As Newport County prepare to face AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night, we take a closer look at the Dons.
What’s their story?
AFC Wimbledon was founded in 2002 by devoted supporters of Wimbledon F.C., following the controversial decision by the Football Association to allow the club's relocation to Milton Keynes, approximately 60 miles north of Wimbledon. For many fans, this move marked the end of the original club's connection to its community and legacy.
Determined to preserve the spirit and traditions of Wimbledon football, these supporters came together to form a new club that truly represented their values and roots.
In 2003, Wimbledon F.C. completed its move and was rebranded as Milton Keynes Dons in 2004. In contrast, AFC Wimbledon began its remarkable journey in the Combined Counties League, the ninth tier of English football, affiliated with both the London and Surrey Football Associations.
The club quickly became a symbol of resilience and ambition, earning six promotions in just 13 seasons to rise from grassroots football to League One, the third tier of English football. Along the way, AFC Wimbledon set a national record for the longest unbeaten run in English senior football, going 78 consecutive league matches without defeat between February 2003 and December 2004.
AFC Wimbledon also holds the distinction of being the first club formed in the 21st century to reach the Football League, a testament to the determination of its fans and players alike. Although the team was relegated to League Two at the end of the 2021-22 season, the Dons remain a competitive and proud fixture in the Football League.
Who’s the boss?
Johnnie Jackson was appointed head coach of AFC Wimbledon in May 2022, bringing extensive experience from a distinguished playing and coaching career in English football, particularly in the lower leagues.
Born in Camden, London, Jackson began his football journey at Tottenham Hotspur, signing professional terms in 2000. He made his Spurs debut on Boxing Day 2003, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 loss to Portsmouth. Despite showing promise, Jackson found opportunities limited at Tottenham and spent time on loan with Swindon Town, Colchester United, Coventry City, Watford, and Derby County.
In 2006, Jackson joined Colchester United on a permanent deal and made 107 appearances for the club. A move to Notts County followed, but after 24 appearances, he left on loan to Charlton Athletic. This marked the start of a long and successful association with Charlton, where he eventually signed permanently. Over eight seasons, Jackson became a fan favourite at The Valley, making 243 appearances and earning recognition as a leader both on and off the pitch.
Following his retirement in 2018, Jackson transitioned into coaching, joining Charlton’s first-team staff. He later served as caretaker manager in 2021, impressing with a record of nine wins in 13 matches. This success earned him the permanent managerial role; however, his tenure ended in May 2022 after the conclusion of the 2021–22 season.
On 16 May 2022, Jackson was unveiled as AFC Wimbledon’s head coach on a two-year deal, succeeding interim manager Mark Bowen. Tasked with rebuilding the squad after relegation to League Two.
Who’s the captain?
Jake Reeves, an experienced and dynamic midfielder, proudly serves as the captain of AFC Wimbledon. Having begun his career in the youth system at Tottenham Hotspur, Reeves transitioned to senior football with Brentford in 2011. Early in his career, he gained valuable experience during loan spells with St Albans City and AFC Wimbledon in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
After making 34 appearances for Brentford, Reeves moved on to Swindon Town in 2014. Limited opportunities at Swindon prompted him to return to AFC Wimbledon permanently, marking the start of a highly successful spell. Reeves became a key player for the Dons, making 109 appearances and cementing his place in the hearts of fans.
In 2017, Reeves joined Bradford City, where he spent three seasons before continuing his career with Notts County and then Stevenage. His performances and leadership qualities remained evident throughout these moves, setting the stage for a triumphant return to Wimbledon.
Reeves rejoined AFC Wimbledon for a third spell in 2023, quickly re-establishing himself as a vital part of the team. His standout performances earned him the club’s Player of the Year award for the 2023-24 season, underscoring his influence both on and off the pitch.
Key players
James Tilley has become an integral part of Johnnie Jackson’s AFC Wimbledon side, showcasing his versatility and creativity in midfield. Primarily operating as a left midfielder in Jackson’s system, Tilley has made 20 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing three goals and three assists.
A product of Brighton & Hove Albion’s youth academy, Tilley gained valuable first-team experience during loan spells with Cork City and Yeovil Town in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, respectively.
In 2020, Tilley signed for Grimsby Town, where he made 24 appearances before joining League Two side Crawley Town during the January transfer window. At the start of the 2021-22 season, he spent a brief loan spell with Dorking Wanderers before returning to Crawley.
Tilley joined AFC Wimbledon in 2023 and has since established himself as a key figure in the squad. To date, he has made 68 appearances for the Dons, contributing 15 goals and eight assists.
Another key player for AFC Wimbledon is Matty Stevens, the team’s prolific striker. Stevens is known for his goalscoring ability and has been in fine form this season, with 10 goals in just 21 appearances.
A former Forest Green Rovers player, Stevens won League Two with the club and finished the 2021-22 season with an impressive 27 goals across all competitions, earning a spot in the PFA League Two Team of the Year. His ability to find the back of the net, especially from the penalty spot, makes him a constant danger to opposition defences.
In a fascinating twist, Stevens was once on track for a career in boxing before deciding to pursue his footballing dreams — a decision that has paid off in spades as he continues to be one of the standout strikers in League Two.
