AFC Wimbledon and Crewe Alexandra have faced off against each other several times in recent seasons – with even more meetings taking place prior to our reformation in 2002.
However the connections between the two sides don’t stop at facing each other, with several players having turned out for both clubs over the years.
Here we take a look at individuals who have worn the colours of both the Dons and the Railwaymen throughout their careers.
The obvious place to start is with our current goalkeeper Will Jääskeläinen, with the 24-year-old having arrived at Plough Lane in September of this year as cover for Nik Tzanev.
Prior to making his move to South London, Will had spent time as Crewe’s number one as part of what was a very successful spell for the Finnish youth international in which he achieved promotion to League One.
Terell Thomas is a defender who was held in high regard during his time with us, with the centre back being named as our Player of the Year after his imposing performances at the heart of the back four.
In total he made 90 appearances for the Dons before departing in the summer of 2021 as he made the move to Gresty Road on a 12-month contract. In contrast his spell with the Railwaymen was short lived and has since been followed up with moves to Reading and Charlton Athletic in more recent times.
A player who is likely to line-up against us tonight, Rod McDonald is set for his first taste of Plough Lane after departing the club back in 2020 after a two-year spell in yellow and blue.
In between playing 60 games for Carlisle United, the defender has since moved to Crewe which puts him a lot closer to his place of birth, Liverpool.
Mat Mitchel-King played just south of 50 game for Wimbledon between 2011 and 2013 after becoming one of Terry Brown’s first signings for the newly-promoted Dons after leaving Gresty Road.
His spell with us was sadly plagued by injury, however he did play a role in maintaining our Football League status under both Brown and Neal Ardley before eventually departing for Dartford.
Despite failing to make his senior debut for the Dons, Dan Agyei was seen as one of our brightest Academy prospects during his time at Kingsmeadow, with the striker plundering 35 goals at youth level in the 2014/15 campaign.
This drew attention in his services from the likes of West Ham, Fulham and Chelsea before the attacker eventually secured a move to Burnley on a long-term contract. Fast forward to 2022 and Dan is now turning out for Crewe after also taking in spells for Coventry City, Walsall, Blackpool and Oxford United.
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