The Dons have wasted no time in strengthening our squad ahead of the 2024/25 season, with today seeing the addition of striker Matty Stevens on a two-year contract.
Moving into his prime years at the age of 26, Matty brings an abundance of knowhow 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 history in Boxing, the frontman chose to put down the gloves and focus on his football, progressing through the youth ranks of Aldershot Town, Farnborough, Reading and Barnet before pushing through to senior level.
He would go on to become Barnet’s youngest ever player, making his debut in September 2014 aged just 16 years and 204 days. His first senior goal would follow in November of the same year, before he then set another record, with a Panenka penalty against Concord Rangers seeing him become the Bees’ youngest ever scorer in a national competition.
Success at such a young age brought about higher league interest, with bids being received from Swansea City and Crystal Palace, alongside scouts being 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 the majority of his time out on loan at various clubs – most notably with Kettering Town, for whom he netted 25 leagues goals in 44 games.
After being transfer listed by the Posh, Forest Green Rovers signed him on a three-year deal. It was with FGR that Matty would go on to achieve great success, with his record of 51 goals in 133 appearances playing a massive role in the club winning the League Two title in 2021/22.
His performances earned him places in the League Two and PFA Teams of the Year. He finished up as Forest Green’s all-time joint-second highest goalscorer.
Now aiming 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 1 July following the expiration of his FGR contract.
Speaking after completing his move here, Matty said: “I’m over the moon, every player’s dream is to get a deal done nice and quick. I’m looking 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 was a big draw. This is the right time for me to come here. I was told about the style of play and it suits me down to the ground. As long as I can do what is required off the ball, I’m confident I can score plenty of goals here.”
Johnnie Jackson said: “We’re buzzing to get this one done so early. Matty is a proven goalscorer at this level and has achieved promotion at the level too. He’s got a lot of experience under his belt but he’s still at a really good age where he wants to progress in his career.
“From the minute I met him a few weeks ago, you could feel the enthusiasm and hunger to be a part of what we’re doing here. I know that as soon as he heard about our interest, this was the place he wanted to go to. He’s a real hard worker that will give everything for the cause.”
Head of Football Operations, Craig Cope, said: “We’re delighted to Welcome Matty and his family to Wimbledon. Matty demonstrated a real desire to be a part of the Club and we feel his attributes suit us.”