Andy Frampton said joining AFC Wimbledon from League Two champions Gillingham was a “no brainer”.
The 33-year-old versatility man signed a two-year deal at the Cherry Red Records stadium last month after turning down a one-year deal at the Priestfield.
Frampton, who can play in either central defence or midfield, had been targeted by Dons boss Neal Ardley from the moment the club’s League Two status had been secured in April.
But once Ardley’s intentions were known to the Wimbledon-born Frampton, he was not moving anywhere else.
“Coming to AFC was a simple thing. Gillingham were offering me a coaching and playing role for one year, whereas Neal wanted me to play for another couple of years,” said Frampton, the former Gills skipper.
“You’re a long time retired, and I had to make sure I got the most out of this body before moving into the coaching side.”
Dons man now: Andy Frampton, in white second right, heads goalwards during the 2-0 pre-season win over FC United SP73005
He added: “I also had to think of my family and the financial side of life. My wife and I have two children, with another on the way.
“I told my wife I have an opportunity to go to League One for a year, and possibly not be playing a regular role, or have a regular playing role in League Two for two more years.
“In the end, it was a no brainer and a very simple decision.”
Frampton’s role at the Dons may be exclusively playing, but he brings with him the experience of almost 350 first team appearances.
Having come up through the Crystal Palace youth academy, Frampton would make 29 appearances for the Eagles before joining Brentford in 2002, and making 138 appearances at Griffin Park.
Frampton also spent four years at Millwall, before taking on the captaincy at Gills, so he is the ideal old head to guide Dons’ younger players through the League Two mire.
He said: “On the field I am a mixture of passer and aggressor, I can get involved with both.
“But I like to talk, last year I played a lot in the holding midfield, dictating the play, talking to players, bringing them into positions and keeping the shape of the team.
“Hopefully I can do the same this season.”
The wise head on experienced shoulders added: “As a club we’ve not set any goals as yet.
“Remember, a lot of us have come together for the first time and we’re gelling.
“First and foremost we need to make sure we are reading off the same hymn sheet, and then we go from there and set our targets as the season starts.”
AFC Wimbledon’s final pre-season friendly is the glamour tie at AC Monza Brianza in Italy on Saturday.
The real fun starts on August 3 when Dons go to Torquay for the League Two season opener.
Experienced enforcer: Andy Frampton, in his Millwall days, chases down Wycombe's Gareth Ainsworth in November 2009 Picture: Jim Keogh
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