New signing Luke Chadwick admits he was almost surprised to be joining MK Dons permanently - because the team had been doing so well without him!

Having spent six weeks on loan at stadiummk earlier this season, Chadwick officially becomes a Dons player today (Thursday) after agreeing a free transfer from Norwich City.

The former Manchester United midfielder, 28, enjoyed a brilliant spell with the Dons between October and mid-November, where he thrilled supporters with three goals in eight superb appearances before a knee injury saw him return to Carrow Road.

While Luke has been away, the team have consolidated a position of strength in the League 1 table - second with a five-point cushion after 10 wins in 11 games.

And after signing a deal until June 2011, the midfield schemer told mkdons.com he's been keeping tabs on the Dons' form ever since his return to the Canaries.

He said: "The team has been doing brilliantly while I've been away, I've been keeping an eye on the results and they've been on a terrific run. I couldn't believe they wanted me back!

"It's a fresh start for me, a New Year, a new Club. I've had a nightmare at Norwich but hopefully I can stay fit for two-and-a-half years and play some games. I think I deserve it after the time I've had!"

Luke's continuing recovery from a knee ligament injury means he will not be available to manager Roberto Di Matteo immediately, but the former West Ham and Stoke wideman is looking forward to rediscovering the form he showed with the Dons earlier this season once his fitness returns.

He said: "I can't wait to get started again, I've got some work to do to get over this injury at the moment but I'm looking forward to getting back on the pitch and hopefully helping the team win promotion.

"I found my fitness during my time here earlier in the season, was playing regularly and was really enjoying my football.

"I really enjoyed it here, I felt really settled even though I was on loan and the supporters were brilliant to me.

"Hopefully I can pick up where I left off once I get back on the pitch."