSEA
      Speaking to Planet Football, he said: “I’m not too proud of the record, to be honest. But I have to put things into perspective because I had an amazing time at Chelsea, and I got to train and play with world-class footballers.”
      Injuries, particularly an issue with his hip that eventually led to it being replaced at 42, hindered him throughout his time at the Blues.
      And he eventually left the club in 2000 to sign for Bournemouth, but despite a spectacular debut goal, he only made six appearances for the Cherries.
      Sheerin then ventured into non-league and spent two years with Kingstonian before he found his true calling in the game.
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      Following the controversial relocation of Wimbledon to Milton Keynes from South London, he joined around 500 other players in trials for the relaunch AFC Wimbledon.
      And he went on to be made the reformed club’s captain as he played a prominent role in their rise that eventually led to their Football League return.
      After 35 goals in 85 matches, Sheerin left in 2005 and finished his playing days with stints at Croydon Athletic and Leatherhead, sandwiched inbetween another short spells at AFC Wimbledon, before hanging up his boots.
      Despite his legendary status with Wimbledon, it is still his short-lived Premier League cameo that he is best-known for.
      But Sheerin also revealed how that almost never occurred as he recounted that night.
      He said: “I was actually training with the reserves when a coach came over and told me to come and train with the first team, and that I would be travelling with them to Selhurst Park.
      “The good thing was that I was told on the day of the game, so it didn’t give me a lot of time to dwell on things.”
      He then added: “When I was warming up, I actually saw a friend in the crowd, so I was chatting to him!
      “It was a really cold night, so I had a hat and about five layers on and I remember Dennis Wise hitting me on the back and telling me to hurry up taking the layers off, otherwise I wasn’t going to be able to get on.” More

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      David Beckham was stunned by what Sir Alex Ferguson did after iconic halfway line goal for Man Utd vs Wimbledon

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      DAVID BECKHAM became a star overnight after his stunning half-way line goal against Wimbledon in 1996. But his Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson feared for the repercussions it could have on Beckham, aged just 21 at the time.
      David Beckham’s iconic goal against WimbledonCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Sir Alex Ferguson told Beckham not to speak to anyone after his goalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      So much so that legendary manager Ferguson demanded the youngster avoid speaking to any members of the press.
      In Beckham’s new Netflix docuseries, he recalled: “I walked off the pitch, the manager said, ‘David you get on the bus and you don’t say a word. No interviews.'”
      The United midfielder shot to fame thanks to the stunner and his dad Ted admitted life was never the same after.
      He said: “They never left him alone after that.”
      READ MORE ON DAVID BECKHAM
      Beckham spent five senior seasons at Old Trafford from 1992–2003, winning the Premier League and Champions League.
      But he was just as big an attraction off the field, something still to this day he insists did not change him.
      Beckham said: “My life had become something different… It definitely didn’t change me.”
      But Ferguson argued: “Well, he changed. There’s no doubt about that.”
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      Beckham, now 48, left United for Real Madrid where he shone as a Galactico and added a LaLiga title to his name.
      From there, the ex-England captain had spells with AC Milan, LA Galaxy and PSG.
      Eventually, Beckham retired and now owns MLS side Inter Miami and played a pivotal part in bringing Lionel Messi Stateside.
      David Beckham talking in his new Netflix docuseriesCredit: Netflix More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Madueke shines amid threat of Palmer while Moreira is hooked off at half time

