Kiwi Players Elsewhere

Nik Tzanev (Huddersfield Town | England)

694 replies · 178,701 views
over 4 years ago
This week's Flying Kiwis. Certainly sounds like Dons manager is happy with Tzanev.

"The Nik Tzanev tale is one of the coolest ones to grace these pages in a wee while, stuck on the bench for so long after working his way up the ranks at AFC Wimbledon, watching loan keepers and short-term signings start ahead of him and underperform as he patiently worked his arse off on the training ground... and then finally he got a cheeky run in the first team late last season and like a deep cross that strays into the six yard box he came out and claimed it with both hands. Tzanev helped steady things for the Dons as they avoided relegation last time and entered this term as the number one. Now he’s signed a three-year contract extension. Sheer magnificence.

Mark Robinson, AFCW manager: “Nik absolutely deserves it. He has been fantastic, I’ve always had a great relationship with Nik, and I felt that if he got the opportunity it would just be a matter of confidence. That has been the case – it was just whether or not he could show that self belief. When he went out on loan to Sutton he did very well and the feedback we got was great. I just felt it was time to give him that opportunity, and he has been absolutely fantastic – even beyond my expectations.”
over 4 years ago · edited over 4 years ago · History
In goal as Dons (7th) lose 0-1 to Plymouth Argyle (4th). Two sides basically switched places on the table.

Big game midweek at the Emirates in the League Cup. Maybe Woodsman can give him some tips about the Gunners.




over 4 years ago · edited over 4 years ago · History
In goal as the Dons go down 3-0 to Arsenal in the League Cup. Nice buzz for young Tzanev to play at the Emirates. Crowd over 50,000.

Jarred Gillett was the ref.


over 4 years ago
In goal for a 2-1 loss at Shrewsbury Town (20th).
Dons 8th.

over 4 years ago
In goal as Dons (14th) lose 3-0 at Rotherham (5th).

From highlights of Dons games, and some comments in Flying Kiwis, seems Tzanev is almost playing as a sweeper keeper in League One, Wimbledon with a high line. Be interesting to see if Hay gives him a start in Bahrain, and if so allows him to do similar.

Point of difference maybe. Certainly not something Marinovic does. Woud neither really. The battle between these 3 over next 2 FIFA windows will be bloody interesting.
over 4 years ago
In goal for a 1-1 home draw with Burton Albion (9th).
Dons (14th) with a late 90th min equaliser.
over 4 years ago
In goal as Dons (15th) host Sheffield Wednesday (10th). 
over 4 years ago
Dons (17th) come from being down 0-2 to salvage a 2-2 draw. Wednesday up to 7th.

over 4 years ago



over 4 years ago
In goal for valuable 1-0 win away at Lincoln City (15th).
Dons 14th.
over 4 years ago
In goal for a 0-2 home loss to Wigan Athletic (4th).
Dons 14th.
over 4 years ago
In goal for a 1-0 loss at Cambridge United (15th).
Jack Iredale a full game for Cambridge.
Dons 17th.
over 4 years ago
In goal for a 1-0 win over National League N/S (6th tier) side Guiseley, in FA Cup.
over 4 years ago
The 'unvaccinated one' in goal as Dons travel to League One Sutton, for an EFL Trophy game.

Sutton the club where Tzanev spent time out on loan 2 seasons ago.

Ex Melb City/WSW keeper Dean Bouzanis on the bench for Sutton.

over 4 years ago
coochiee
The 'unvaccinated one' in goal as Dons travel to League One Sutton, for an EFL Trophy game.

Sutton the club where Tzanev spent time out on loan 2 seasons ago.

Ex Melb City/WSW keeper Dean Bouzanis on the bench for Sutton.

Tzanev captaining the team, which is pretty cool
over 4 years ago
Rusty Dunks
coochiee
The 'unvaccinated one' in goal as Dons travel to League One Sutton, for an EFL Trophy game.

Sutton the club where Tzanev spent time out on loan 2 seasons ago.

Ex Melb City/WSW keeper Dean Bouzanis on the bench for Sutton.

Tzanev captaining the team, which is pretty cool

A 1-0 win to Sutton.
over 4 years ago
In goal for a 2-1 loss at Pompey (9th).
Dons 19th, 2 spots above the drop zone.

over 4 years ago
In goal as Dons (19th) host bottom of the table Crewe Alexandra.

over 4 years ago
Dons 3-2 winners, over Crewe. They go up to 18th.
over 4 years ago · edited over 4 years ago · History
In goal as Dons (18th) draw 2-2 at home, verus Fleetwood Town (22nd).

over 4 years ago · edited over 4 years ago · History
In goal for home FA Cup tie against fellow League One team Cheltenham Town.

