As Newport County get set to lock horns with AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night, we take a look at four players who have represented both clubs.
Ismail Yakubu
Ismail Yakubu is a name that stands out for both clubs, particularly during their journeys through non-league football. After making 260 appearances for Barnet, Yakubu joined AFC Wimbledon in July 2010.
He made an instant impact, debuting in a 1–0 win over Southport and scoring his first goal for the club in a 4–0 win over Bath City. Yakubu was also part of AFC Wimbledon’s successful push for promotion, playing in the 2011 Conference Premier play-off final and even scoring a penalty in the shoot-out victory.
However, after one season with the Dons, Yakubu was released in May 2011 and moved to Newport County shortly after. He made his debut for Newport in a 3–2 loss to Kettering Town in August 2011. Although his time at Newport was marred by a short stint on loan at Cambridge United, Yakubu played a key role in the club’s promotion to the Football League during the 2012–13 season, defeating Wrexham 2–0 at Wembley to return to the Football League after 25 years.
Lee Minshull
One of the more popular names among fans of both clubs is Lee Minshull. Minshull was an instrumental figure in the mid-2010s for both AFC Wimbledon and Newport County.
He joined Wimbledon in 2010 and played a pivotal role in their promotion from the Conference to the Football League in the 2010–11 season. Minshull came off the bench in the play-off final to help secure the club’s return to the Football League.
He later joined Newport County in 2012, where he made 116 appearances and became a vital part of the team over the course of three seasons. Like at Wimbledon, Minshull was involved in another Wembley play-off victory with Newport in 2013, this time securing promotion from the Conference Premier to League Two. His leadership and commitment made him a fan favourite at both clubs.
Fraser Franks
Fraser Franks' time with both clubs was marked by injuries and recovery. He initially signed with AFC Wimbledon in 2010, making 28 appearances for the Dons, including a memorable 3–0 victory over Cambridge United where he scored his first goals for the club. Unfortunately, Franks suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out of the 2011 play-off final, although he had made enough appearances to trigger a contract extension.
In 2012, Franks was loaned to Newport County, where he made one appearance before injury problems continued to plague his career. He later rejoined Newport in 2018, after several years away, and contributed to the team’s FA Cup run.
Franks captained Newport in their famous 2–1 victory over Leicester City in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2019. Sadly, his playing career was cut short that same year due to a heart issue, but his contributions were important for both clubs during his time at each.
Shane McLoughlin
Shane McLoughlin is current County player who has represented both clubs. The 27-year-old joined AFC Wimbledon in January 2019 on an 18-month deal, having previously played for the likes of Wealdstone.
He made his debut with the Dons in a 1–0 victory over Walsall and scored his first goal for the club in a 2–0 win over Doncaster Rovers in March 2019. Over the next year, McLoughlin made 71 appearances for Wimbledon.
In June 2021, McLoughlin joined Newport County, adding his experience to the squad. His time at Newport continues, and he has contributed to the team’s efforts in League Two, adding depth and versatility to their midfield.
