Local lad Dennis comes full circle by returning to Stadium MK
The goalkeeper watched MK Dons with his dad and grandad growing up
When footballers say they imagined playing for their new club, more often than not it is one to appease the supporters. For Will Dennis, Stadium MK is where the die was cast.
The 26-year-old signed for MK Dons eager to fight for the number one spot between the sticks in Paul Warne’s side as they aim to make it back-to-back promotions on their return to League One.
After a decade at Bournemouth, Dennis’ first permanent move away from the Premier League side is not only to a place much closer to home, but a place where he has stood in the stands.
Growing up just outside Bedford, Dennis had played on the turf at MK1 in a North Bucks District Cup Final in 2012, then as midfielder, and even featured on the back page of the Citizen. Joining Watford’s academy, Dennis had a trial with Dons before signing for Bournemouth as a 16-year-old, but some of his experience of first-team football came from watching as a fan in the stands during the club’s season in the Championship.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a footballer,” he said. “It’s close to my family, I grew up around here and came to watch a few games here when I was a kid. It’s a special place for me.
“When I played here (in 2012), I remember people saying ‘imagine playing here when we’re older.’
“I came here during the Championship season with my grandad and my dad, and that’s when I started to think about playing here when I grew up. I was starting to progress with my playing career at that time.”
No stranger to League One, Dennis played a key part in Leyton Orient’s survival last season, keeping four clean sheets in 15 games, conceding just 17 goals as Richie Wellens’ side stayed up by three points. O’s fans were keen to make the deal a permanent one this summer, but Dons were able to get the deal over the line.
“It was a valuable experience (at Leyton Orient),” Dennis said. “I learned a lot because of the tough situation we were in last year. I met some great people and it has helped me out in my career.
“This is the right move for me at the moment. I’m so happy with the location, I’ve heard a lot about the fans, I know a couple of the staff as well. For me, it was always going to be this move.
“The aspiration of going up is such a big target but everyone wants it. I’m sure if we get everything right, we’ll have a good chance.”