Johnnie Jackson has landed a key target ahead of the 2023/24 season by adding the 'physical presence' of Ryan Johnson at the back.
The 26-year-old today penned a two-year deal with the Dons after leaving Stockport County, a club he helped to promotion into the EFL and a League One play-off final.
Ryan therefore boasts a pedigree that will be welcomed by all at AFC Wimbledon and at the age of 26 his peak years are ahead of him.
Our Head of Fooball Operations Craig Cope said: “It’s no secret that we’ve been after a centre-back, so to bring one in of Ryan’s calibre - his CV includes two promotions and a play-off final in the last three seasons - is a major coup for us.
“He offers a real physical presence at the back and quality as a left-footed player. He will fit into the Club well as he’s got a great temperament and understands what’s required to win consistently.
“As staff, we are really pleased to have six permanent signings completed at this stage, but we are not resting on our laurels as we continue to shape the squad in the build-up to 5 August.”
Born in Birmingham, Ryan started his career in West Brom’s youth system, before joining Stevenage in 2014. In a five-year stint at the Hertfordshire club, Ryan made 13 league first-team appearances and increased his experience significantly with loan spells at Boreham Wood, St Albans, Nuneaton Town and Kidderminster Harriers, who he joined permanently in 2019.
His career stepped up significantly with Hartlepool United and Stockport - successive promotions following - and now he's determined to achieve more success with the Dons.
“My deal ran out at Stockport and I was looking for a new challenge," said Ryan. "There were a few options to consider, but once I heard about the opportunity here and what the gaffer is all about I thought it was the right move.
"The last few clubs I’ve been at I’ve been successful, so I wanted to bring that to AFC Wimbledon and help to push us up the table.
“You need new players who have been successful at this level, but you also need those already here to help the squad gel together to achieve our goal.
“I understand that there’s a great connection between the fans and the Club. I think that’s really important to achieve success at this level and above. There needs to be that togetherness. It’s not just about the players on the pitch as the people behind the scenes are just as important. We are one big family and we need to push together to achieve our aims."
Asked about his strengths as a player, Ryan replied: “I’m a left sided centre half who likes to get on the ball and play, but ultimately I’m a defender. I like to win my headers, tackles, and dominate the attackers."
Click on the link below for Ryan's first interview after joining Wimbledon.