Two of our brightest Academy prospects have put pen to paper on their first professional contracts.
Attacking midfielder Morgan Williams and forward Paris Lock sealed their graduation to the first-team by committing themselves to Wimbledon as Johnnie Jackson's squad continues to take shape.
“You’ve got two very different journeys here,” said Academy Manager Michael Hamilton.
“Morgan has been with us from a very early age. He joined us as part of the pre-Academy, before joining the Academy formally as an Under-9. He’s been here all the way through. When he made his first-team debut at the end of last season it was a captivating moment, because of the journey he’s been on. It’s just the start of what’s going to happen.
“I believe that on the way back from Grimsby, Will Nightingale spoke to him and let him know that he’s now got the record of being the longest-serving player to have made it through the Academy and into the first-team, so we’ve got a very talented player on our hands.”
Here Michael describes what our fans can expect from both Morgan and Paris.
“Paris joined us as an Under-12,” added Michael. “He’s an exciting player that can play off either the left or right side. His skill is his output. He always contributes with goals and creating chances. There’s no doubt in my mind that once the fans get to know him a little bit more, they’ll be really excited by what he can bring.”
Paris first made headlines in our colours over two years ago, when he stepped up from the Under-16s and scored the winning goal on a special night at Plough Lane, as our Academy knocked Burnley out of the FA Youth Cup.
Reacting to signing his first pro deal with the Dons, Paris said: “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet! It’s something I’ve been working towards from a young age, having been playing since I was five, so it’s been like a dream and something I’ve got to get used to.
“To get to this stage, it’s taken a lot. There’s been lots of things I’ve had to sacrifice, such as when I went to school, I couldn’t spend time with my friends. I had to put all of that to one side and put football first as that’s the career I wanted. I didn’t even get to have a prom!”
Find out more about Paris in our extensive interview below.
Welsh Under-19 international Morgan has already been on the radar of our fanbase for quite some time after some eye-catching displays for the Academy.
“I can’t quite put it into words,” said Morgan after signing his contract. “Being at the club from a young age and progressing all the way through, into my thirteenth season now, it’s something only dreams are made of.
“To have come this far, achieved the reward of a professional contract and being able to dedicate more time to this club is something I couldn’t have quite imagined when I was five-years-old and starting out on my Wimbledon journey. It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been so good to get this far.”
Watch an in-depth interview with Morgan below.