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      CHELSEA had to come from behind to see off League Two’s Wimbledon in the EFL Cup. The Blues found themselves a goal down after James Tilley converted from the spot on 20 minutes.
      Chelsea saw off Wimbledon 2-1Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Noni Madueke’s excellent showing was rewarded when he won a penalty of his own and slotted home before the break, showing possible new boy Cole Palmer that he won;t be brushed aside.
      It took super-sub Enzo Fernandez to come off the bench to win it and here is how Jack Figg rated the Blues.
      Sanchez – 6
      Was at fault for Wimbledon’s equaliser as he rushed off his line, taking out Harry Pell to give away the penalty. The Spaniard did make up for it by looking confident off his line thereafter.
      Disasi – 6
      Made an excellent block in the second half to deny Wimbledon taking another shock lead.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Wimbledon’s Josh Davison, right, challenges Chelsea’s Axel DisasiCredit: AP
      Colwill – 7
      Confident performance from Chelsea’s latest academy starlet. Solid at the back and is proving to be a good passer of the ball.
      Humphreys – 6
      Deployed on the right of the back four and was troubled little. Didn’t need to commit too far forward as Madueke ran the show down his flank.
      Lesley Ugochukwu was Chelsea’s deepest midfielderCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Ugochukwu – 6
      Played the deepest of the three and provided good cover when Wimbledon broke on the counter.
      Gallagher – 7
      Captained the side and stepped up to the responsibility. The England international was positive going forward and pushed Chelsea up the field well.
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      Conor Gallagher captained ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Maatsen – 6
      Showed signs of promise with quick touches in tight areas. Could maybe have been more selfish with efforts from distance.
      Cucurella – 6
      Booed by the home crowd when his name was read out amid transfer interest from Manchester United. His hopeful pass led to Wimbledon’s mistake for Fernandez’s winner.
      Noni Madueke was the best player of the pitchCredit: Getty
      Madueke – 9
      Simply excellent. Caused defenders nightmares all night running at them with pace and power. His equaliser from the spot, having won the penalty, sealed an excellent performance.
      Moreira – 5
      Struggled with his first touch at times despite some nice link-ups on the left with Cucurella. Looked like a man in need of more minutes.
      Diego Moreira was taken off at the breakCredit: Rex
      Burstow – 4
      Found himself slightly isolated in the first half while leading the line. Looked more confident when Jackson was brought on.
      Subs
      Jackson (for Moreira at half time) – 6
      Real positive off the bench for Chelsea, driving forward and being a menace to defenders.
      Fernandez (for Burstow 65 mins) – 7
      Took his goal well and threatened several times from distance. Blues fans can expect a screamer or two this season.
      Gusto (for Colwill 65 mins) – 6
      Provided much more of a threat down the right flank than Humphreys. Looks to be a good fill in for Reece James.
      Read More on The Sun
      Moises Caicedo (for Madueke 81 mins) – 5
      Helped settle Chelsea’s midfield in a period Wimbledon had success.
      Enzo Fernandez won the game for ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Marc Cucurella BOOED by Chelsea fans as he starts against Wimbledon amid Man Utd transfer pursuit

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      MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Marc Cucurella was BOOED by Chelsea fans ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon.The Spaniard was listed in the starting line-up for the first time this season as Mauricio Pochettino and his side prepared to face the Dons.
      Cucurella was BOOED by Chelsea fansCredit: Getty
      However, when his name was read out at Stamford Bridge a wave of boos rang out over the crowd.
      Chelsea fans on social media were also far from impressed that he was starting, with one person tweeting: “I’d send Cucurella to United for free.”
      Another added: “Why is he even playing? Man Utd are about to get him!”
      While a third said: “I hope United won’t be discouraged with Cucurella’s performance. I need him to leave Chelsea this summer.”
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Cucurella is understood to be on the verge of a last-minute loan transfer to Man Utd.
      The 25-year-old has already agreed personal terms in principle with the Red Devils ahead of the proposed move.
      United are now looking to reach a compromise with Chelsea on a fee.
      Erik ten Hag’s side have tabled an offer worth £2million, but The Athletic claim that Chelsea want £7m.
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      SunSport have already revealed that Cucurella is open to the move as he has grown frustrated at Chelsea.
      The Spaniard’s future at Stamford Bridge is currently uncertain as he has failed to win over fans following his £62m transfer from Brighton last summer. More

