The Dons have doubled our deadline day signing tally with the capture of John-Joe O’Toole on loan from Mansfield Town.
Joining on a deal until the end of the season, the 35-year-old is capable of playing in central defence and in midfield, boasting a career record of 524 senior games across the Football League.
Born in Harrow, John-Joe began his career at boyhood club Watford – making 66 appearances for the Hornets – whilst also embarking on loan spells with Wealdstone, Sheffield United and Colchester.
The experienced midfielder signed permanently for Colchester in 2010, taking in a three-year spell in Essex as he racked up 76 games in their colours. Then came a move to Bristol Rovers, first on loan and then on a permanent basis. He went on to hit 15 goals in the 2013/14 season, earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year for League Two.
He activated his release clause to leave the club for free after they were relegated from the EFL, which in turn allowed him to join Northampton Town, where he would go on to become a cult figure.
John-Joe lifted the League Two title with the Cobblers in 2015/16, this saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year for a second time.
In 2019 he moved on to Burton Albion, playing 56 times for the Brewers before upping sticks to Mansfield in the summer of 2021.
Johnnie Jackson said: “We are delighted to welcome John-Joe to the group, his experience and versatility will be invaluable to us for the remaining games. He has been in successful teams at both this level and the one above, he knows what winning looks like.”
Head of Football Operations Craig Cope added: “John-Joe has a wealth of experience, he’s a winner and adds great value to our group for the remainder of the season.”