NEW AFC Wimbledon permanent signing Joe Lewis said he felt the love of Dons fans before his move from Stockport County.
Centre-back Lewis, 24, has scored three goals in 28 appearances for the Dons this season after initially joining on loan last summer.
Johnnie Jackson’s side are challenging for promotion from League Two as they currently sit in the last play-off spot.
“It’s a great feeling. I’ve spent the last six months here and really enjoyed it. It’s an important move for me, I’m playing good football and feel I can kick on with the club now,” Lewis said on the club’s official website.
“The relationship I have with the manager and Craig [Cope, head of football operations] has been massive to getting this done. The communication throughout the whole process has been constant and it’s something we’ve all wanted to get sorted. Our aim has to be pushing for promotion – if we’re playing League One football next season, that’ll be great.
“I’ve seen a lot of the posts and feelings from the fans about the prospect of me staying here, it’s been great to see. I’ve felt it deeply.”
Jackson added: “I’m delighted that Joe has joined us on a permanent deal. He’s been brilliant for us this season, he’s been an ever-present in the team when he’s been available to play.
“When it looked like we might be able to do something with Stockport, we were desperately keen to make it happen. The lad has loved being with us and playing for Wimbledon, he’s shown that week-in, week-out. He was as equally enthusiastic as us to get this done when the opportunity came along.”
Meanwhile, County have activated a recall clause in Connor Lemonheigh-Evans’ loan deal at Plough Lane.
Lemonheigh-Evans, 26, scored three goals in seventeen games for the Dons.
Jackson’s side travel to third-place Wrexham on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off.
