Ryley Towler admits he was tucked up in bed on transfer deadline day when the call came in about a loan switch to AFC Wimbledon.
The highly-rated Bristol City defender joined the League Two side until the end of the season in the final few minutes of the transfer window, with the Robins holding a recall option in January. It represented the only piece of business conducted by the club on a quiet final day of the window.
It's the 20-year-old's fourth loan move in four seasons, but his first in the Football League having had stints with Frome Town, Taunton Town and Grimsby Town last campaign when injury cut his time with the National League side short. On the surface of it, a move to Wimbledon seems like a great fit for the 20-year-old.
Johnnie Jackson's side have ambitions to bounce back to League One following their relegation last season and play with three at the back, a role Towler is more than suited to during his time with the City youth side. On a personal level, it's all about gaining invaluable experience for when that first-team opportunity comes knocking.
It was a message Nigel Pearson relayed to him when he completed his switch. Speaking to Wimbledon TV, he said: "He said just to get experience, just get out there and play as many games as I can. I'm always learning and want to get better and better and play as many games as I can and see where it takes me.
"It was a bit manic really. I was tucked up in bed when I got the call – it was all a bit of a rush to sign things but I’m glad we got it done and over the line.
"Moving through the (youth) set-up (at Bristol City), all of the teams play with a three at the back. I prefer being the left-sided player but I am comfortable with being in the centre. Wimbledon play that and it definitely suits me. I like to be on the ball, like to play out the back, and love a diagonal every now and again.
"The style of play suits me. I like to play out from the back. As soon as I spoke to the gaffer I wanted to get the move done."
Towler's loan move has come at a good time for his development. He's outgrown the Under-21 side but despite a lack of defensive cover, his path to the first-team looks complicated.
Kal Naismith, Rob Atkinson and Zak Vyner have emerged as Pearson's first choice at the back with Timm Klose awaiting his opportunity. When fit, Tomas Kalas is also ahead in the pecking order. George Tanner has also featured in a back three against Wycombe and with the Under-21s against Sheffield Wednesday on Monday.
There's also the chance that Sol Bamba could sign a short-term deal having trained with the club and featured for one game in the U21s. City also have talent Joe Low in the youth side although it remains to be seen whether Pearson would consider him should suffer a crisis at the back.
Wimbledon have endured a mixed start to the season with two wins and two draws from their first seven matches. His debut could come against London rivals and table-toppers Leyton Orient on Saturday after he was an unused substitute in the defeat against Stockport at the weekend.
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