Adebayo Akinfenwa feels AFC Wimbledon have a date with destiny at Monday’s League Two play-off final against Plymouth Argyle.
The Dons are just one game away from promotion to League One for the first time in their history, having only been founded in 2002 by Wimbledon fans distraught by their club’s move to Milton Keynes.
Wimbledon finished seventh in League Two to take the last remaining play-off spot and then defeated fourth-placed Accrington Stanley in the semi-final.
Despite this only being his second season at Kingsmeadow, Akinfenwa is aware of the club’s extraordinary story and what a promotion could mean for its fan-owners.
He said: “You can’t help but feed off the energy from the fans. This is a unique club, hence why the fans are so passionate about the club.
“We’ve all bought into the ethos of the club that’s for the club, by the club and with the club, and that’s outside and inside of everybody affiliated with this AFC Wimbledon journey.
“Hopefully, come Monday, we can add another chapter to this story and get to League One.
“This time around it feels like it’s meant to be written in the stars.
“With the squad togetherness we just don’t know when we are beaten and by the grace of God we continue that feeling on Monday and get that desired result.”
Akinfenwa, affectionately known as “The Beast” due to his bulky frame, has had a journeyman career playing for 14 clubs including a stint in Lithuania with FK Atlantas.
But play-off finals have not been kind to him. In 2006 he came off the bench in the League One final for Swansea, but missed a penalty as the Swans lost a shoot-out following a 2-2 draw after extra time in Cardiff.
And in 2013 he also came on as a substitute as Northampton Town were thrashed 3-0 at Wembley by Bradford City in the League Two play-off final.
“I’m fortunate to have played at Wembley before but unfortunately I didn’t get the result on that day,” said Akinfenwa.
“We know it’s a big game but what I’ve learned from playing at Wembley is just don’t get tense and do what we’ve done to get us to this point thus far.
“We are looking forward to it, Monday can’t come quick enough.”
Feature image courtesy of Sky Sports, via Youtube, with thanks