Dons were doing it easy up 4-1. But conceded 2 late goals (73 & 81 mins) to make it a tighter final 4-3 win.


over 4 years ago · edited over 4 years ago · History
From Flying Kiwis. Made a 2 quality saves at end of 4-3 FA Cup win over Cheltenham Town.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1467789269062373377

Some match highlights here. At about 2.20 mins in the highlights, Tzanev (pronounced Janis by commentator I note), involved in a mix up with his defender playing a high line, and Cheltenham got their 3rd to make it a nervy finish.
https://youtu.be/MZRZOJb_vr4


In goal today as Dons (up to 17th) had a 2-0 win at Accrington Stanley (13th) in League Two.
over 4 years ago · edited over 4 years ago · History
In goal as Dons (17th) draw 2-2 at Wycombe Wanderers (4th). Dons thought they had a 92nd min winner, but Wycombe grabbed a 96th min pen, to salvage a draw.

Sam Vokes, Wood's old striker mate at Burnley (I think they part own a racehorse with some other Clarets players), started upfront for Wycombe.

https://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/2021/december/in-depth-interview-with-nik-tzanev/
Nik Tzanev is earning the plaudits as one of the best goalkeepers currently at this level, but there was a defining moment not so long ago when it could all have been very different.

About 7.50 mins in on this video, short coy comment on his situation with AWs....."have to see how it goes"
https://youtu.be/dGA5Rcm9ib8
over 4 years ago
Just get a jab and try to get on a plane for the World Cup, mate. You’re probably the form NZ goalkeeper now, though Sail and Marinovic are fine too. Kiwi football fans want to watch you playing in a white shirt so…
This England experience must be great, but imagine capping the year at a World Cup. 


over 4 years ago
Dons verus Pompey postponed.
about 4 years ago
Charlton game postponed 
about 4 years ago · edited about 4 years ago · History
Starting as Dons (17th) travel to Oxford United (6th).

Rumoured Nix signing Ryan Williams playing as a left winger for Oxford??
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2021/12/29/england/league-one/oxford-united-fc/afc-wimbledon/3522272/

Though artice RR posted yesterday, says Williams is only 1 year in to a 2 year deal at Oxford.

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/19806420.oxford-uniteds-ryan-williams-wellington-phoenix-rumours/
Whereas the transfer window runs from January 1 to 31 in Europe, it opens on January 14 and closes on February 10 in the A-League.

He returned to the U’s in the summer for his second spell at the Kassam Stadium, joining from Portsmouth on a two-year deal.

Williams started the first three matches of the Sky Bet League One season, but injuries and United’s good form have limited his opportunities since August.


Oxford's ex Nixer A-Rod unfortunately still out with his long term injury (ACL?).
about 4 years ago · edited about 4 years ago · History
In goal as Dons are knocked out of FA Cup losing away at National League (5th tier) team Boreham Wood, 2-0.

Dons grudge match next up away at MK.
about 4 years ago
In goal for the always niggly matchup against the franchise (as Doloras calls it) in Milton Keynes. 

Dons are currently 18th in League One (3 spots above drop zone), MK version having a better season in 7th.
about 4 years ago
Unfortunately a 1-0 win to MK.
Dons had their LB sent off first half (2 yellows) not long after the goal.

Dons fall to 20th, 1 spot above drop zone.
about 4 years ago
In goal for a 0-0 home draw verus Morecambe (21st). Dons 20th

Morecambe of course being Nix new boy Wootton’s previous club.
about 4 years ago
In goal as Dons (20th) host Pompey (9th).

about 4 years ago · edited about 4 years ago · History
Good news is consecutive clean sheets for Tzanev. 

Bad news Dons (stay 20th) also don't score, in another 0-0 draw. This time verus Portsmouth (9th).


about 4 years ago
In goal for a 1-1 draw at Burton Albion (11th). Dons 19th.

Presumably, sadly hasn't changed his vaccination status. Though as mentioned in Flying Kiwis, relegation threatened Dons will be playing through the Jan FIFA window.


about 4 years ago
In goal as the Dons (19th) host Ipswich Town (9th).

about 4 years ago · edited about 4 years ago · History
In goal as Dons (20th) draw 1-1 with Shrewsbury Town (16th).

Dons 1 spot and 1 point above Morecambe in the drop zone.