Four AFC Wimbledon Players set to Leave club this January

AFC Wimbledon have proven themselves to be a solid side in the first half of the season, currently occupying fifth place in League Two with a relatively small squad at their disposal. However, January is a chance to freshen things up so naturally there may be a few players that move on as manager Johnnie Jackson prepares his squad for a promotion push. Romaine Sawyers has already moved on following the conclusion of his short term deal, opting to make the step up to League One with Bristol Rovers.

This article looks at four players that could find themselves waving The Wombles goodbye this month.

Huseyin Biler

After graduating from the South London team’s academy, Huseyin Biler has been a member of AFC Wimbledon’s roster for a considerable amount of time.
Biler has spent several years in and out of the first team squad, but he has never really made it into the starting eleven, always serving as a backup.

The defender has only made six league appearances this season, and each one has been as a substitute. Biler has rarely been on the field for more than a few minutes at a time.

Since it appears doubtful that the 22-year-old would ever settle in at Cherry Red Records Stadium, it might be time to let him play first team football somewhere else.

It appears likely that division will decline for Biler so perhaps Sutton United could be a good destination for him. He could remain local whilst still competing at a respectable level in the National League.

James Furlong

Given that AFC Wimbledon have a small squad at their disposal, the remaining players on this list have all played a reasonable amount of football this season. However, in the case of James Furlong, it’s quickly becoming evident that he’s not up to the standard required to remain in the first team. The 22-year-old on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion has made 15 league appearances so far this season, but hasn’t started any games since November 19th in a 2-2 draw with Accrington Stanley.

As a left-sided player, it appears he’s had minimal impact at both ends of the pitch, particularly going forward. His only contribution has been an assist in their FA Cup against Dagenham & Redbridge. From a Brighton perspective, it makes little sense to leave Furlong at AFC Wimbledon as a benchwarmer, so he could be recalled and sent to another team in League Two. A suitable destination for Furlong would be Swindon Town. They’re starting to pick up a few results under Ian Holloway and a loan signing would be a cheap way of adding depth to their squad.

Joe Pigott

Once upon a time, Joe Pigott was a prolific striker for AFC Wimbledon. He was a standout player in what was then a League One side. Unfortunately since his departure from South London in 2021, his career has stagnated.

After rejoining The Wombles on loan from Leyton Orient in the summer, the striker hasn’t performed as well as he did before.

Despite playing in 18 league games this season, the 31-year-old has only managed to score two goals and assist on another. He didn’t even get off the bench in AFC Wimbledon’s previous two games, demonstrating how little of an impact he has had on the field.

This will probably be regarded as a failed loan move, much like Furlong’s case. However, as Leyton Orient is now dominating the League One standings without Pigott’s assistance, they might allow him to remain out on loan for the season.

If he is called up, it will most likely simply be to relocate to another League Two location where he has a chance to be the main man again.

Teams like Colchester United and Tranmere Rovers are desperately in need of a striker so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Pigott move to one of these bottom half sides.

Matty Stevens

Underperformance has been the main reason behind the previously suggested departures, but in the case of AFC Wimbledon’s star striker Matty Stevens, it’s an entirely different story.

The 26-year-old has been nothing short of clinical since his arrival from Forest Green in the summer. In 23 league appearances the striker has scored 12 goals and assisted a further one.

This form has put him in contention for top scorer in the division alongside the likes of Walsall’s Nathan Lowe and Bromley’s Michael Cheek.

However, the one negative for AFC Wimbledon is that performances of such a high standard can often attract interest from teams in higher divisions.

For the long-term sake of the team, the South London club might have to think about selling their lucky charm if a high-profile League One team makes an approach.

Having said that, Stevens’ advantage is that he hasn’t yet established himself at a level above League Two. He has only made a few outings in League One.

Stevens may be retained at AFC Wimbledon despite his lack of experience at a higher level and the exorbitant cost of his contract. If he does remain, that might be the impetus for the Wombles to launch a promotion push.

 

 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*