With Deadline Day done and dusted we thought now would be a good time to recap the business that we’ve conducted over the past few months.
This comes after we completed our eighth signing of the summer, with Ryley Towler arriving on loan from Bristol City.
Several players departed the Cherry Red Records Stadium following the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign, including those who were out of contract and loanees that returned to their parent clubs.
This left Johnnie Jackson and our recruitment team with plenty of work to do as we looked to get our squad into shape for the League Two season ahead.
First through the door was centre-back Alex Pearce, who has brought plenty of experience and leadership to the backline having previously plied his trade at higher level clubs and on the international stage for Ireland.
A month passed before we saw one outgoing and another incoming, as Dan Csoka departed for Hungary, Chris Gunter arrived at Plough Lane – with the 109-cap Welshman proving to be a popular addition amongst our supporters.
Further activity was on the horizon, this time in mid-July as we said farewell to Jack Rudoni, with our Academy product completing a move to Championship side Huddersfield Town for a club-record fee. In return we signed-up towering centre-forward Kyle Hudlin from the Terriers as Johnnie boosted his attacking options.
Just three days later it was a Dons double, with Josh Davison and Paris Maghoma signing permanently and on loan respectively. The building blocks were continuing to fall into place – the former bringing goalscoring pedigree and the latter added more creativity in midfield.
The end of July was approaching, but there was still time for us to bring in yet another striker as the talented Nathan Young-Coombes arrived on loan from Brentford, further strengthening our relationship with the Bees. Just a day later Zach Robinson headed north of the border to join Scottish side Dundee FC on a season-long loan, offering another opportunity for the forward to continue his development.
It wouldn’t be until the latter stages of August when things began to ramp up again for the Dons. First, striker Aaron Cosgrave departed on loan to Southend United after making his way back from injury. Meanwhile, youngsters Ethan Sutcliffe and Ben Mason were also loaned to Salisbury City and Basingstoke Town respectively.
Then a familiar face was added as Harry Pell returned to Wimbledon for the first time in seven years, after the midfielder completed his move from Accrington Stanley. This coincided with another departure, as Luke McCormick rejoined Bristol Rovers.
Last, but by no means least, we beat the deadline late last night as defender Towler joined from the Robins – completing our summer business with just minutes to spare.
And so there you have it! After months of speculation, whispers and announcements, our squad is set from now until January at least, as we aim to make waves in the fourth tier over the coming months.
It’s been one hell of a ride but it always is if you come from the weird and wonderful world of Wimbledon!