Stevens signs! Matty joins Dons – News

The Dons have wasted no time in strengthening our squad ahead of the 2024/25 season, today seeing the addition of striker Matty Stevens on a two-year deal.

Coming into his prime at the age of 26, Matty brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table having played just south of 150 games in Sky Bet League Two.

Despite coming from a family with a rich boxing history, the frontman chose to hang up the gloves and focus on his football, progressing through the youth ranks at Aldershot Town, Farnborough, Reading and Barnet before moving to Higher level.

He would become Barnet’s youngest ever player, making his debut in September 2014 aged just 16 years and 204 days. His first senior goal followed in November of that year, before setting another record with a Panenka penalty against Concord Rangers, making him the Bees’ youngest ever goalscorer in domestic competition.

Success at such a young age brought more interest in the league, with offers coming in from Swansea City and Crystal Palace, with scouts sent from both Manchester City and Manchester United to watch Matty in action .

Peterborough United’s reputation for developing lower league talent saw them win the race for his signature. However, Matty had to wait for his chance and spent most of his time on loan at various clubs – most notably Kettering Town, for whom he scored 25 league goals in 44 games.

After being a Posh-listed transfer, Forest Green Rovers signed him on a three-year deal. With FGR, Matty will go on to great success with his record 51 goals in 133 appearances playing a big part in them winning the League Two title in 2021/22.

His performances earned him places in the League 2 and PFA Teams of the Year. He finished as Forest Green’s second all-time leading scorer.

Now looking to achieve more success with the Dons, we are delighted to have him on board and look forward to watching him in the famous yellow and blue when he officially joins us on July 1 following the expiry of his FGR contract.

Speaking after completing his move here, Matty said: “I’m over the moon, it’s every player’s dream to get a deal done nice and quickly. I look forward to focusing on the task ahead.

“This is a big move for me. This club is massive – the history behind it and the support speaks for itself. The manager and the location were a big draw. This is the right time for me to come here. I was told about the playstyle and it suits me down to the ground. As long as I can do what’s needed off the ball, I’m confident I can score a lot of goals here.”

Johnnie Jackson said: “We’re delighted to be doing it so early. Matty is a proven goalscorer at this level and has also achieved promotion at this level. He has a lot of experience under his belt, but he is still at a very good age where he wants to progress in his career.

“From the moment I met him a few weeks ago, you could feel his excitement and hunger to be a part of what we’re doing here. I know that as soon as he heard about our interest, that was where he wanted to go. He is a true worker who will give his all for the cause.”

Head of Football Operations Craig Cope said: “We are delighted to welcome Matty and his family to Wimbledon. Matty has shown a real desire to be part of the Club and we believe his attributes suit us.”