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      I was working for an IT recruitment firm in Shrewsbury just two months ago… now I’m facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

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      THE SEVEN MILES from Plough Lane to Stamford Bridge represents one heck of a journey for AFC Wimbledon’s Ryan McLean.Barely two months ago he was sitting at a desk, propping up his non-League wages at Hereford with a part-time office job in Shrewsbury.
      Ryan McLean was working as an IT recruiter two months agoCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      Credit: Linkedin
      McLean couldn’t have imagined playing against Premier League opposition when he was typing away at his desk
      Just about as far from London’s glamorous King’s Road as you can get in every sense.
      Tonight he will bid to knock mighty Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup while simultaneously attempting to take stock of a whirlwind summer that has transformed the life of Ryan.
      McLean, 23, signed his first professional contract in June – just two days before pre-season started at League Two Dons.
      Nine weeks later he could line up against not one but the TWO most expensive players in British history in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He said: “I am trying to take it in my stride but I can’t really explain it. To come from playing in parks to Stamford Bridge is pretty cool.
      “It will probably hit me more when I am there but I am buzzing, I can’t wait and am desperately trying not to overthink it.
      “A big away day as a player has always been my dream but I always thought it might come in the FA Cup.
      “I have never even been to Stamford Bridge as a fan. The best ground I have ever played at is probably Plough Lane. I have played in front of crowds of about 20 people at times.
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      McLean is over the moon to be playing at Stamford BridgeCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      “At 18 I was playing Saturday county league stuff and not getting paid at all. Being at Hereford I needed a job and I worked as a mechanic at Audi as well.
      “I worked as a ‘resourcer’ – matching companies with IT vacancies with the right people via websites like Indeed.
      “One day I was at work when my phone rang and it was my agent asking me if I fancied moving to League Two.
      “It was a very quick decision even though there were only a couple of days before pre-season started.
      “I can’t even remember how it all panned out because everything happened so fast. It was a bit confusing really.”
      Greenfield IT Recruitment’s loss is Wimbledon’s gain.
      On his professional debut, McLean smashed a left-foot volley home against Coventry that earns The Dons a trip to their illustrious South West London neighbours.
      He said: “That was my weaker foot as well. When it went in I really wasn’t sure what to do.
      “I wanted to do a knee-slide but the Coventry fans were right in front of me so I just charged along the pitch and dropped to the floor.
      “Goalscoring isn’t my strength either. I am quick and direct, hardworking and like to run with the ball at my feet.
      “I am a late starter in the professional game, I get that. But everyone has a different pathway.
      Ryan McLean signed his first professional contract two months agoCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      Ryan McLean was a late starter in the gameCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY
      “Turning pro isn’t even getting me extra money. I’d say I earn a similar amount now to what I was before at Hereford and with my part-time office job. But it’s amazing.
      “I’m in a house with a couple of the other lads and it’s great although Southerners do take a bit of getting used to. Everyone is a cheeky chappy down here.”
      McLean’s impact has got everyone connected to AFC Wimbledon talking with some at the club nicknaming their new recruit ‘toothpaste’ because of his surname but also because of his dazzling start to life at their club.
      He added: “I went to Wembley before with Hereford for the FA Trophy final.
      “But I was cup-tied. I was allowed to walk out onto the pitch, even warm up with the other players but had to sit in the stands because I had played for Newcastle Town in an earlier round.
      “That’s obviously a magnificent stadium but Stamford Bridge will be just brilliant. I know how loud it is going to be as well.
      “The away end is sold out already because it’s a big night for Wimbledon and their fans.
      “I have loads of friends and family on my case for tickets – so far about a dozen, it’s crazy.”
      McLean will do his best not to be starstruck but also hopes he can take home a souvenir on the night.
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      He said: “As a winger, I do think Raheem Sterling is a cracking player and a great example.
      “If he plays and I can get a word in, I will try to get his shirt.” More